INTEL® VIDEO “SUPERSTARS”

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are some answers to questions that might pop up as you participate in the Intel® Video “Superstars” Competition, as well as some general guidelines. Please note that OurStage.com is the administrator of this competition. All entries are subject to the OurStage Terms and Conditions, as well as the Intel® Video “Superstars” Competition Official Rules. Thanks for participating!

MUSIC VIDEOS:

Music videos didn't just launch MTV--they launched a generation of music lovers who discovered new art through a new medium.

We challenge you to make your own music video. The final product can be as varied as you how write your music. Tell a story. Embrace your experimental side. Pull out the plugs and go acoustic. No matter how you create your masterpiece, the mission is simple: Show us the soul behind your music by shooting it on camera and sharing it with the Intel® Superstars community.

So take a seat in the director's chair. It might mean more fans in the seats at your next concert.

*Please note, music videos should not be home performance videos. Live performance videos are allowed only in the Live Performance channel, and will be removed from other music video channels. Slideshows and manipulated stock footage are not acceptable. Cover songs are not allowed in any of the video channels. Also, marketing videos designed to promote a product such as a CD, movie, etc., are not appropriate for the Video channels and are a violation of our terms and conditions.

What are the Music Video categories and how are the genres classified?

Country/Alternative Country/Traditional Country

Country is more than banjos and harmonicas—timeless as ever, it’s also ever-changing. Deliver a video that shows why country music is and always will be a staple of everything Americana.

Country
This is any modern country that is or aspires to be mainstream, with professional, high-fidelity production of the kind heard on modern country radio or CMT. Typically, Country features rich lyrical content, with an emphasis on storytelling. Prominent instruments are often acoustic guitar, banjo, steel guitar, electric guitar and fiddle. Vocals are required and lyrics must be in English.

Examples: Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Big and Rich

Alternative Country
Americana, roots-rock, rockabilly, country-rock, and other hybrid genres like cowpunk…these are all acceptable in this channel. Any country-influenced music that is markedly different from the slick productions of modern mainstream country is appropriate for Alternative Country. Vocals are required and lyrics must be in English.

Examples: Gram Parsons, Drive-By Truckers, Old 97's, Uncle Tupelo

Traditional Country
Traditional Country is old-school country, featuring classic instrumentation like steel guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. The instrumentation, however, is usually sparse and takes a backseat to the lead vocal. This genre has the same rich lyrical content as Country and Alternative Country, with an even heavier emphasis on storytelling. Traditional country has clear bluegrass or honky-tonk influences and little-to-no rock and roll influence. Vocals are required and lyrics must be sung in English.

Examples: George Jones, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams

Pop/Singer-Songwriter/Indie Pop

Pop is infectious—whether singing in the shower or in the car, you can’t help performing even if it’s for an audience of one. Submit your best video today and you might just win an audience of many.

Pop
Styles of Pop vary, but songs in this channel should be akin to what you'd hear on Top 40 radio, with an emphasis on the lead vocal and an adherence to the standard verse-chorus-verse song structure. Pop rock and dance pop are both accepted here. Rapping should not be prominent on these songs. Vocals are required and lyrics must be sung in English.

Examples: Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Maroon 5, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne

Singer-Songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who perform and write their own music. The singer's voice is the focus and instrumental accompaniment is often very minimal. The lyrical content is original and authored by the singer who is primarily responsible for the vocals in the piece. Vocals are required and lyrics must be sung in English.

Examples: Paul Simon, Jack Johnson, Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Carole King

Indie Pop
Indie Pop is the lighter, more upbeat offshoot of Indie Rock. Sometimes called twee pop, it is heavily influenced by the sound of 1960s pop music and often features harmonies and jangly guitar. Indie Pop usually features more lo-fi production than mainstream or Top 40 pop. Vocals are required and lyrics must be sung in English.

Examples: Tilly and The Wall, The Apples In Stereo, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Dressy Bessy, Papas Fritas.

