1st Place
Josh MorganThe Greenville News
Judges Comments
The intro hooked me and I wanted to know more about the issue. I also liked that it introduced the main characters that would reappear later on. I thought the narrative was well constructed with some description of what civil asset forfeiture is, the problem in this community, and the ramifications of this issue with real people. I loved the documentary sequences with the two men who’s assets were seized and thought the documentary sequences with the state police were effective as well. A balanced piece that paced itself well and included many voices.
2nd Place
Jon ShapleyHouston Chronicle
Judges Comments
The first forty seconds of this piece is very impactful and sets the tone of the piece. I thought the videographer made good use of limited visuals and the editing helped tell this story very effectively. Would’ve liked some better transitions between each of the characters in the piece but overall I thought the narrative arc was there and I liked how the piece came back to the first character at the end. A tough, tough subject and I appreciated that the videographer handled uncomfortable conversations with convicted child molesters in a professional manner. It was a shocking glimpse into the mind of a sexual predator that was presented in a way that didn’t glorify these men.
3rd Place
Lauren FrohneThe Seattle Times
Judges Comments
Good use of archival footage and paced well. Foreshadowing in the very beginning tells the viewer that something is going to happen. I liked the use of personal videos because I felt connected to the characters in a very personal way. I thought it took a little long for the reveal about the boat sinking to be presented, but I like how the videographer connected the first part to the second part, where we hear about how this event affected the character who lost all his friends. I thought it wrapped up nicely, but could’ve been edited a little tighter.
Judges: Josh Bickel, Brooke LaValley, Courtney Hergesheimer/The Columbus Dispatch