THE PROMPT
If you were selected as the next HBCU Creator-in-Residence, what local small business would you partner with to create a campaign that celebrates HBCU culture while helping that business grow its visibility, customer base, and community impact?
What would your campaign look like?
This is your opportunity to identify a local business, develop a creative vision, and bring that vision to life through a professionally produced video campaign.
FOCUS ON LOCAL. CREATE REAL IMPACT.
YOUR CHALLENGE
SELECT
Choose a local small business that you believe has an opportunity to authentically engage HBCU students, alumni, or the surrounding community.
DEVELOP
Create a creator-led campaign concept that brings the business and HBCU culture together in an authentic and compelling way.
EXPLAIN
Tell the story behind your campaign, including your creative direction, content strategy, target audience, platforms, and intended impact.
SHOW
Bring your concept to life through a high-quality final video that demonstrates how your campaign could increase visibility, attract customers, and create a meaningful connection between the business and the HBCU community.
DON'T JUST PITCH THE CAMPAIGN. PRODUCE IT.
We want to see how you take an idea from concept to execution. Your submission should be a finished creative product, not simply a presentation explaining what you would do.
Think commercial, mini-documentary, branded short film, or cinematic campaign.
ELIGIBILITY & SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1) CURRENT HBCU STUDENT
Applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited HBCU at the time of submission.
2) PROVIDE A 3ā5 MINUTE FINAL VIDEO
Your final submission must be between 3 and 5 minutes long and showcase the campaign you created for your selected local small business.
3) CINEMATIC PRODUCTION QUALITY
The final product should feel like a professionally produced brand campaign, rather than casual or everyday social media content.
We are looking for intentional:
- Cinematography and camera composition
- Lighting and exposure
- Professional-quality audio
- Music and sound design
- Storytelling and creative direction
- Branding and visual consistency
- 4K PREFERRED
- Videos should preferably be filmed and delivered in 4K resolution (3840 Ć 2160)
A minimum of 1080p Full HD may be accepted if the overall cinematography and production quality meet the standards of the challenge.
Ā
Think: Commercial. Branded Short Film. Mini-Documentary. Cinematic Campaign.
SUBMISSION TIMEFRAME
MONDAY, AUGUST 24TH ā FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH
All final videos must be submitted by Friday, September 25th, 11:59 PM EST to be considered.
PRIZE - TOP 3 VIDEO FINALISTS
- The Top 3 Video Finalists will receive up to $5,000:
- $3,000 - First Place / $1,500 - Second Place / $500 - Third Place
- Top submissions will also have the opportunity to be featured and recognized through the HBCUniverse Creators Lab platform, and shown at our HBCUniverse Summit at North Carolina A&T State University on Saturday, October 3rd. You DO NOT have to be present at the Summit in order to submit or to receive your prize, but we encourage you to join us.
- Top 3 Finalists will receive mentorship from the National Black Movie Association