Rock/Modern Rock/Metal/Funk

Video didn’t kill the radio star—it made the radio star. Grunge, funk, metal—however you rock, rock out on video and share it with the community for your chance at stardom. The stage is yours.

Rock
Songs in this channel should feature at least vocals, guitar, bass, and drums with a strong backbeat. Vocals are required and lyrics must be sung in English.

Examples: Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters

Modern Rock
Modern rock features high-production value with prominent and professional-sounding vocals, and often featuring modernized instrumentation (synthesizers, etc.). Emo and pop-punk fall under this genre. Vocals are required and lyrics must be sung in English.

Examples: Killers, Muse, Fallout Boy, Green Day

Metal
This channel is home to the more extreme hard rock music. Key features that distinguish a metal song form a hard rock song are faster tempos, more aggressive vocals and more intense drum parts. There are many subgenres of metal and hardcore music, all of which belong here. This includes metalcore, power metal, death metal, black metal, hardcore, doom metal, thrash metal, grindcore, heavy metal, etc. Vocals are required and lyrics must be sung in English.

Examples: Metallica, Carcass, Stratovarius, Converge, Death, Necrophagist

Funk
Funk is a blend of soul, jazz, and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable form. Melody is de-emphasized in favor of a rhythm and groove, and so bass and drums are prominent. The songs often eschew traditional song structure, and instead vamp on an extended groove. However, vocals are required and lyrics must be sung in English.

Examples: Parliament-Funkadelic, Rick James, Sly and the Family Stone

Soul/Gospel/Hip-Hop/R&B/Rap

Once a battle of East versus West, it was the music that prevailed as today’s Hip Hop artists push beat and verse farther than ever. Grab a mic and film the results—you might just start another movement.

Gospel
Gospel is spiritual in nature and characterized by dominant vocals, often choirs, singing lyrics based on scripture. This is a specific categorization of Christian music, but based more in a soul tradition. Vocals are required and lyrics must be sung in English.

Examples: Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Staples Singers

Hip-Hop
The Hip-Hop Channel is for music that closely resembles Rap, but is less lyric-centric and often features more danceable rhythms and melodic choruses or vocal lines. Hip-hop music is also more club-friendly than Rap. Vocals are required and lyrics must be in English.

Examples: Kanye West, Soulja Boy, Lupe Fiasco, Lil' Wayne, Wale

Rap
The Rap Channel is the most lyrical-centric music of the urban genres, and does not primarily feature danceable rhythms or melodic choruses. The subject matter is typically darker with grittier themes. Vocals are required and lyrics must be sung in English.

Examples: Eminem, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, NWA, Mos Def

Soul
This is for music that closely adheres to the historical definition of rhythm and blues. Soul is often a fusion of funk and gospel music, though in order to be considered soul (and not funk) the vocals, not the backing tracks, must be the focus of the song. The instrumental accompaniment is based around a chord progression. Vocals are required and lyrics must be sung in English. Vocals in the Soul Channel often include ornate vocal embellishments and spontaneous improvisation.

Examples: Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Al Green

Live Performance

Forget high-fidelity sound—there’s nothing like hearing it live. Share the spirit and stage presence of your favorite live performance on video. It might not be a substitute, but it might make you a star.

Live Performance Video
This should be a video of one full song performed LIVE and IN CONCERT. This means in front of an audience. It should not be a home or rehearsal video and should be of better quality than typical cell phone video. Flip cam or personal video camera quality is okay, but the audio should be clear with no distortion. Cover songs are not allowed. If your video does not meet these standards, it will be removed. Vocals are required and should be sung in English.

Electronic

EDM – Electronic Dance Music – is taking over. Long a thriving underground scene, EDM has broken through to the masses. Break out the laptops, synthesizers, sequencers, and arpeggiators (and of course, the cameras) and make us MOVE.

Electronica
All kinds of electronic music are welcome here, from techno to house to electro-pop. Entries may contain some non-electronic elements, but the dominant features must be electronic. Vocals are optional but, if included, must be sung in English.

GAME TRAILER:

There's a reason the video game industry has "video" as its prefix: the game experience lives and dies on-screen.

