To help you get started, here are a few tips to keep in mind when brainstorming ideas for your video.

1. Be sure to address at least 2 Vespanomics message points in your video. These will score you major points with the judges. What is Vespanomics? It is the feeling of satisfaction and exhilaration Vespa owners feel knowing they are:
• Saving money on gas
• Lowering carbon dioxide emission into the environment
• Decreasing traffic congestion
• Fashionable yet classic
2. Short and straight to the point works best. So, keep your video's running time within the 15-second to 2-minute timeframe.
3. Company/brand logos, trademarks and unlicensed music in your videos are big No-Nos! Steer clear of them in your videos.
4. Keep language and content clean. The videos will be viewed by all ages.
5. You may submit up to 5 videos. However, only one video per user can win one of the top prizes.
6. Remember ratings count. So, rally all your friends to vote for your video.
7. Before emailing us with your questions be sure to check out our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Director Suggestions:

• Preplanning:

  When writing your story/script, be sure that there is a beginning, middle and end. The beginning should contain introduction of character(s)/subject and set up the storyline. The middle contains the conflict/dramatic shift in events with the resolution in the end.

• Production:

  Be sure that your subjects are well lit. And, that your microphone(s) are shielded from the wind and background noise. You may also wish you use a tripod to reduce camera shake.

• Post-Production:

  When outputting your video prior to uploading, we recommend using the following settings to ensure the highest quality output:

  Resolution 320 x 240

  Format: .wmv, .divx, .flv or .avi

  Sound: 48khz

  Size: Up to 100MB

Helpful Hints:

• Be sure to take tons of extra footage.

  Get close-ups and wide shots. Get different angles. This will give you more choices when you're editing. Also, it's always good to record 5 seconds before and after the shot you want.

• Tripod: To use or not to use?

  Use it if you want a steady shot. Sticking your camera on a stand or bracing yourself against a wall also helps achieve the same results. Don't use it if you want a realistic or documentary feel to your video.

• Check sound quality.

  To help ensure good sound quality, use an external microphone such as one that plugs into your camcorder. Nothing ruins a video like bad sound/audio quality.

• Use as many lights as you can.

  It's better to have extra light, than find out later you didn't use enough.

• Pretend that the camera isn't on.

  Practice shooting with the camera in your hand near your hip-like you're just sort of resting it there. You want it to look natural.