PROMOTIONAL DVD/VIDEO

BEST PRACTICES

1Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD

In 2006, the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Board of Directors determined that the entire Cariboo

Chilcotin needed a tool to help promote tourism, economic development and investment opportunities

throughout the four seasons of the year. In collaboration with its four member municipalities; Quesnel,

Williams Lake, the District of 100 Mile and the District of Wells, along with the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Tourism Association, the South Cariboo Tourism Association and the Central Cariboo Tourism Association

(CCCTA), the project was completed in the spring of 2008. The CRD administered the project and used

$40,000 of its Phase 1 UBCM Community Tourism Program funding to cover the production costs. An

additional $20,000 of Phase 2 UBCM Tourism Funding was secured by the CRD, Quesnel, Wells and

Williams Lake while the CCCTA secured another $15,000 of provincial funding to purchase 20,000 copies

of the completed DVD. The project is now complete, and the Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD

team has become more than a working team with a singular project – it has laid the foundation for

future collaboration between public and private sectors which will benefit all residents of the Cariboo

Chilcotin.

Background

UBCM Community Excellence Awards

1Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD

In 2006, the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Board of Directors determined that the entire Cariboo

Chilcotin needed a tool to help promote tourism, economic development and investment opportunities

throughout the four seasons of the year. In collaboration with its four member municipalities; Quesnel,

Williams Lake, the District of 100 Mile and the District of Wells, along with the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Tourism Association, the South Cariboo Tourism Association and the Central Cariboo Tourism Association

(CCCTA), the project was completed in the spring of 2008. The CRD administered the project and used

$40,000 of its Phase 1 UBCM Community Tourism Program funding to cover the production costs. An

additional $20,000 of Phase 2 UBCM Tourism Funding was secured by the CRD, Quesnel, Wells and

Williams Lake while the CCCTA secured another $15,000 of provincial funding to purchase 20,000 copies

of the completed DVD. The project is now complete, and the Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD

team has become more than a working team with a singular project – it has laid the foundation for

future collaboration between public and private sectors which will benefit all residents of the Cariboo

Chilcotin.

Background

UBCM Community Excellence Awards

UBCM Community Excellence Awards

3

UBCM Community Excellence Awards

2

The purpose of the Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD is to highlight the tourism, recreational

and economic opportunities throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin. The Cariboo Regional District has taken

the lead on this initiative and will continue to administer the program, its progress and the funding for

this project.

The project has been organized and implemented by the staffs of the partners and is truly a regional

marketing effort, giving no head to boundaries, or politics. The final product will promote all areas of the

Cariboo-Chilcotin and will give equal credit to all of its participants. To date, no other project of this

nature, combining staffs of both local governments and private sectors has ever been attempted and

marks a new era of regionalism within the Cariboo-Chilcotin.

The development of a promotional video falls directly under the CRD's mission statement: Working in

partnership with communities, large and small, to make the Cariboo Chilcotin a socially, economically

and environmentally desirable region to live, work and play.

Under the 2006 Corporate Communications Strategy, the CRD endorsed several strategies including the

development of promotional items and projects to grow its corporate image, to increase the number of

visitors to the region, and to enhance communications cooperation with municipal government partners.

All of these strategies can be realized through this project.

It is anticipated that through the promotion of this video, tourism will greatly increase. The Cariboo

Chilcotin is indeed a land without limits. Bordered by the wild Cariboo and Columbia mountains to the

east and the forested fjords of the central coast to the west, it is here that the legendary wild west lives

on - complete with cowboys, cattle drives, more fishing holes than can be counted, and the BC Gold

Rush Trail.

The video is being distributed through each of the member municipalities and the regional district,

available at all tourism information centres in the region, and is being utilized as a tool by the partner

associations such as the CCCTA, Central Cariboo Tourism, and South Cariboo Tourism as a focal point for

displays at home and trade shows. The production is also available on all of the members' websites.

