Submission Guidelines

• Shoot the video in landscape (longer horizontally than vertically) mode.
• Use the highest resolution setting (at least 1920 x 1080) for your camera. Please note, this is not an absolute requirement since we don’t want to omit compelling stories just because you don’t have access to the latest and greatest camera.
• If possible, use a (wireless) headset/microphone to record good, clean audio.
• If handheld, try to get as steady a shot as possible.
• If possible, submit all the files as one in a zipped file.

• We are looking for videos of what your typical day is like. Pick one day that you will record yourself (or a willing friend) and document what that day. Record the morning routines, typical breakfast, preparing breakfast, getting ready for work, working, typical lunch, afternoon activities, relaxation time, time spent with friends and family, typical dinner, preparing dinner, evening routine. If there are interesting/unique things you do regularly, pick that day or include those activities in the day that you do record. There’s no maximum amount of footage you can submit. Try to get all the recording done in one day if possible. You are welcome to record multiple days, e.g., morning routine one day and then evening routine another day, but please keep in mind that they should be what your typical day is like. Do not include things that you are not doing at least monthly.
• Time of day for each segment. You can say it out loud (e.g., “time for breakfast”, “the time now is…,” “it’s 6pm so it’s time to…”) or show a clock (e.g., wall clock, computer clock, watch, phone)
• Include establishing and closing shots. E.g., if you are going do show yourself preparing a meal, include footage of getting the pots/pans and utensils out. If you are heading out to work, film yourself going out the door and closing it behind you or getting in the car before you stop recording to start driving.
• Include B-roll footage, e.g., if the subject is talking about their interest in creating art, show some of their creations, tools of creation, or their workspace.
• Avoid capturing logos, videos, images, music, and any other material that might be copyrighted or trademarked.
• Keep statements/answers (to questions below) brief. Remember, this is a film made of curated video so each “scene” or “shot” in the final edit will be very brief, 30 secs to a minute in most instances, except for recipe videos.
• If you are inclined, include a recipe video of your typical breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Quick, simple recipes with affordable ingredients that are easy to find are preferred.

The following questions are somethings you might include in your video as you are going about your day. Please be aware all of these are optional and in no particular order. You are free to incorporate only the questions you like in your videos.

• Introduce yourself. Include something about yourself that surprises people (besides your veganism) when they learn that about you.
• Why are you a vegan?
• How long did it take to fully adopt veganism?
• How long did it take you to acclimate being vegan and what were some of the challenges you faced?
• How long have you been a vegan?
• What was the hardest part about becoming vegan?
• If you could go back in time and meet your non-vegan self, what would you say to them?
• What do your friends and family think of you being vegan?
• What is the biggest challenge about being vegan?
• What is the biggest reward about being vegan?
• How have your views about the world changed since you became vegan?
• What do you think is the future of veganism?
• What is the silliest argument you have heard against veganism?
• What are some of your hobbies and favorite activities?
• Describe how/why you enjoy them.
• What is the most compelling argument you have heard against veganism?
• What is your favorite thing to do? Have you had to change it in any way since becoming vegan?
• What used to be your favorite non-vegan food? Have you found a vegan equivalent that is just as good?
• What is some food that you’ve discovered since becoming vegan that you wouldn’t have thought to try before?
• What is your favorite food?
• What do you typically eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Perhaps you can include recipe videos for one or more of your meals.
• What is something about veganism or other vegans that annoy you?
• If you are religious, how does veganism support your beliefs?
• What’s your vision of the future (not necessarily as it relates to veganism)?
• Have you ever fallen off the “vegan wagon?” What happened and what did you do about it?
• Do you ever cheat with your veganism?
• What are the circumstances in which you would set aside your veganism?
• What are somethings that annoy you about the vegan movement?
• What is the most annoying quality of vegans?
• Who gives you the most grief about being vegan? How do they do it?

If you are going to film someone else’s day, here are some tips to follow.

• Discuss what the day of the filming will be like. Talk about the start and end times. Get an idea of what the subject’s typical day is like.
• Let the subject know that they can ask you to stop recording at any time. Make sure they feel comfortable throughout the whole process.
• It is best not to ask the subject to act or behave a certain way.
• It is OK to ask the subject to repeat or paraphrase something if it seems unclear. But, do not interrupt while they are speaking.
• Do ask the subject to express their thoughts in a brief, concise way. It is unlikely any clip longer than one minute at the most (except for recipe preparation clips) will be used in the final film.
• Be sure to capture lots of B-roll, particularly of the things in discussion. E.g., if the subject is a soccer player, get footage of any trophies/medals they may have won, footage of their soccer equipment (shoes, uniform), and footage of them practicing.

• Filmmaker Release
  
  • This release form allows us to legally use any video footage you provide in A Day in the Life… documentary project. It is to be filled out by the person(s) to be listed as co-director/videographer/editor of the documentary. Please note that film credits will be spelt out exactly as filled out in this form.
• Talent Release
  
  • Please use this form for all persons [Talents] who appear on-screen, in voice-over, or otherwise in the film. This includes interview subjects, reenactors, extras, others, and you if you are making a selfie video. Please note that film credits will be spelt out exactly as filled out in this form.
  • If the Talent is a minor (i.e., under 18 years of age): Have a Parent or Guardian sign in the box at the lower right. Please do not force or otherwise coerce children into participating in the film.
• Location Release
  
  • To be used with locations at which you would need permission to shoot, e.g. office, gym, private parks. Please be sure to have the form signed by a person authorized to give you permission to shoot at the location. Under “consisting of” you’d fill out the description of the area being filmed, e.g. office lobby, weight training room.
• Submission Form
  
  • Please fill out this form to provide us with general info about the filmmakers and participants.