The City of Bend and BendFilm are partnering to provide a hands-on educational opportunity for young filmmakers in grades 6-12 with free workshop on August 8.

Young filmmakers are encouraged to produce a 30-second public service announcement in the form of a TV Commercial that educates the public abut he need for stormwater pollution prevention and actions to keep Bend’s waters clean.  The theme is “Clean Water Works, and we work for clean water.”

To assist aspiring filmmakers, BendFilm’s Executive Director Todd Looby will be offering a free workshop from 9-10am on Saturday, August 8, to provide useful tips for creating a winning entry.  The workshop will take place at Riverbend Park just prior to the start of the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council’s Stream Stewardship Day, a clean-up event which runs from 10am to 1pm.

“We felt that holding the workshop just prior to Stream Stewardship Day would allow students a great opportunity to get some on-topic video coverage immediately following the workshop,” said City of Bend Stormwater Program Manager Wendy Edde.  “We look forward to receiving the entries, which are due by August 15.”

The contest will have formal judging along with a People’s Choice award, based on online voting to take place in September. The grand prize $150, second prize is $75 and third prize is $50. The People’s Choice award is $75.

For additional information, please visit the Kid’s Page at bendoregon.gov/cleanwaterworks.  Those interested in participating in the workshop on August 8 should RSVP to Wendy Edde at wedde@bendoregon.gov.