The unique areas of the Cariboo and Chilcotin share some common traits, like a strong pioneer spirit,

friendly smiles and plenty of open spaces, but offer their own unique scenery and blend of British

Columbia hospitality. This is a region with a past rich in the spirit of adventure, a land settled by

The Projectentrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts, artists and explorers, an enticing and irresistible place that

continues today to lure those with a yen for discovery. All this has been beautifully captured by the video

and is being marketed to all potential tourists and investors, nationally and abroad. The footage, which

has been shot in the most technologically current high-definition format, was recently purchased by the

2010 Winter Olympic Games Secretariat to be included as part of the BC Explorer program that will be a

main attraction of BC House in the Beijing Summer Games in August, 2008.

The Cariboo Regional District and its partners contracted RealWorld to create an approximately twelve

minute (12) broadcast quality video that showcases and promotes the four (4) component areas of the

Cariboo Chilcotin region. While showcasing the uniqueness of each region, this video will focus on

common themes that are shared by all. Based on the initial feedback from the team members, the

CCCTA is currently planning to undertake a Phase Two of the Cariboo Chilcotin promotional DVD to

include the Central Coast and Bella Coola. Again, the tourism associations will be working with the

Central Coast Regional District and Cariboo Regional District.

This video is directed to an audience of people who to wish visit the Cariboo Chilcotin, relocate, skilled

trades, entrepreneurs, young retirees, young families and young people, of all walks of life. The video

inspires people to conceive of a life in some of the world's most unexplored country. Inundated in

history, the region conveys a sense of wonder where people have lived over millennia yet exudes a

modern texture of vast nature, family values and economic promise available to those who dare to

dream.

Key objectives:

?To showcase tourism and relocation possibilities.

?To bring people to the Cariboo Chilcotin country to visit and to stay.

?To reach people in resource investment – people who wish to relocate, skilled trades,

entrepreneurs, young retirees, young families and young people.

?To inspire pride among residents about the communities they live in. The completed video will be

authored to a DVD in order to deliver the best visual quality and provide a superior audience

experience. The DVD will be capable of play on either set top players or computers installed with a

DVD drive. Additionally, the completed video is encoded to facilitate playback from the web.

Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVDCariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD

UBCM Community Excellence Awards

3

UBCM Community Excellence Awards

2

The purpose of the Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD is to highlight the tourism, recreational

and economic opportunities throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin. The Cariboo Regional District has taken

the lead on this initiative and will continue to administer the program, its progress and the funding for

this project.

The project has been organized and implemented by the staffs of the partners and is truly a regional

marketing effort, giving no head to boundaries, or politics. The final product will promote all areas of the

Cariboo-Chilcotin and will give equal credit to all of its participants. To date, no other project of this

nature, combining staffs of both local governments and private sectors has ever been attempted and

marks a new era of regionalism within the Cariboo-Chilcotin.

The development of a promotional video falls directly under the CRD's mission statement: Working in

partnership with communities, large and small, to make the Cariboo Chilcotin a socially, economically

and environmentally desirable region to live, work and play.

Under the 2006 Corporate Communications Strategy, the CRD endorsed several strategies including the

development of promotional items and projects to grow its corporate image, to increase the number of

visitors to the region, and to enhance communications cooperation with municipal government partners.

All of these strategies can be realized through this project.

It is anticipated that through the promotion of this video, tourism will greatly increase. The Cariboo

Chilcotin is indeed a land without limits. Bordered by the wild Cariboo and Columbia mountains to the

east and the forested fjords of the central coast to the west, it is here that the legendary wild west lives

on - complete with cowboys, cattle drives, more fishing holes than can be counted, and the BC Gold

Rush Trail.

The video is being distributed through each of the member municipalities and the regional district,

available at all tourism information centres in the region, and is being utilized as a tool by the partner

associations such as the CCCTA, Central Cariboo Tourism, and South Cariboo Tourism as a focal point for

displays at home and trade shows. The production is also available on all of the members' websites.