Whether you're showing off a character, a level, or the climax of a single mission, videos can turn total strangers into total devotees. We invite you to craft a trailer showcasing the game you've made or the game you want to make. How you tell your story is limitless, be it with in-game footage, cut-scenes, or even machinima.

Utilize your camera like you utilize code--new players won't be far behind.

*Please note, a trailer should be edited like a television commercial. This should not be a simple screen capture of actual game play, unless edited as part of the showcase as described above. We will disqualify all entries that include copyrighted materials from published games, unless you are the copyright holder.

What are the Video Game Trailer categories?

Action/Adventure/Shooter
On the battlefield and off, video games satisfy the world’s appetite for immersive, explosive action for billions of hours a year. Find video glory in this category dominated by bombs, bullets and adrenaline.

MMO/RPG/Strategy
Whether solo or multiplayer, the choices in Role-Playing-Games branch out before players in countless ways, offering unparalleled replayability. Capture the spirit of these dynamic open-worlds with a video to match.

Casual/Puzzle
Ask any elated, frustrated or downright angry Angry Birds player—there’s nothing casual about casual gaming. Share a video that illustrates why everyone plays—and gets obsessed with—casual games and puzzles.

Sports
There is no such thing as an off-season for fans of sports games. Whether you prefer knockout punches to grand slam home-runs, translate the thrill of sports games by scoring big with your video submission.

SHORT FILM:

The box office doesn't necessarily dictate winners or losers. Ditto for the Oscars.

It's view counts that count, and online video previews for movies often gain reach that no advertising campaign could ever muster.

Show us a scene, show us a character, give us a story.

In short: You handle the lights. We'll put your name in them.

*Please note, short films should be a maximum of fifteen minutes and a minimum of thirty seconds.

What are the Short Film categories?

Documentary
When it comes to art, nothing is as impactful as the truth. Share non-fiction so real the audience won’t believe it and you might just get the jumpstart you need to one day be the subject of your own documentary.

Commercial
Sure, you see millions of ads annually. But how many can you actually remember? Master the art form of selling via video by crafting your own TV advertisement. Who knows? Maybe you’re a member of Mad Men in the making.

Animation
Walt Disney. Pixar. Even Ren & Stimpy. America loves its animation and it’s always hungry for more. Craft your own cartoon and you might just introduce the country to its new favorite set of characters.

Live Action
Every iconic director starts in the same humble place: the live-action short film. No matter your genre or style, we want to see yours. Because if the rest of the community does too, we can all say we knew you when.

Just for Fun
Kittens. Pranks. Kittens doing pranks? Sometimes it’s okay to remind ourselves that filmmaking isn’t just art, it’s fun. Think of YouTube’s faithful as this category’s jury—have some fun and they will too.

Please Note
Due to the general nature of the Just For Fun category, we allow a high degree of latitude. When uploading videos, please bear in mind that you are bound to our Terms and Conditions. You are solely responsible for the media you upload and you affirm that you have the rights to all audio and video content in the media.

ELIGIBILITY AND PRIZING

Who is eligible for the Intel® Video “Superstars” Competition?

The Intel® Video “Superstars” Competition is open to OurStage account-holders who have Internet access and are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of entry. Entrants must be legal residents of the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden or Finland.

What is the Grand Prize for the Intel® Video “Superstars” Short Film Competition?

One Grand Prize Winner from the Intel® Video “Superstars” Short Film Category will win the following:

  • One (1) GravT Computer;
  • One (1) Asus N-56 Notebook Computer;
  • One (1) AudioTechnica Mic/Headphone Bundle;
  • One (1) Sony Imagination Studio;
  • One (1) GoPro HD Hero 2 Camera and Mounting Accessories;
  • One (1) Cakewalk Octa-Capture;
  • One (1) Cakewalk SONAR X1 Production Suite;
  • One (1) Bethesda Rage for PC Game;
  • One (1) Cyberlink Photo and Video Director;
  • One (1) Legacy Games: “Alan Wake”;
  • One (1) MAGIX Movie Edit Pro MX Plus;
  • One (1) MAGIX Video Easy 4D;
  • One (1) Arcsoft Total Media Theater;
  • One (1) Arcsoft Showbiz.

