Takeover Melbourne

Published on 18 March 2020

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Takeover Melbourne is a chance for young people to shape the future of their city. This new competition from the ABC calls for stories from year 10 students across greater Melbourne. Winners will get to work with ABC producers to share their story on the ABC, and win a place at the Takeover Melbourne Summit. Enter your story by June 26! https://www.abc.net.au/takeover/

Frequently asked questions

When is the Takeover Competition open?

The Takeover Competition is open from 12 March, 2020 to 27 June, 2020.

Who is eligible?

You must be either:

  • Enrolled in year 10 (or equivalent)
  • Or if you are not enrolled at school you need to be aged 15-17 when entries close on 27 June, 2020
  • You must live, work or study in greater Melbourne.  Great Melbourne is defined as including these local government areas: Boroondara, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse, Yarra Ranges, Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Mitchell, Moreland, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Melton, Moonee Valley, Wyndham, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Yarra, Bayside, Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Kingston and Mornington Peninsula

 What if I don't live in greater Melbourne?

Unfortunately you are not eligible to enter the Takeover Competition.  But if you live in regional Australia, you may be eligible for our sister program Heywire.

Are there specific topics that my story should be about?

No, but you story must be a true story about you and/or your community. It might be a personal story about an aspect of your life; a challenge that you've overcome; something you'd like to change about your community; or simply an important moment in your life.

What makes a good Takeover story?

Check out our top ten tips for creating a great Takeover story.

Can I submit a video? Photos? Audio?

Sure can! Your entry can be in any format: audio, video, photos or text.

What do I get if I win the Takeover competition?

You get to work with ABC staff to professionally produce your story. Then it gets featured on the ABC. To cap it all off, you win an all-expenses paid trip to the very prestigious and very awesome Takeover Melbourne Summit.

How long should my story be?

There is no hard and fast limit, but we recommend text entries be roughly 300-400 words, video and audio be 2-4 minutes and series of photos contain roughly 5 images that tell a story.

Am I allowed to enter more than one story in the competition?

Yes, you can submit as many stories as you like.

Can I submit a fictional story?

Takeover is about you and your community, so we only accept true stories.

What about group entries?

The heart of Takeover is an individual telling a personal story. Group work can be submitted as long as the group understands that only one person from the group will be declared a winner and get the chance to go to the Takeover Summit if the entry wins. It's critical that one person is identified as the main writer/author, because it's that personal story that will be judged as the Takeover entry.

What on earth is the Takeover Summit?

The Takeover Summit is an awesome week of money-can't-buy experiences.  You'll meet the other competition winners and together you'll take over some of Melbourne's key institutions like the ABC and Melbourne Town Hall with your stories and ideas.

How can I enter the Takeover Competition?

  • The easiest, most convenient and most popular way is by clicking the Enter Now button in the header of this page and submitting your story online.
  • But your entry can also be emailed to takeover@abc.net.au. Include your full name, date of birth, address and parents' permission.

Why are some Takeover stories so challenging?

Takeover encourages young Australians to share their ideas and stories in a creative and honest way. Please be aware that, at times, the nature of their contributions may be challenging and may offend some audience members. The ABC is vigilant in ensuring the welfare of young participants but we understand that coarse language, disturbing images or unconventional situations may be a part of life for some young people, and when in context and in line with our ABC's Conditions of Use, may be included on the Takeover site.

What video formats can be uploaded?

Members can submit video up to 250MB in the following formats:

  • MPEG (mp4, VOB, MPG, 3GP)
  • Microsoft (AVI, ASF, WMV)
  • Quicktime (MOV)
  • FLV (VP6 - newest version of FLV format)

What video editing applications are available?

Windows Movie Maker for Windows and iMovie for Apple, which are probably the most common video editing applications and both come free with the Operating Systems. Both applications will allow members to export their final program in an accepted format for Takeover Melbourne.

What audio file type can I upload?

Members can upload an audio recording of up to 100MB in MP3 format.

What photo formats can I upload?

Photography or graphics can be uploaded using JPG, GIF,PNG and BMP formats up to 10MB.

What about using commercial music in my story?

Choosing music to enhance your film is a real skill, but be prepared, getting this right takes time and shouldn't be a last-minute decision. You just can't download the latest Skrillex hit and mash it on your video. It's not legal! Unless you get personal permission from Skrillex himself and that's most likely going to cost you some big bucks.

Don't stress: read through this and you'll find links to music you can legally use.

Your question isn't answered here?

You can contact a Takeover team member by email: takeover@abc.net.au or by calling 1800 26 26 46.

 

Information for Teachers

Takeover is a great practical unit of work for year 10 students exploring issues such as: identity, place, journeys, discovery, belonging or student voice; or in any unit that involves producing personal narratives. Plus, it's totally free and mapped to the Australian Curriculum.

If you use Takeover in your curriculum in Term 1 or 2 of 2020, ABC can offer a package of support including:

  • Resources mapped to the Australian curriculum
  • A storytelling workshop delivered by ABC producers
  • A tour of the ABC’s Southbank studios (places limited, so get in quick!)

 For more information visit the Takeover Melbourne website.

 

Enter the Takeover Melbourne competition

Enter now

 

 

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