Directing Change

Mental Health Matters Toolbox

 

Submission Requirement Checklist:

Number One: My film is exactly 60 seconds long depending on the submission category. The title slide does not count toward the 60-second limit.

Why this matters:  Many of the films (even if they are not winning films) are used to support local awareness efforts and shown in local movie theaters and even on TV.  We are only able to use films that meet the 30 or 60-second requirement (based on the submission category you choose).
 

Number Two: My film includes the required end slate.

Films must include this end slate which includes a compilation image of logos and Each Mind Matters website. This end slate should appear at the end of your film and within the 60 second limit. Choose one:

Number Three: My film includes a title slide. You may use this title slide template or you may create your own title slide as long as it includes the required information below. Download the Title Slide Template here .

The title slide is not counted in the 60-second limit and needs to include:

  • Film Title
  • Filmmaker (s) names: (these are the youth involved in the filming, editing, or creation of the film)
  • School or Organization, Club or Other Affiliation Name
  • County (not country)
  • Adult Advisor Name
  • The Submission Category

Number Four: I have release forms on file for every participant involved in my film:  Filmmaking requires discipline and dedication to the craft. Youth filmmakers and participants are honor-bound to acquire all necessary permissions and signatures and must accept the liabilities for copyright violations. This means the cast and crew, and anyone else involved in creation of your film must sign a release form, including parent/guardian signatures if they are under the age of 18. Be sure your advisor keeps all release forms on file in case the Directing Change staff asks you to provide them to us. Visit the Release Form Page for more information.

Number Five: My film doesn’t include any disqualifying contest:  Be sure you’ve reviewed the “Disqualifying Content” section of the submission category of your film to make sure your film won’t be disqualified for including any of this content. For example, if you’re submiting in the Mental Health Matters category, your film should not include derogatory terms like  “crazy” and “psycho” without explicitly communicating to the audience that these terms are unacceptable. Any films that show this or show any weapons will be disqualified.

*A reminder! – All film submissions should align with safe messgaging guildelines and there are specific safe messaging scoring measures for each category which we encourage you to review. 

Mental Health Resources to Assist You with Content

For background information review these short educational films developed by NAMI California.

Additional Resources

  • Each Mind Matters: California’s Mental Health Movement is made of up millions of people who believe that everyone experiencing a mental health challenge deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, happy and meaningful life. See what people are saying and sharing – and add your voice to the movement by creating your film in this category. Learn more about the movement and ways to get involved at eachmindmatters.org
  • Mental Health Fact Sheet: This document includes statistics and facts about mental health and an explanation of stigma and what you can do to help end the silence of mental illness. Download PDF
  • How to Help a Friend or Family Member: This document provides tips on how to respond if a friend or family member tells you that he or she has a mental disorder. It includes tips on how to help and support a friend or family member’s healthy behaviors. Download PDF
  • Each Mind Matters: Having a conversation about mental health. Check out this helpful video to learn how to start a conversation about mental health: https://vimeo.com/129273542
  • Each Mind Matters: Fighting stigma using social media.This film provides tips and ideas for how you can use social media to fight stigma and share your story: https://vimeo.com/134363573
  • List of mental illnesses and symptoms: This document includes a list and overview of mental illnesses and symptoms, as well as treatment and support available for each. It also allows you to connect with others on the NAMI discussion groups which can be a great way to manage recovery, find support and learn more about mental health conditions. View here. 
  • Myths and Facts about Mental Illness: Misconceptions about mental illness are pervasive and the lack of understanding can have serious consequences for millions of people who have a psychiatric illness. Check out this fact sheet which helps to dispel these myths which is a powerful step toward eradicating stigma. View here.
  • Eachmindmatters.org for Young Adults: Whether you’re starting college or figuring out life as an adult, your late teens and early twenties can be a seriously stressful time. It is also common for the first signs of mental health problems to show up at this age. This site encourages youth to be aware of symptoms and seek help if you’re unsure. http://www.eachmindmatters.org/mental-health/young-adult/
  • Half of Us: Mental health issues are a reality for millions of people across the country. Young people are especially at risk, with half of college students reporting that they have been stressed to a point where they couldn’t function during the past year. This website encourages young people to help ourselves and others by fighting the stigma around mental health and speaking up when we need support. Learn more about how you can join the campaign here: halfofus.com
  • Text Talk Act: This website encourages young people across the country to have a national conversation on mental health and learn how to help a friend in need. Through text messaging, small groups receive discussion questions to lead them through a conversation about mental health. Join the nationwide conversation to help end the silence and learn more: http://www.creatingcommunitysolutions.org/texttalkact
If you are experiencing an emotional crisis, are thinking about suicide or are concerned about a friend call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately: 1-800-273-8255This is a free 24-hour hotline.
The contest is part of Each Mind Matters: California's Mental Health Movement and statewide efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and to promote the mental health and wellness of students. These initiatives are funded by counties through the Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63) and administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), an organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The program is implemented by Your Social Marketer, Inc.
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