“Speak Up for Community Solar” Video Competition Terms & Conditions

Organiser: Milton Keynes Community Energy (MKCE)
Competition Launch Date: 1 July 2025
Closing Date for Entries: 30 September 2025
Website: https://mkcommunityenergy.co.uk/mk-student-short-video-comp

1. Eligibility

  • The competition is open to young people aged 13–19 who live in Milton Keynes or go to school in Milton Keynes (i.e. homes or schools with an MK postcode). This will be verified before winners are selected.
  • Filmmakers must be aged between 13 and 19 years at the time of submission.
  • Entries must be submitted by individuals only – no team entries are allowed.
  • Any entrant or featured person aged 17 or under must have the consent of a parent or guardian. This will be checked before winners are confirmed.
  • Video entries can be submitted by a parent, guardian, educator, or responsible adult on behalf of the filmmaker.

2. Submission Requirements

  • The film must be no longer than 2 minutes in duration.
  • The film must respond to the following prompt: Why is renewable energy – especially community-owned energy – important to you?
  • To enter the competition, submit your video on Instagram by tagging @MKCommunityEnergy and using the hashtag #SpeakUpforMKCommunitySolar before 11:59pm on 30 September 2025.

3. Awards & Prizes

  • The judging panel will create a shortlist of potential winners who will be notified by Instagram direct message by 14 October 2025. These shortlisted entrants will be asked to confirm in writing that they meet the eligibility criteria.
  • The Grand Prize Winner and the People’s Choice Winner will be announced on 24 October 2025.
  • Awards events and work experience will be facilitated by a DBS-checked adult.
  • 1x Grand Prize Winner (judged by MKCE panel) will be selected to:
    • Win a DJI Osmo handheld pro camera.
    • Receive a certificate of achievement.
    • Be invited to a 1-day work experience with MK-based filmmaker Keegan Starkey (date agreed with MKCE and winner + guardian).
    • Have their film featured in MKCE marketing.
    • Be interviewed for a story on MKCE’s website.
  • 1x People’s Choice Winner (judged by most likes on Instagram) will be selected to:
    • Win a £50 gift voucher
    • Receive a certificate of achievement.
    • Be invited to the 1-day work experience described above.
    • Have their film featured in MKCE marketing.
    • Be interviewed for a story on MKCE’s website.

4. Judging Criteria

Our expert panel (from the fields of film, photography, renewable and community energy) will use the following 30-point criteria:

  1. Mass appeal & shareability (6 points)
  2. Creativity & originality (5 points)
  3. Emotional & narrative impact (5 points)
  4. Message clarity & relevance (5 points)
  5. Technical quality (5 points)
  6. Authenticity & youth voice (4 points)

Judges decisions are final.

5. Creative & Content Guidelines

  • No surnames of young people aged 17 or under should appear in the film (including credits).
  • Avoid offensive language or risky behaviours (e.g. drug use, smoking, excessive violence).
  • Only use original or royalty-free content (music, images, etc.). See our “Top Tips for Young Filmmakers” for guidance.
  • Films must not be part of any coursework or NEA assessment.

6. Consent, Data & Privacy

  • You must provide your date of birth to confirm eligibility. This information will only be used to verify your age.
  • If under 18, guardian consent is required and assumed where videos are submitted by teachers/guardians.
  • Winners will be notified via Instagram direct message.
  • First names may be used when publishing results.
  • Read our Privacy Policy to see how your data is handled.

7. Additional Terms

  • By entering, you are deemed to have irrevocably accepted these terms.
  • Entries that are incomplete, copied, defaced, or damaged will be disqualified.
  • MKCE is not responsible for lost or undelivered entries.
  • MKCE may amend the rules or closing date at any time. The current rules are always available on the competition webpage – https://mkcommunityenergy.co.uk/mk-student-short-video-comp
  • MKCE may select a replacement winner if the original is disqualified.
  • Prizes are not transferable or exchangeable for cash. If unavailable, MKCE may provide an alternative prize of equal or greater value.
  • Winners agree to be featured in press and promotional materials.

7. “My Competition Submission” Declaration

By submitting, you confirm:

  • You own all rights to your video.
  • Your video does not infringe any third-party rights, defame anyone, or promote commercial products.
  • You have secured all necessary permissions for third-party content used.
  • You indemnify MKCE against any claims related to the video content.

Publicity: You agree to be named in the media (first name only if under 18) and take part in promotional activity.

Insurance: MKCE is not responsible for any loss or damage to submitted content.

Licence: You grant MKCE a non-exclusive, royalty-free, global licence in perpetuity to use, share, and promote your video in all media formats, including but not limited to online, cinema, and public screenings. You also waive moral rights in the content.

Failure to produce required documentation (e.g. proof of consent) may lead to disqualification.

Contact us: [email protected]

To find out who has won, email us after 24 October 2025.