The unique areas of the Cariboo and Chilcotin share some common traits, like a strong pioneer spirit,

friendly smiles and plenty of open spaces, but offer their own unique scenery and blend of British

Columbia hospitality. This is a region with a past rich in the spirit of adventure, a land settled by

The Projectentrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts, artists and explorers, an enticing and irresistible place that

continues today to lure those with a yen for discovery. All this has been beautifully captured by the video

and is being marketed to all potential tourists and investors, nationally and abroad. The footage, which

has been shot in the most technologically current high-definition format, was recently purchased by the

2010 Winter Olympic Games Secretariat to be included as part of the BC Explorer program that will be a

main attraction of BC House in the Beijing Summer Games in August, 2008.

The Cariboo Regional District and its partners contracted RealWorld to create an approximately twelve

minute (12) broadcast quality video that showcases and promotes the four (4) component areas of the

Cariboo Chilcotin region. While showcasing the uniqueness of each region, this video will focus on

common themes that are shared by all. Based on the initial feedback from the team members, the

CCCTA is currently planning to undertake a Phase Two of the Cariboo Chilcotin promotional DVD to

include the Central Coast and Bella Coola. Again, the tourism associations will be working with the

Central Coast Regional District and Cariboo Regional District.

This video is directed to an audience of people who to wish visit the Cariboo Chilcotin, relocate, skilled

trades, entrepreneurs, young retirees, young families and young people, of all walks of life. The video

inspires people to conceive of a life in some of the world's most unexplored country. Inundated in

history, the region conveys a sense of wonder where people have lived over millennia yet exudes a

modern texture of vast nature, family values and economic promise available to those who dare to

dream.

Key objectives:

?To showcase tourism and relocation possibilities.

?To bring people to the Cariboo Chilcotin country to visit and to stay.

?To reach people in resource investment – people who wish to relocate, skilled trades,

entrepreneurs, young retirees, young families and young people.

?To inspire pride among residents about the communities they live in. The completed video will be

authored to a DVD in order to deliver the best visual quality and provide a superior audience

experience. The DVD will be capable of play on either set top players or computers installed with a

DVD drive. Additionally, the completed video is encoded to facilitate playback from the web.

Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVDCariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD

4

The video speaks of the wonders to visit in this pristine region, while encouraging people to come here

with their families to stay, given the multiple economic and lifestyle benefits that can be enjoyed here,

through:

?Culture and traditional ways of life (hunting, fishing, arts and crafts, historic sites)

?The natural environment (animal habitats, streams/rivers, communities nestled in unspoiled

landscapes)

?Economic opportunities (logging, mining, quaint boutiques and shops, etc.)

?Testimonial anecdotes from residents.

At the conclusion of a screening the audience should feel:

?Informed – they’ll learn about the unique qualities of the region, how people live, what the

economic opportunities are and a sense of what the natural environment looks like

?Inspired – the video story seeks to connect with the audience on an emotive level where they

experience life in the region and are motivated to learn more

?Jealous - they’ll see people of the region in action, engaged in a life they enjoy and get a sense of

fulfillment, while participating in their communities, raising families and enjoying an affordable

lifestyle they love

Creative Approach - In order to best connect with the intended audience(s) the production company

recommended creating a video that travels through the various seasons and showcases industry,

geography, wildlife and recreational activities available throughout the year, while weaving the key

themes for the video: Nature, Lifestyle, Families, and Business. Run-time for the entire video will be

approximately 17 minutes; the pacing, flow and visual approach will ensure all 17 minutes are intimate,

engaging and informative.

Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVDCariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD 5

The VideoThe story structure for the video revolves around four main narrative sections that flow together in a

seamless fashion. Each distinct season was covered and in each season topics that touch on lifestyle,

family, nature and business were of primary focus. Each of these four sections is structured as scenes

that combine to build our overall story and message.

The structure of the production takes place as follows;

Intro – a brief sequence to identify what the video is about, set the location, and begin the story. We

established the region and described the character of the place in the upcoming video. We see

abundant majestic nature images.

1. Lifestyle – Describes how people are friendly and warm, share a varied culture and relaxed

lifestyle, many amenities, recreational options, technology ease, art, Performing Arts Theatre,

music and ethnic diversity among the people of the region. Will showcase schools, winter

outdoor and indoor activities, fields, arenas, i.e. Pow Wow – celebrations in First Nations

communities, Tourism Discovery Centre, storytelling – long roots and history.

