Celtic Media Festival

Competition Categories 08-09:

FACTUAL SERIES: More than one factual programme linked through a unified approach, narrative or the thematic development of a subject matter. Only one episode of a series may be entered.

FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT: Entries invited from lifestyle, magazine/discussion and formatted documentary - reality.  Stand-alone single programmes or one episode from a series may be entered.

FACTUAL SINGLE: For one-off documentaries. Entries should offer a real insight to the world and the situation that they explore as well as demonstrating an appropriate style and approach, whether observational or scripted. 

SPORT: Programmes that capture or celebrate the personalities of sport - of the sport itself or of sporting individuals involved at whatever level.  Eligible programmes will place emphasis on the passion and spirit of sport and not on event coverage.  Programmes based on archive footage will be eligible.  Programmes should be based on sports associated with Celtic nations and reflect this culture and heritage.

ARTS: This category is for programmes and film that celebrate and examine the arts.  (Recordings of performances are not eligible)

SHORT DRAMA (up to 30 mins): Script and performance will be considered in addition to directorial skill and production values.

FEATURE LENGTH DRAMA: Entries are welcome from both film and television. Script and performance will be considered in addition to directorial skill and production values.

DRAMA SERIES:  An episode from a serial, soap or series should be accompanied by a brief context in addition to programme's synopsis.  The episode in competition will reflect both story and character development.

KIERAN HEGARTY AWARD FOR INTERACTIVITY:  Includes websites and online content. Entries to this category will display skills of innovation, interactivity and creativity.  Entries wholly or partly in a Celtic language are particularly welcome, as are entries linked to programmes (TV / Radio) and films.  (Corporate, promotional or marketing sites not eligible.)

CURRENT AFFAIRS: Entries should demonstrate journalistic integrity and subject matter should be presented in an investigative and/or immediate manner.

ANIMATION:  The category is open to entries from all areas of animation.

EDUCATION: Entries will be expected to demonstrate expertise and skill in conveying its educational content creatively.  If the programme is one of a series, a brief explanation of context is required. 

CHILDRENS:  This category invites entries from a wide range of programming and films for pre-school - 12 year olds, fiction and non-fiction.  Entries should demonstrate success in communicating with the specific target audience.  The entrant should specify the particular audience the programme is aimed at on the entry form.

YOUNG PEOPLE: This category invites entries from a wide range of programming and films for 12 yr olds - 25 year olds, fiction and non-fiction.  Entries should demonstrate success in communicating with the specific target audience.  The entrant should specify the particular audience the programme is aimed at on the entry form.

ENTERTAINMENT:  Entries to this category may include situation comedy, sketch shows, variety and music.

TITLES, STINGS, IDENTS & PROMOS: Submissions for this award might include programme title sequences (originated); stings into and within programmes (graphic, animated and live action); channel, programme or strand idents; also promos for individual programmes or series or campaigns. All these should specifically be broadcast related. Submissions should be connected to Celtic programming.

RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR: Entries will be compilations that celebrate a station's successes and highlights in 2008 side by side with one designated day's broadcasting - Wednesday 3rd September 2008.  Entries must not exceed 2 hours duration and must be unedited examples of output, to include at least 5 examples of the best of the year.  A short supporting statement must include: the station's aims, the highlights of 2008, a weekly schedule with programme details and additional information thought to be relevant to the competition and not already included.  The Festival is seeking to award excellence; a station's accord with its audience, its energy, diversity and the continuing quality of production.

RADIO DOCUMENTARY: Entries should demonstrate creative use of the medium in story-telling, analysis of subject matter and production values.  Minimum speech content of 80% is required.

RADIO PRESENTER/PERSONALITY:This category celebrates Celtic talent on radio.  Entries are expected from both factual and entertainment genres and require demonstration of skill in two ways.  Entrants should enter one programme, or an edited excerpt (duration 1 hour maximum, 30 minutes minimum), representing work during the year that best demonstrates broadcast skills including innovation and creativity, conveying information and excellent production values.  In addition an unedited compilation, not exceeding 30 minutes, of at least 5 examples of the individual's best work throughout the year must also be entered.