GRADflix resources

2023-2024 competition details will be available by early October 2023.

GRADflix resources

Submission details

The deadline to submit your video for the 2023 competition is January 10, 2023 at 4 p.m. ET.

Please ensure you are familiar with the following submission requirements and instructions:

Send the video (saved as an MP4) to gradventure@uwaterloo.ca using Sendit. By submitting your video, you are agreeing that your submission is an original work created by you, and that you have all necessary rights in and to the submission. You also agree that this submission does not infringe upon or violate any laws or any third party rights, including, but not limited to, copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret or other proprietary rights and must not constitute material that would be considered libelling, defamatory, a privacy violation, tortious or a contract breach.
In addition to your video, you must fill out and submit the GRADflix participant information form by the due date of January 10, 2023. The form will request you provide the following information:

your preferred name (as you would like it written on the webpage if you are selected as a finalist)
your pronouns
the name(s) of your supervisor(s)
a short biography of approximately 60-100 words - this may include past degrees, research areas or interests, current program, research labs, interests or hobbies outside of research, etc. and we also encourage you to add some fun facts about yourself (e.g. your pets, favourite food or music, etc.)
a good quality portrait or headshot photo
contact information to be listed with your video
your availability to attend an in-person viewing party the day of the showcase, or willingness to arrange (or work with Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs to arrange) a delegate to attend if you are selected as a finalist

If you have any questions about submission requirements, please email gradventure@uwaterloo.ca.

Training session

The GRADflix training session provides information on how easy it can be to make a great video – even if all you have is a smartphone. The session covers all the tools you need to create a 60 second video, including: GRADflix guidelines, copyright guidelines, video best practices, scripting, technology tools, software options, other resources and communicating for a non-specialist audience.

The 2023 GRADflix training session was held virtually on October 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. You can watch a recording of last year's training session below:

Watch video on YouTube

If you would like a copy of the training session slides, please email gradventure@uwaterloo.ca.

Drop-in session

The drop-ins are a flexible, informal (virtual) space to help you create, refine or finish your GRADflix submission. Have a copy of your GRADflix video ready to share with staff, or use this time to work on your submission. Staff will be available to provide feedback or answer any questions you have about video best practices. The link to attend will be emailed to registered competitors 30 minutes prior to the drop in session.

Save the date for an upcoming drop-in session:

Drop-in session one: Nov 16, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET
Drop-in session two: Dec 6, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET

Equipment Loans

To help you create a quality research communication video, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) has several pieces of equipment available for short term loan that can be useful for capturing stable video and clear audio. These devices will make it easier to produce high-quality work using just your phone as a video camera.

GSPA has the following equipment available upon request:

Gimbal (Electronic stabilizer)
- A Gimbal is a handheld device that reduces the shakiness of handheld footage and is particularly useful if you are planning to walk or move around with your camera while filming, to create a smoother footage.
Gorillapod with cellphone holder
- A Gorillapod is a compact tripod that can be used with your cellphone. This is particularly useful if you want to film one set area or person to ensure that the footage stays stable.
Lapel microphone
- A lapel microphone is a small, clip on microphone to capture audio. Camera or computer microphones can record good audio, but a lapel microphone may be useful if you're recording in areas with more background noise to ensure quality listening experience.
Miniature shotgun microphone
- A miniature shotgun mic attaches directly to your cellphone and increases the quality of audio recording. This is particularly useful if you're recording someone who is somewhat further away from your camera, and may not be close enough to connect to the lapel mic.

To sign out any of these devices, please contact gradventure@uwaterloo.ca. Be sure to specify in your e-mail what equipment you want to borrow, and what date(s) you need it for. Only one of each device is available, and all equipment is loaned out on a first-come, first-served basis.

You will be able to borrow the equipment for a period of two weeks, after which you must return it to GSPA so that it can be made available for other participants. Further details about when and where you can pick up and drop off this equipment will be provided by e-mail once you have submitted your request. Instructions for how to use the equipment will also be provided when you borrow it.

Copyright

When creating your video keep copyright in mind. As your video will be made available online, you need to make sure that you are using third party content properly. If you want to avoid copyright complications, take a look at the resources provided by the University of Waterloo's Copyright and Licensing Librarian, Lauren Byl.