What is the Grand Prize for the Intel® Video “Superstars” Music Video Competition?

One Grand Prize Winner from the Intel® Video “Superstars” Music Category will win the following:

  • One (1) iBuyPower ProSeries System;
  • One (1) Asus N-56 Notebook Computer;
  • One (1) AudioTecnia Mic/Headphone Bundle;
  • One (1) Sony Imagination Studio;
  • One (1) GoPro HD Hero2 Camera and Mounting Accessories;
  • One (1) Cakewalk Octa-Capture;
  • One (1) Cakewalk SONAR X1 Production Suite;
  • One (1) Bethesda Rage for PC game;
  • One (1) Cyberlink Photo and Video Director;
  • One (1) Microsoft Flight Hawaii Starter Pack for Steam;
  • One (1) Legacy Games: “Alan Wake”;
  • One (1) MAGIX Movie Edit Pro MX Plus;
  • One (1) MAGIX Video Easy 4 HD;
  • One (1) Arcsoft Total Media Theatre;
  • One (1) Arcsoft Showbiz.

Total Estimated Retail Value for all prizes = $5,671.97

What is the Grand Prize for the Intel® Video “Superstars” Game Trailer Competition?

One Grand Prize Winner from the Intel® Video “Superstars” Game Trailer Category will win the following:

  • One (1) iBuyPower Chimera System;
  • One (1) Asus N-56 Notebook Computer;
  • One (1) AudioTechnica Mic/Headphone Bundle;
  • One (1) Sony Imagination Studio;
  • One (1) GoPro HD Hero 2 Camera and Mounting Accessories;
  • One (1) Cakewalk Octa-Capture;
  • One (1) Cakewalk SONAR X1 Production Suite;
  • One (1) Bethesda Rage for PC Game;
  • One (1) Cyberlink Photo and Video Director;
  • One (1) Legacy Games: “Alan Wake”;
  • One (1) MAGIX Movie Edit Pro MX Plus;
  • One (1) MAGIX Video Easy 4D;
  • One (1) Arcsoft Total Media Theater;
  • One (1) Arcsoft Showbiz.

Total Estimated Retail Value for all prizes = $5,671.97

GENERAL INFORMATION

How does the ranking engine work?

The ranking or judging is done via two patent-pending algorithms that serve up top ranking, middle ranking and newly uploaded material in a channel in a fair and unbiased fashion for someone to judge. We are careful to make sure that each media item in the channel gets equal exposure. This we guarantee.

Depending on how much our users like something (i.e. rank favorably), and how long they want to keep on judging, the ranking engine will try to get users to determine just how much a particular item is liked over other ranked items. This is why users may see the same item coming up during several battles.

Our site users who act as judges cannot request material to rank. And they have to view or listen to the material served for a minimum of 15 seconds each before they can rank one item over another. After all of the rankings from all of the users are tallied, the best music bubbles to the top!

What are the system requirements?

OurStage.com uses the latest in Internet web-browsing technology. As a result, we need our viewers to have at least Adobe Flash 8 installed; Version 9 is preferred. If you aren't sure whether or not you have Flash installed, or if your version is out-dated, you can check by going to Adobe's Flash site.

We also highly recommend using Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox for Windows operating systems, and Safari, Firefox, or Chrome for Mac. AOL's built in browser will not display all of the images on our site correctly, so AOL users should consider using one of the previously recommended browsers. Additionally, we suggest using a broadband Internet connection to view OurStage.com due to the speed requirements necessary for streaming video and audio.

If you are using Internet Explorer 6 you will experience severe compatibility issues, ones that cannot be resolved without ugrading your browser to a newer version of Internet Explorer or switching to another browser we are compatible with.

What browsers is OurStage optimized for?