2. Family – Describes the values and the character of the people that inhabit the region, old

fashioned morals and family oriented communities, where crime is minimal and block parties are

part of life. There is affordable housing and recreational sports for all ages, as well as schools and

churches. Volunteers run events where there’s opportunity for social connections among people

of all ages, i.e. french immersion, Catholic schools. Also health services, emergency services and

easy transport to larger health care centres and specialists.

3. Business – Describes what economic opportunities are available: services, trades and logging

opportunities, log building, blue pine, new initiatives, environmental innovation, while projecting

a sense of wonder and happy people working to live not living to work. Some of the industries

showcased include saw mills, log home builders, secondary wood manufacturers and mining.

Tourism driven businesses such as fishing, resorts, lakes, cottage industry, exclusive fishing

lodges, B&Bs, water skiing (ie. Horse Lake guest ranches).

Story Structure

UBCM Community Excellence Awards UBCM Community Excellence Awards

4

The video speaks of the wonders to visit in this pristine region, while encouraging people to come here

with their families to stay, given the multiple economic and lifestyle benefits that can be enjoyed here,

through:

?Culture and traditional ways of life (hunting, fishing, arts and crafts, historic sites)

?The natural environment (animal habitats, streams/rivers, communities nestled in unspoiled

landscapes)

?Economic opportunities (logging, mining, quaint boutiques and shops, etc.)

?Testimonial anecdotes from residents.

At the conclusion of a screening the audience should feel:

?Informed – they’ll learn about the unique qualities of the region, how people live, what the

economic opportunities are and a sense of what the natural environment looks like

?Inspired – the video story seeks to connect with the audience on an emotive level where they

experience life in the region and are motivated to learn more

?Jealous - they’ll see people of the region in action, engaged in a life they enjoy and get a sense of

fulfillment, while participating in their communities, raising families and enjoying an affordable

lifestyle they love

Creative Approach - In order to best connect with the intended audience(s) the production company

recommended creating a video that travels through the various seasons and showcases industry,

geography, wildlife and recreational activities available throughout the year, while weaving the key

themes for the video: Nature, Lifestyle, Families, and Business. Run-time for the entire video will be

approximately 17 minutes; the pacing, flow and visual approach will ensure all 17 minutes are intimate,

engaging and informative.

Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVDCariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD 5

The VideoThe story structure for the video revolves around four main narrative sections that flow together in a

seamless fashion. Each distinct season was covered and in each season topics that touch on lifestyle,

family, nature and business were of primary focus. Each of these four sections is structured as scenes

that combine to build our overall story and message.

The structure of the production takes place as follows;

Intro – a brief sequence to identify what the video is about, set the location, and begin the story. We

established the region and described the character of the place in the upcoming video. We see

abundant majestic nature images.

1. Lifestyle – Describes how people are friendly and warm, share a varied culture and relaxed

lifestyle, many amenities, recreational options, technology ease, art, Performing Arts Theatre,

music and ethnic diversity among the people of the region. Will showcase schools, winter

outdoor and indoor activities, fields, arenas, i.e. Pow Wow – celebrations in First Nations

communities, Tourism Discovery Centre, storytelling – long roots and history.

2. Family – Describes the values and the character of the people that inhabit the region, old

fashioned morals and family oriented communities, where crime is minimal and block parties are

part of life. There is affordable housing and recreational sports for all ages, as well as schools and

churches. Volunteers run events where there’s opportunity for social connections among people

of all ages, i.e. french immersion, Catholic schools. Also health services, emergency services and

easy transport to larger health care centres and specialists.

3. Business – Describes what economic opportunities are available: services, trades and logging

opportunities, log building, blue pine, new initiatives, environmental innovation, while projecting

a sense of wonder and happy people working to live not living to work. Some of the industries

showcased include saw mills, log home builders, secondary wood manufacturers and mining.

Tourism driven businesses such as fishing, resorts, lakes, cottage industry, exclusive fishing

lodges, B&Bs, water skiing (ie. Horse Lake guest ranches).

