agreed!

word :(

that's very very sad:(

I think this is one of those instances where the Official Language of the rules doesn't completely elucidate the spirit of the competition. Legalese can often be blunt and clumsy.

I don't think Vimeo really wants to exclude anyone from participating. I do think that in order to enter you will need to use a valid US address and phone number. Filmmaking is a collaborative process, often bringing people together from various nationalities. I imagine that might be the case for many entering this contest. One would suppose that as long as a participant enters with valid US address and phone number they would be "good to go". Perhaps that indivual would have a friend or family member in the states who they could "collaborate" with.

Any any case, if you have a project in mind, I think you should produce and submit it.

perhaps, but what if you do all the work, win and then Canon (which has European and Asian headquarters because it's a bloody Japanese company) says you don't get the good stuff because you're not American and we think you used the address to bypass the rules?

I have a sneaking feeling that the contest organizers will make sure the winning entries get their due recognition.

:(

right, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue it is then! ;o)

My understanding of the entry rules is that you can enter as long as you provide a US Address and phone number.

I'm no lawyer, but based on what I've read of the rules, you do not need to be a US citizen to participate in the competition, but you do need to sign up with a US address and phone number. I've heard of some people who are talking about using the address and phone number of a friend or family member in the states. I'll bet that would work just fine.

I may come across as ignorant but I found that comment quite hollow in the context of things.

Judging panel full of white men, what else is new?

I found such a comment whack, out there and incoherent. I don't want to start a flame war on this page out of respect for Vimeo, but Will, I think you took one look at the judges judging this competition and blew it completely and unnecessarily out of proportion for little to know actual reason.

Funnily (and ironically) enough, it's people with your attitude that are "throwin' it back to the stone age" as it were.

Look around, Vimeo is for everyone. There's no need to make outrageous claims or point the finger.

besides, when does diversity trump skill? they didnt pick the people because they were all the same, they picked them because they were good at what they do, you need to look at the person as a person, not a nationality, gender, or other "diversity" to be included, believe it or not, your comment Will, was racist, and sexist not intended i know but the nature of the contest is for talented people to judge, not ethnically diverse people to judge.

right, making a comment about diversity is in and of itself inherently racist/sexist, there's torture in that logic.

I guess you're right. I'm trying to remember why I thought it had to be shot with Canon. It must have been the title of this page. I'm guessing I read "Canon HD" video contest, rather than Canon "HD video" contest.

I don't think Vimeo really wants to exclude anyone from particapating. I'm thinking if you enter the contest with a proper US adress and phone number you'll be OK. If you've got a project you're considering, I think you should find a way to enter.

as long as its a minimum of 1280x720

For some legal reasons I don't really understand, the OFFICIAL entry guidelines confine the competition to US RESIDENTS. It probably has to do with adhering to legal requirements in various places that they would like extend the competition to. LEGALLY, it's probably pretty tricky to write a consistent set of guidelines that conform various national and local legal systems that might dictate how such competitions should be operated.

That being said, I also know that VIMEO is OFFICIALLY one of the most open social media sharing sites on the internet, and they have a great INTERNATIONAL community that they would hate to exclude or alienate. I suspect that anyone who wants to participate should be able to find a way. As I understanding the guidelines, as long as you enter with a valid US ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER, you should be solid. If you don't personally have and address or phone number, maybe somebody on your CREW does?

Anywho, If you're interested in participating, I personally hope to see your submission!

James,

If you're seriously considering entering the Canon HD contest, I think you should. I'm sure you could find someone on you're crew with a US address & phone number. Pretty sure that's all you 'll need. ;)

p.s. US loves Cananda, you also gave us Lorne Greene, Paul Shaffer and Rick Moranis!

Callum,

If you're really interested in participating the contest, I'll bet you could find a way. You might read some of the comments on this blog to get inspiration. ;)

If you're interested, you should find a way to enter. Maybe you have a friend or family member with a valid US address and phone number.

I have a sneaking suspicion that Vimeo will make sure the winning entry gets its due.

Good Luck!

Hey Guys,

I'm guessing Blake, Vincent and the other organizers are restricted from discussing the contest beyond the language of the guidelines. I think they are trying very hard to to be as inclusive as possible while remaining within whatever legal restrictions that might dictate how such a competition must be run.

As long as we are all cool about this, I'm sure that anyone who wants to get involved should be able to.

Good Luck! I hope I have the opportunity to see your work.

Hey Phil,

You're right I'm basing my assertion on the assumption that Vimeo wants to be fair, as well as a few other things. I doubt that Vimeo will be able to expand on the conditions of the competition beyond the Official Guidelines, but I know that they want this to be as open as possible.

I can also tell you that if you are considering participating, you'll need to enter with a valid US address and phone number.

I don't work for Canon or Vimeo, but I would hope that I could be considered a "trusted member of the community".

It's stated several times in the comments above and elsewhere. Reading between the lines, anyone from any country can enter. Worry about the residency rule once you win/become semi-finalist... there are ways around it.
As a UK resident, I'm entering the competition and couldn't afford to waste this time if I thought it would be disqualified.