Lights, Camera, Action–Maryland My Way could win you $500

Filmmakers are extraordinary story-tellers. Maryland is an exciting, vibrant, diverse destination. Add the two together and you get the ‘Maryland My Way’ contest.

The Maryland Office of Tourism Development (OTD) is inviting videographers and DIY filmmakers to create, cast, script and shoot a 30-second commercial that highlights what you find special about Maryland.

“We titled the contest ‘Maryland My Way’ so that the videos are inspired by personal favorites,” said Liz Fitzsimmons, executive director, Maryland Office of Tourism Development. “We want to know which destinations, events or historic sites stand out and why videographers think that it should be on a must-see list for visitors. We want filmmakers to tell their story and show us the best-of-the-best of Maryland – your way.”

The contest runs through October 21, 2016. All footage must be shot in Maryland.

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges to include Jack Gerbes, executive director of the Maryland Film Office, Keith Mehlinger, associate professor of cinema/TV at Morgan State University, Mr. Chris LaMartina, an independent filmmaker, and Emily Glatter, local TV news operations manager and former Hollywood executive. All submissions become property of OTD and may be used in promotions for the state.

The Grand Prize winner will receive $500, there will also be a $250 award for Best Editing and Best Visuals. Winning commercials will then be aired on social media channels, VisitMaryland.org website, Maryland Tourism YouTube channel and in TV commercials placed by Maryland Tourism.

Official rules and registration for the ‘Maryland My Way’ contest are posted on visitmaryland.org. So calling all filmmakers and videographers, time to “roll camera!”

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