Rules and Guidelines

  1. Student Created Videos: It is accepted that primary grade teachers will be very involved in video production and editing, however it is expected that students participate in all parts of the process. At the intermediate and secondary levels it is expected that students create the video with teacher guidance and approval only.
  2. Submissions may not have been entered previously to the iVIE Festival. The iVIE Awards are limited to amateur video endeavors of students and teachers. Videos commissioned for profit may not be entered.
  3. Entries must address at least one California State Content Standard or learning objective. The content standards are available online at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/index.asp
  4. Entries must meet all copyright standards by obtaining releases for all copyrighted materials prior to submission.
  5. Entries are limited in length to 7 minutes.
  6. Entries will be uploaded online. Instructions will be provided. Specific format requirements are displayed on the Compress a video page.

Waivers

Waivers will be needed for nominated videos only. Waivers will be collected after your video is nominated and before the iVIE Festival and Ceremony.


  1. Download Student Waivers in English or Spanish. PDF Icon
  2. Download Adult Waivers in English or Spanish. PDF Icon
  3. For Teachers only: Download the iVIE Parent Introductory Letter. PDF Icon
  4. Soundzabound License in English PDF Icon

Copyright Permission

One objective of the iVIE program is to celebrate student creativity. When creating a video students should be aware of intellectual property and copyright rules especially if they plan on using elements that someone else has created. iVIE presents a great opportunity for students to become familiar with these laws which are a part of their everyday life in this digital age. Please use the resources below.


Be sure that both original and copyrighted music, written work, and /or media (TV broadcasts, movies, or any footage that you did not shoot) sources are credited on the entry form. Any copyrighted resources MUST be accompanied by proof of permission from the original author, artist, television network, or movie studio, granting rights to use their content in the iVIE contest and for promotion of the contest, including posting on the iVIE web site. ENTRIES WITHOUT PROOF OF PERMISSION WILL NOT BE JUDGED.


There is a US Copyright Fair Use Policy that allows teachers and students to use copyright protected material in the classroom. Videos submitted to iVIE DO NOT fall under Fair Use guidelines. Since iVIE nominated videos are shown in a public theater, on ITV Cable 16 and posted on the Internet. Therefore we require you to obtain permission to use any music, images, or movie clips. Please note: Images found in Google searches or elsewhere on the Internet are also protected by copyright laws, even if it doesn't show a copyright symbol.


How do I get permission to use copyrighted material?

Intellectual Property, Image and Voice Releases


The lead student(s) creating a video must sign a release, accompanied by their parents signature, providing permission to the San Diego County Office of Education to use the video. Release Forms must be also included with iVIE entry for each student on the production team AND adults or minors (recognizable images) appearing in your video. People filmed in public places (like a mall or a ball game), portrayed in a positive manner, do not need to sign releases. However, if you are portraying someone in a way that may be embarrassing or slanderous, you must have a release to include his or her image in your video.


For Music


  1. Identify the song title and the performer(s) who recorded the song.
  2. Using that information, find the Recording Company (Label) that holds the rights to the recording.
  3. Send written permission via email or "snail" mail using the following format:
  4. Submit copies of returned letter (or faxes) of permission letters to iVIE.

For Movie Clips


  1. Identify the motion picture studio(s) who hold the distribution rights to the film.
    • The Internet Movie Database lists movies, production companies, distributors, and the crew. Find the movie by title, click on "Company Credits" (on left side of page), and look for the US Distributor(usually first on the list of "Distributors")
  2. Find the contact and address for the distribution company
    • Reel Classics they have an extensive list distribution companies who can license current and classic movie clips
  3. Send written permission via email or "snail" mail. Feel free to use our Sample permission letter. Word Doc Icon
  4. Submit copies of returned letter (or faxes) of permission letters. If recording company includes conditions

What if I can't get permission in time?

If you're trying to obtain permission to use copyrighted music at the last minute, don’t assume that you will receive it in time for the deadline. Create another copy of your video using original music created with programs such as Apple SoundTrack or GarageBand, Adobe Soundbooth, Smartsound SonicFire Pro or Movie Maestro, or another music composing software program. Other options include using royalty free music, legally obtained from a royalty free music web site, a royalty-free CD collection. Better yet, record your own creation!


Check out our Resources page with instructions and links to royalty free music websites and free music.


Copyright Teacher Lesson Resources