Teens invited to submit 3-minute videos

North Idaho libraries are cooperating to give teens the opportunity to learn about filmmaking and to produce their own videos as part of the "3-minute teen film festival."

Entry forms and rules are available at the Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls libraries and at the branch libraries of the Kootenai Shoshone area libraries or can be downloaded at www.cinlibraries.org.

Four workshops for teens on making better videos - with an emphasis on the short films of the kind seen on YouTube - have been scheduled:

• Hayden Branch Library: 8385 N. Government Way, Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. Call (208) 772-5612 to register.

• Spirit Lake Branch Library: 32575 N. Fifth Ave., Saturday, March 13, 2 p.m. Call (208) 623-5353 to register.

• Coeur d'Alene Public Library: 702 E. Front Ave., Thursday, March 18, 4 p.m. No preregistration required.

• Post Falls Public Library: 821 Spokane St., Tuesday, March 30, 2 p.m. Call (208) 773-1506 to register.

Organizers are also planning to do a video of the workshop and post it on YouTube for those who can't attend. A link to the video will be posted at the CIN Web site.

The film festival is open to participants in grades 7-12. The films can be made by individuals or teams, but must be written, directed, videoed, and edited by participants in the grade 7-12 age group.

The theme for the 2010 festival is "Earth in Focus." The entries will be previewed by library staff and must be G- or PG- in language and subject. The videos are limited in length to three minutes, including the required title page and credits.

Obtain an entry form for complete rules.

The deadline to submit entries to the Coeur d'Alene, Hayden or Post Falls libraries is April 17. The participating libraries will then select videos to go on to be judged at the "3-minute teen film festival 'Academy Awards Night'" at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library on Saturday, May 22.