The OurStage experience is optimized for Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox on Windows operating machines, and Safari, Firefox or Google Chrome on Macs.Beware, however, as OurStage no longer provides support and has extremely limited compatibility with the Internet Explorer 6 browser.

What should I know before uploading my songs and videos?

First and foremost, you keep all the rights to your material. Neither OurStage nor Intel® make any claim to your songs or videos.

Be aware, though, that your submitted material is subject to the OurStage Terms and Conditions. Please be sure to read this document as it contains important information. Note that once your song has completed a competition, it can be hidden from search and from view on the site, but it will remain in our archives.

What formats should I use to submit my video?

The preferred file format is h264 and aac in an m4v container. We also support .wmv, .avi, .dv, .mpg, .mpg4, .mov, .3gp, .3gp2, .m4v, .mp4 or .asf.

The preferred file size is 640x480 with a total bitrate of 600kbps.

CONTENT REMOVAL POLICIES

Can I remove my video?

To remove a video from your profile, please email our Community team and let us know what you’d like removed.

Copyright infringement:

Copyright infringement is a violation of the OurStage Terms and Conditions. You must have the copyright or permission of the copyright holder in order to upload media (music or video). If a media item violates OurStage's Terms and Conditions, it is immediately removed from OurStage, and a notice is sent to the user responsible for the post. Since this is a manual process, we may not be aware of all media items that violate OurStage's Terms and Conditions. If you find a questionable media item, be sure to flag it.

Contributors: Once we get a report of a violation, the media item in question will be removed if and when the claims are validated, and you will be sent a takedown notice. Requests to reinstate an item must be made after-the-fact. You can appeal any decision by e-mailing our community team at community@ourstage.com.

If you are a trademark or copyright holder and you believe that your rights have been violated in any way, please complete and mail a signed copy of the form below to our designated agent at:

OurStage Inc.
Attn: DMCA Agent Paula Schmitz
519 CR 455
Thorndale, Texas 76577

Our agent information is provided pursuant to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. 512(2).

Upon receipt of a fully completed and signed notification form, we will disable access to the allegedly infringing materials and will promptly notify the individual who posted the materials that access has been disabled as is our obligation under the Copyright Act. In the event your notification is (1) unsigned or (2) not on our form and therefore does not contain the authorization language of our form, we will work with you to obtain a properly executed notification. However, we will not be able to respond to your request, if any of the other information is missing from your notification. Pursuant to 17 U.S.C. 512(g)(2), the individual who posted the materials may provide us with counter-notification that the materials in question were removed or disabled as the result of a mistake or misidentification of the materials. This counter-notification must (1) be signed, (2) include the individual's name, address and telephone number, (3) include a statement that the individual is making the counter-notification under penalty of perjury and (4) state that the person consents to the jurisdiction of the federal district court where his or her address is located. If we receive such a counter-notification, and determine that we would like to restore access to the materials, we will send you notification stating access to the materials will be restored within ten to fourteen business days. Access will be restored between the tenth and fourteenth business day after we receive a counter-notification unless you inform OurStage that you have filed a court order to restrain the individual who posted the material from engaging in further infringement activity on our network and servers. If we determine that we do not want to restore access to the materials, you will not receive any further notification.

You can access the Notification Form here.

FLAGGING ITEMS FOR REVIEW:

We appreciate the input of our users when they come across an item of concern. Please use the following three categories when flagging media on OurStage: Copyright Violations, Offensive and Off-topic.

Copyright Violation: Use this flag to alert OurStage of a media item that violates another artist's copyright. This can include sampling, repurposed images, uploading material not owned by that user, etc. (To learn more about Copyright law in the United States, please feel free to check out the US Copyright Office's FAQs.)

Offensive: This flag is for materials which users might find offensive due to language and/or graphic sexual or violent content.

Off-Topic: Use this flag for materials that do not adhere to the rules of the competition.

All flagged items will be reviewed so that the appropriate action is taken. Users are always notified when their media is moved, removed, or, in extreme circumstances, their account suspended or banned. Be aware that no immediate action will take place until we've had a chance to review the item in question.