FAQ's - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
     
Q. 
 Why was The ‘International Helen Victoria Haynes WORLD PEACE Storyboard & Animation Scholarship Competition’ fund created?
A. 
 Mary Lou Haynes established the fund for this annual scholarship competition.

After Mary Lou lost her mother ‘Vickie’, with part of an inherited annuity, Mary Lou founded the International HVH WORLD PEACE Storyboard & Animation Scholarship Competition in 1996. It was a special event to honor Vickie’s legacy. Mary Lou wanted to use the inheritance in a way that Vickie may have done to help young artists and musicians. Mary Lou chose animation knowing it to be an area of passion that would sustain her interest over time.

The fund provides scholarships to students who demonstrate artistic talent and have a passion for animation. Every year a $500 scholarship is given to one deserving animation student based on their storyboard depicting HOW WE CAN ACHIEVE WORLD PEACE. The remaining $1,000 is given to the student following year after the animation has been completed and delivered.

The annual beginning submission date is January 1st. The yearly deadline is April 1st and winners will be notified by April 30th.

ASIFA / Central Board member Mary Lou Haynes is known throughout the Chicago and midwest animation community for her commitment to young people interested in learning the art and techniques of animation. For many years, Mary Lou spearheaded the annual ASIFA / Central Conference and animation programs in Chicago. She is committed to helping students fulfill their dreams of becoming animation industry professionals.
     
Q. 
 How can I be a sponsor? I’d like to donate prizes and/or cash to increase the scholarship fund.
A. 
 Thank you! We always welcome more financial support. The Helen Victoria Haynes Scholarship Fund (HVHSF) is made possible by Mary Lou Haynes and generous donations by companies and individuals. Your contributions will help support young people to grow their creative talent. If you are interested in making a donation, email hvhworldpeace@aol.com or write postal mail to:
 

Mary Lou Haynes
Executive Director
International HVH WORLD PEACE
Storyboard & Animation Scholarship Competition
3555 W. 111th Street
Chicago Illinois, USA. 60643
     
Q. 
 Why aren’t college seniors eligible?
A. 
 The ultimate goal of this competition is to complete an animated film every year. Because this competition spans 2 years, a graduating senior who wins the 1st year’s Storyboard competition may not have the resources, discipline or time to complete an animated film during the 2nd year after they have graduated. Therefore, unless they are continuing in school for another year, graduating seniors are ineligible.  Graduate students are eligible if they are registered for studies during the two-year cycle.
     
Q. 
 Why are there so many rules?
A. 
 All the rules have been developed over the years in direct response to a issues and problems that have arisen or to facilitate administration of the competition
     
Q. 
 Why do I have to send 2 SASE’s? I sent 2 envelopes – why didn’t I get notified?
A. 
 The 2nd SASE is optional, if you want a list of winner(s). Our budget does not afford to pay postage to send notifications. Envelopes must have 1st class postage. We do not provide postage for notifications.
     
Q. 
 Why can’t I enter via the internet?
A. 
 The storyboard and film are tangible items that must be delivered to our PMB address. The storyboard entries are judged by a panel that may not all have internet access. The winning storyboards are frequently displayed on tabletop easels or floor easels at animation festivals. The winning animated films are compiled onto one reel and are also screened at animation festivals, schools and other venues.
     
Q. 
 Why isn’t the $1,500 prize money given all at once instead of over a period of 2 years?
A. 
 The ultimate goal of this competition is to complete an animated film every year. If we gave all the money upfront, the student might not have the incentive to complete the work that is required to produce an animated project. We do not personally know all the students that apply, so we take this precaution to ensure, to the best of our ability, that we receive a completed animation by the deadline.
     
Q. 
 Why must the storyboard be on WORLD PEACE? What can’t I send a storyboard on a theme of my choosing?
A. 
 ‘Vickie’ worked hard in her church and the religious community to foster care and empathy among people of various backgrounds. Mary Lou is an advocate and proponent of WORLD PEACE and an animation fan. This competiton combines both of their passions into a worthwhile pursuit – getting young people to THINK about how to achieve WORLD PEACE. There are many other film competitions that you can enter should you choose not to work on WORLD PEACE.
     
Q. 
 How can I increase the chances of my storyboard making it through to the Finals?
A. 
 Follow the rules, use a checklist, make sure your package is complete, and send neat materials.
     
Q. 
 What happens to my storyboard or animation if they are postmarked after the deadline?
A. 
 If your package is postmarked after 12:00 midnight April 1st, it will be disqualified. No exceptions.
     
Q. 
 Will my storyboard or animation be disqualified if either arrives after the deadline?
A. 
 No. As long as your package is postmarked before 12:00 midnight April 1st, it will be accepted.
     
Q. 
 Why don’t you return storyboards and support materials?
A. 
 The administration of tracking storyboards and the cost of paying for return postage is not within our budget We recommend that you keep a copy of all the original materials that you send us.
     
Q. 
 What constitutes a “completed animation”?
A. 
 If you win the competition you are required to produce a comlete animation to qualify for the remainder of the prize.  The animation should conform to your storyboard idea.  The final animation should include titles, credits and a soundtrack.  Pencil tests or animatics are not considered a complete animation.