OPC Award Contest Rules

The OPC Awards Contest rules are as follows:

GENERAL RULES
Entries must include TWO copies of
1. the work nominated
2. application information—first page of this entry form
3. brief letter or statement explaining why the entry deserves consideration

Entries can be submitted through a mailed application or by the OPC online submission process. Online awards will only be accepted through the OPC onlines submission process.

Each entry must be accompanied by a $200 check payable to the Overseas Press Club. A corporate check coming from a different source must be clearly marked as to which entry it underwrites.

One organization may submit multiple entries, but each entry must comply with the rules for the individual category. Multiple entry fees can be paid with one check; however, if you are submitting more than 5 entries for an organization, it is a good idea to list all the entries on a separate sheet of paper.

Material may be the work of an individual, group or staff, but must be on one subject or theme.

Please remember that entries go through numerous hands during the judging process; therefore everything must be secured and clearly marked as to sequence.

All award winners receive a certificate and a $1,000 check.

DEADLINE
Entries are due in the OPC office on Friday, January 28, 2011.

PRINT
Tearsheets, articles should be arranged in sequence and bound in a folder or scrapbook no smaller than 81/2 x 11 and no larger than 11 x 17. Photocopies of articles are accepted as long as the articles are in context on the page. GUIDELINES: It is best not to submit “a body of work” such as “reporting from Asia”—these categories are too generalized and too long. We do not set a limit for total number of articles, but it is best to be selective and submit only the strongest material.

PHOTOGRAPHY – CD FORMAT
Submit no more than 12 images in a CD format (images 10 inches at longest dimension, 300 dpi, JPEG). Slides and photographs are not accepted. Submit a separate sheet of paper with the name of the photographer and the captions to each image. In addition to the photos, you must submit proof of publication — for example, tearsheet from newspaper, copy of magazine, book, or print-out from a website. For online submissions, upload up to 12 images at 72 ppi and also mail the images in a CD format as listed above.

The content of any image must not be altered. Digital manipulation, manufactured photo illustrations, double exposures, added masks, borders, backgrounds or other artistic effects are not allowed.  Judges reserve the right to request original files for review. Altering of images is grounds for immediate disqualification.

CARTOON
Limit entry to 12 cartoons. Submit one copy of each cartoon and proof of publication — for example, tearsheet from newspaper, copy of magazine or print- out from a website. For online submissions, upload up to 12 images at 72 ppi and also mail the images in a CD format as listed above.

TELEVISION AND RADIO
DVD format for television. CD format for Radio. Two copies of each DVD or CD clearly marked on both the contents and the jacket or holder as well. GUIDELINES: It is best not to submit all the hours of a long series, but to choose several good segments.

ONLINE AWARDS
Entries must include:
URLs/links to the work(s) nominated and must be available online (no CDs or DVDs accepted). Online Awards are only accepted through our online submission process.

JUDGING:  Head Judges have the discretion to move an entry to another award if they feel that the entry is submitted in an inappropriate category.

GENERAL GUIDELINE: All categories except Photography, Cartoons and Online must submit 2 copies of the work nominated and all paperwork. The judges review the entries in various locations so it expedites the process if more than one judge can be reading, viewing or listening to the material. In photography and cartoons all the judges gather around one table in one time and space to judge the entries. Online entries, by their very nature, can be sent to more than one judge.