Upload your homemade mountain movie and you could win rucksacks, YHA memberships, an airing at the Kendal Mountain Film Festival and even a paid assignment to Everest Base Camp!
The hills come alive on film better than anywhere else, and we’re yet to see a homemade mountain flick that failed to divert us. From stuttering clips shot on a mobile phone to prove what you really DID step from Adam to Eve, to the silly clip of your first attempt at a wild camp, the dawn of the YouTube generation has brought a love of the hills into more homes than ever before. The LFTO Homemade Mountain Movie Awards are here to celebrate that video vibe between now and November.
We’re looking for homemade videos on any outdoor subject – from a capella monologues on why you love your boots, to the glorious sunrise seen from your tent doors or your attempt to conquer Scafell Pike. Your video must be under 3 minutes long, feature all-original material and have a clear focus (eg ‘Our day on Tryfan’, ‘My Favourite Wild Camp’ or ‘Why I Love Glen Coe’).
All videos submitted will be showcased on LFTO and we’ll be picking our favourite or favourites each week and giving them an expert critique. We’ll also be awarding our favourite video of each month a brand new Osprey rucksack.
Videos of the week
Every video of the week will win YHA membership for year.
(Professional film-maker and climber Steve Buckley will be making his pick of the week's videos every Thursday and the winner will be posted on this page on Fridays.)
Videos of the month
April – Osprey Talon 22 (£60)
May – Osprey Talon 22
June – Osprey Talon 33 (£70)
July – Osprey Talon 33
August – Osprey Talon 44
September – Osprey Talon 44 (£100)
Grand Prize
Makers of the shortlisted videos (and their partners) will be put up for free on Friday and Saturday nights of the Kendal Mountain Film Festiival in Kendal's excellent Youth Hostel. All shorlisted films will be screened the during the weekend, and the grand prize winner will also be announced there. They'll win an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Everest Base Camp in 2009, plus a paid commission for a video of your trip.
More information about the prizes.
What you can do right now
Start experimenting by making films and uploading them directly to our special Homemade Mountain Movie Award player (a very quick registration process is required).
Every week
The best films will be showcased and our experts will tell you how to improve your technique.
Every month
The best new film will win an Osprey rucksack.
This autumn
All films will go for final judging and a shortlist for showing at the Kendal Mountain Film Festival drawn up.
The winner
Will be announced at the KMFF.
Forum
If you're lost for inspiration or just need to chat or get advice, visit our special forum.
Advice articles
Check back here for advice and tips articles we'll be adding during the competition.
Movie tutorial 1: basic shots
Choose your shots to make your videos dramatically more pro, with minimal effort.
Movie tutorial 2: basic angles
Arrange your subjects for maximum watchability and so the hill's the star of the show.
Movie tutorial 3: using the video editing software already on your PC
It needn't be a long, dull or difficult process editing your video: watch our video to see how you can stitch together your footage quickly, easily and with software you probably already have.
Movie tutorial 4: cutaways - another pro tip nicked!
Try this easy way to add watchability and atmosphere to your clips.
Movie tutorial 5: shots that add drama and scale
Get the wow factor into any on-the-hill clip you shoot...
