Prop Replica Competition 2019 - Closed
2019 EV Event Theme: Technology
Background
The Museum of Science Fiction believes that science fiction is rich with ideas that can serve as a springboard for curiosity and project-based learning activities. Based on the belief that science fiction holds educational value for all ages, the Museum and its partner organizations endeavor to develop and tailor our educational competitions to appeal to a wide variety of students, as well as the general public.
As a celebration of the importance of prop replica design and construction, the Museum of Science Fiction is holding a prop replica competition. This competition is open to all students, designers, engineers, builders, and artists. People from the United States or abroad may enter the competition.
Escape Velocity Prop Replica Competition Poster
About the Museum
The Museum of Science Fiction is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to make a measurable positive impact on STEAM-related educational activities.
The Museum of Science Fiction believes that prop replica design, engineering, and construction is one of the most important interdisciplinary art forms of science fiction. The craft of prop replica design and construction dissolves the false dichotomy between the arts and sciences. Builders use many different innovative techniques and technologies to engineer props and wearable art.
The art and craft that are involved in prop replica design and construction bring an aspect of expression that uses analysis, planning, engineering, drafting, and other critical building skill sets that are also found in the sciences, arts, and other real-world professions.
The competition will showcase the best prop replica designs across all aspects of science fiction.
The purpose of the competition will be to:
Stargate large-scale (1:1) prop - Stargate (1994)
Reward the talent and creativity that is made possible by imagination and implementation, to creating exceptional prop designs, design engineering design construction, and other accessories.
Motivate the next generation of design and engineering professionals to elevate the current state of the art.
Broaden public awareness of prop design as part of a larger goal to increase participation in the arts as a professional career.
Recognize and celebrate prop design and the technical aspects of the craft.
Encourage broad participation to learn more about the creative design process going from imagination to reality.
Infuse fun, creativity, and innovation into STEAM education at every level.
General information
Sonic screwdriver prop replica (1:1) - Doctor Who
The competition will notify finalists who will be invited to present their design implementations at Escape Velocity 2019. Prizes will only be awarded to the finalists. All finalists will receive two Weekend Passes to Escape Velocity 2019.
The competition registration period will be open from October 9, 2018 to April 15, 2019. Judging will be held on Friday, May 24, 2019 at Escape Velocity with the award ceremony on Saturday evening, May 25, 2019.
Entry Requirements
Each entry should include images of the design and the following items:
Design notes on materials, construction techniques, measurements, and other details
Images of individual aspects of the prop’s design and any other accessories
Multiple photographic angles of the prop
Pattern creations, descriptions, images, construction notes, or instructions
Competition Classes
Masters - This class includes all professional and non-professional builders. Entrants are free to submit their work in either the Original Content or Prop Replica categories.
Large-scale (1:1) Stargate replica
Young Adult/High School - This class can include both the Original Content and Prop Replica categories, but will be restricted to persons of high school age or younger. Participants younger than 13 years old must submit a parental approval form with their registration.
Adjudication
The competition participants will be evaluated by a volunteer panel of prop design masters/professionals, prop design industry experts, and prop design academic practitioners. Competitors will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
For the Original Content category, the entry will be judged on the following criteria:
90% of the composition must be unique or involve completely new concepts
Use of fundamental color combinations, engineering aspects, material choice, and overall impact
Clear display of various aspects of the design to include multiple angles, descriptions, material choices
Final implementation criteria will be evaluated on closeness to generated material, and effectiveness of desired described effects (such as lighting, sounds, and mechanical aspects)
Landing party field equipment prop replicas (1:1) - Star Trek TOS
For the Prop Replica category, the criteria follows an aspect of "how close" the implementation comes to the designs as chosen. Elements of accuracy and authenticity will be determined from a variety of sources that have been determined to be reference authorities.
For general adjudication on competition entries, the following criteria and scoring will be used:
Compliance with competition requirements 1-10
Correct scale and proportions 1-10
Workmanship and detail 1-10
Choice of materials 1-10
Construction quality 1-10
Visual impact: painting / finishing / weathering 1-10
Authenticity / accuracy (with documentation) 1-10
Special features (ie. working display screen) 1-10
Functionality (ie. lights, sounds, mechanical) 1-10
Display base or presentation 1-10
All winners will receive a $500 prize and a VIP pass to Escape Velocity 2020. The following award categories will be presented at Escape Velocity 2019:
Best Original Prop Design/Construction
Best Prop Replica Design/Construction
Submission Requirements
Holodeck Arch prop assembly art by Jeff Wargo
Star Trek TNG
Prop designs must be related in some way to, or invoke, science fiction.
Entries may be of any physical size.
Competitors will submit a high resolution jpeg or pdf file illustrating their design.
Competitors should include detailed, illustrated concepts.
Prop illustrations, photographs and details shall be submitted as a package. Image files should be in jpeg or pdf format, with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
Proof of original work may be required for the technical evaluations at Escape Velocity in the form of in progress images. Keeping a work log is recommended.
One design per entry.
Winners may also be asked to lend their work for display by the Museum for a period of up to 12 months.
The competition will be in two parts, Finalists will be selected first. The second part will be a technical implementation evaluation of the design, with the expectation is that the design will be built or has been built to the design submitted. Competitors are expected to physically present their designs at Escape Velocity for final judging.
For award eligibility, finalists must be present and show their work at the final judging at Escape Velocity, on Friday, May 24, 2019.
Competitors presenting work that is not their own will be disqualified.
No projectiles, metal blades, pyrotechnics, or functional firearms.
Submission Procedure
Designs may be submitted in a combination of two formats. One being standard JPG image file format with no less than 300dpi per image. PDF format may also be used, we ask that a combination of JPG and PDF files may also be submitted. To receive a registration number, you must complete the registration form below.
The submitted file must not be larger than 5 MB and must include a registration number in the file name. Files may be submitted to: competition@museumofsciencefiction.org
To register, click the Registration Form button
Registration and Submission Deadline
The competition registration and submission period will be open from October 9, 2018 to April 15, 2019 at 5 PM EST. After completing the registration form, a number will be assigned to you and must be included with all submission materials.
Finalists will be notified on or about April 30, 2019 and will compete in a final round of judging on Friday, May 24, 2019 at Escape Velocity. An award ceremony will be held at Escape Velocity in Washington, DC on Saturday evening, May 25, 2019.
Please email any questions to: competition@museumofsciencefiction.org
Awards at Escape Velocity 2019
Awards will be made at Escape Velocity 2019 on Saturday evening, May 25, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Questions | Responses | Additional Information
Updates and Additional Information on: Facebook and Twitter (please like us on FB and follow us on Twitter)
Registration Cost: Free
Registration Process: Complete the registration form to obtain a registration number
anytime before the registration and submission deadline on April 15, 2019 at 5 PM EST.
Parental Consent Form: Click to download (if you are under 13 years old).
Press Release: Click to download
Official Rules: Click to download