Story Structure

UBCM Community Excellence Awards UBCM Community Excellence Awards

4. Nature – Describes an environmentally friendly approach to development and economic goals. A

place where people share a mentality of respect for nature and wildlife. Residents enjoy many

year-round outdoor activities, surrounded by pristine wilderness; however, this is a land where

hard work, old fashioned ethics and respect for the environment can make anyone’s dreams a

reality. We showcase serious prevention of pollution in British Columbia’s main river sources (i.e.

Quesnel River Pulp – preventing pollution in the water – heating from pulp mill- Green City of

Quesnel), which emerge from this region and reach the Pacific Ocean, crossing the entire

province, i.e. Remote sites, fishing (Black Water river, the grease trail, Wells, TBD, etc. No bugs all

seasons.

Summary – a series of brief and poignant images conjure up a picture of Eden, lifestyle change and

cultural diversity that invite everyone to seek a home among the people of the Interior of BC.

This narrative approach required the on camera participation of local people and willing interviewees

who shared their success stories. These characters served to personalize the story and achieve the

intimacy and emotive qualities that were sought. Narration clearly establishes the story points and

specific benefits of relocation to the Interior.

Interview topics for each participant are grounded on the following speaking points:

?Participation in their community

?Involvement in business i.e. forestry, culture and/or other business

?Enjoyment of the natural landscape

?Current and future economic opportunities

?What positive experiences they’ve had and are willing to share

?Services they didn’t expect but that they enjoy now

?Their personal hopes and aspirations for their move here

6 Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVDCariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD 7

The visual & audio treatment captures the beauty of British Columbia, the lifestyle benefits, the

economic opportunities and the environmental assets. We wanted to bring the audience close to nature

while seeing the possibility of making a living in the region as well.

To achieve this, all video will be shot in wide screen (16x9) High Definition Video format and in a style

that focuses on organic colours and beauty of the natural environment. It also focuses on the sights and

sounds of the landscape as we visually explore the inter-connection of communities, business with the

overall lifestyle and need for economic development.

Voiceover narration was used to provide critical information and to bridge interviews and sequences.

The narration emphasizes the sincerity and integrity of the video’s message and drives the story line.

The audio environment similarly focuses on organic sounds – wind, water, wildlife, the sound of

footsteps in the undergrowth etc. The background music is acoustically driven, and in harmony with the

smooth, poetic flow of the visual environment. An original music score was composed for the

production to accentuate the emotive feelings in this promotional video.

The Cariboo Chilcotin promotional Video/DVD will prove to be a useful tool for the entire region now

and for years to come. While its emphasis is primarily tourism, the spinoff benefits will be numerous.

Story Structure Treatment

UBCM Community Excellence Awards UBCM Community Excellence Awards

4. Nature – Describes an environmentally friendly approach to development and economic goals. A

place where people share a mentality of respect for nature and wildlife. Residents enjoy many

year-round outdoor activities, surrounded by pristine wilderness; however, this is a land where

hard work, old fashioned ethics and respect for the environment can make anyone’s dreams a

reality. We showcase serious prevention of pollution in British Columbia’s main river sources (i.e.

Quesnel River Pulp – preventing pollution in the water – heating from pulp mill- Green City of

Quesnel), which emerge from this region and reach the Pacific Ocean, crossing the entire

province, i.e. Remote sites, fishing (Black Water river, the grease trail, Wells, TBD, etc. No bugs all

seasons.

Summary – a series of brief and poignant images conjure up a picture of Eden, lifestyle change and

cultural diversity that invite everyone to seek a home among the people of the Interior of BC.

This narrative approach required the on camera participation of local people and willing interviewees

who shared their success stories. These characters served to personalize the story and achieve the

intimacy and emotive qualities that were sought. Narration clearly establishes the story points and

specific benefits of relocation to the Interior.

