EMPixx Awards celebrate students’ productions

For the 21st year, Ohio University Southern will have a media competition to recognize excellence in the creation of high school video, audio and multimedia projects. 

OUS’s electronic media program, which educates students in video production, audio production and interactive design, hosts the event.

“We like to recognize student work in a public venue where their peers can see – and maybe even get inspired from – the work they create,” said Ernie Hall, electronic media production assistant at OUS.

Students in grade 9-12 from across the university’s Tri-State service area are invited to participate, and the award categories range from animation to podcasting, news stories to digital photography.

“The competition highlights area schools that have media programs, giving them an opportunity to showcase their excellent student work,” said Brian Corea, director of the university’s electronic media program.

Local media professionals will judge the entries, which are submitted by the schools. Judges will use a standardized form to critique the projects, based on criteria used by other media competitions. Hall indicated that this is important to prepare the students to enter high-level competitions, such as the Emmys or Associated Press Awards. 

“Many of these categories have specific entry requirements, to makes it even across the board. Everybody has to take those elements and figure out how to combine them into a production,” said Corea. “Whether it’s a commercial or entertainment, they can show their creativity. But there’s an even measuring stick so that everybody’s on the same playing field using the same tools.”

Corea said the competition is a great starting point for students who are interested in a future in the media industry. “I think it encourages them to not be afraid to put their work out there. If they get into media work, everything they do will be critiqued,” he said. “I think that means something to them too, to get feedback and see what other industry professionals think about what they did. It starts them on the path.”

And a critique can be valuable. “You’re getting some type of benefit just by entering. You will see, ‘This is where my work is, this is where I need to grow,’” said Hall.

Hall stressed that all students may submit entries through their schools. “Even if you’re not in a media class, find an instructor at your local school to help you submit. Some people have natural talent and can tell a story without formal training,” he said.

The most important part of the process is having fun, said Hall. “I joined media to have fun. I think telling stories is fun. I think being creative in the way you tell stories is fun. I want the students to enjoy both the creation process and the final product.”

Entries are being accepted at ohio.edu/southern/empixx through March 31, and winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on April 21 at OUS.

For more information, contact Brian Corea at corea@ohio.edu or 740-533-4575.