Rootclip

Rootclip provides an initial story idea with a "root" or starter clip - one to two minutes of compelling video that begins a story and is totally open-ended. How the story ultimately ends is up to the video contributors.

Contributors then submit their videos to move the story along to the next chapter, with voting on all video submissions so the most voted upon video is used for the next chapter. A total of six chapters are used to complete the story - and take that initial story idea into totally unexpected directions.

1. Keep submissions under 2 minutes. Submissions over 2 minutes will be disqualified.

2. Maintain character consistency through wardrobe and action.

3. End each submission on a cliffhanger.

4. Make it as funny or serious as you want.

5. Invite your friends, family, and colleagues to come vote for your work.

To help with story flow, we sugest breaking up the chapters with this general outline: Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Conflict
Chapters 3 & 4: Rising Tension
Chapter 5: Climax
Chapter 6: Resolution

Once submitted, both the user community, and the panel of judges will vote on your clip. User votes will account for 50% of the total score, and the judge votes (link to rules page) will make up the other 50% of the overall score.

The best, one to two minute video submissions are added over time to the original story idea until the exciting six to 12 minute film is completed. Winners of each Chapter are eligible to compete in the final chapter, where a Grand Prize is awarded.

Ultimately, Rootclip is about the user community. Rootclip encourages contributors to YouTube, amateur and indie filmmakers, screenwriters, even actors that want to show their stuff to contribute their best material to add to the story.

Video Format Upload Guide

Rootclip suggests that you use a .mov, .mp4 or .wmv file type. To create a video as a .mov, here is what we suggest:

If you are using Final Cut Pro or Final Cut Express you should export your projects as follows:

• Choose File > Export > Using QuickTime Conversion
• Pick Format: QuickTime Movie
• Click Options
• Use the following settings:
  
  

If you are using iMovie you should export your projects as follows:

• Choose File > Share
• Choose Web
  
  

If you are using other software to export, here are some general guidelines:

• Video Codec: H.264
• Audio Codec: AAC
• Resolution: 568x426
• Video Data Rate: 672 kbps
• Audio Data Rate: 128 kbps
  
  

Supported file types are: .avi, .dv, .mov, .qt, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .3gp, .asf, .wmv, .3g2

Dimensions: Our player is 568x426. Those are the preferred dimensions and will give you the best looking video. Other 4:3 aspect ratio videos should still encode, but we recommend this size. We recommend that video created with a 16:9 aspect ratio be encoded at 568x320. Our video vendor will automatically letterbox your video.