Interview topics for each participant are grounded on the following speaking points:

?Participation in their community

?Involvement in business i.e. forestry, culture and/or other business

?Enjoyment of the natural landscape

?Current and future economic opportunities

?What positive experiences they’ve had and are willing to share

?Services they didn’t expect but that they enjoy now

?Their personal hopes and aspirations for their move here

6 Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVDCariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD 7

The visual & audio treatment captures the beauty of British Columbia, the lifestyle benefits, the

economic opportunities and the environmental assets. We wanted to bring the audience close to nature

while seeing the possibility of making a living in the region as well.

To achieve this, all video will be shot in wide screen (16x9) High Definition Video format and in a style

that focuses on organic colours and beauty of the natural environment. It also focuses on the sights and

sounds of the landscape as we visually explore the inter-connection of communities, business with the

overall lifestyle and need for economic development.

Voiceover narration was used to provide critical information and to bridge interviews and sequences.

The narration emphasizes the sincerity and integrity of the video’s message and drives the story line.

The audio environment similarly focuses on organic sounds – wind, water, wildlife, the sound of

footsteps in the undergrowth etc. The background music is acoustically driven, and in harmony with the

smooth, poetic flow of the visual environment. An original music score was composed for the

production to accentuate the emotive feelings in this promotional video.

The Cariboo Chilcotin promotional Video/DVD will prove to be a useful tool for the entire region now

and for years to come. While its emphasis is primarily tourism, the spinoff benefits will be numerous.

Story Structure Treatment

UBCM Community Excellence Awards UBCM Community Excellence Awards

Our list of program partners and supporters is as follows:

?City of Quesnel

?Quesnel Economic Development Corporation

?District of Wells – including Barkerville and Bowron Lakes

?District of 100 Mile House – South Cariboo Tourism Association

?City of Williams Lake – Central Cariboo Economic Development Corporation

?Central Cariboo Tourism Association

?Soda Creek Indian Band

?Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association – including First Nations representatives and tourism

operators

?Cariboo Regional District

?RealWorld Media – Production Company

List of Program Partners

8 Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD

UBCM Community Excellence Awards

Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD 9

Our list of program partners and supporters is as follows:

?City of Quesnel

?Quesnel Economic Development Corporation

?District of Wells – including Barkerville and Bowron Lakes

?District of 100 Mile House – South Cariboo Tourism Association

?City of Williams Lake – Central Cariboo Economic Development Corporation

?Central Cariboo Tourism Association

?Soda Creek Indian Band

?Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association – including First Nations representatives and tourism

operators

?Cariboo Regional District

?RealWorld Media – Production Company

List of Program Partners

8 Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD

UBCM Community Excellence Awards

Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional Video/DVD 9

UBCM Community Excellence Awards

2008 APPLICATION

Name of Local Government: _____Cariboo Regional District_____________________________

Project or Program Title: __________Cariboo Chilcotin Promotional DVD/Video_______________________

Select your Category: _X_ BEST PRACTICES

___ BEST PRACTICES, WEBSITE

___ BEST PRACTICES, ANNUAL REPORTING

___ LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION, SMALL COMMUNITY

___ LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION, MID-SIZE COMMUNITY

___ LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION, LARGE COMMUNITY

___ LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION, REGIONAL DISTRICT

___ PARTNERSHIPS: Local Government & First Nations Partnerships

(choose one only) Contact Person: __Shelly Burich______________________________________________

Contact Title: __Manager of Communications_________________ Email: _sburich@cariboord.bc.ca

Phone: _(250) 305-2177 Fax: _(250) 392-2812

By making this application, I understand that all materials will be kept by UBCM and are available for viewing by others

through the UBCM Community Excellence Awards library.

Signature: _______________________ Name (print): ___________________ Date: ____________

Application Checklist: Remember to send 8 copies of your entire application package for distribution to the Selection Committee. EACH copy should contain:

_X A completed application form

_X A one-paragraph summary of the project/program being submitted

_X A five-page summary report (max. 5 pgs)

_X A letter from the Mayor supporting the application

If Applying to Annual Reporting: __ A copy of the Annual Report

If Applying to Partnerships: __ A copy of the partner contact info list

In addition to the eight complete application packages, please include: X One CD/electronic copy of the entire submission

DEADLINE: Friday, August 1, 2008