Video Submission Guidelines

Keep It Simple - Don't Overthink It!

As part of your application to the Rural Livability Index Pilot Program, we invite your REMC to submit a short video that brings your region’s story to life.

This video doesn’t need to be professionally produced—it just needs to be real, hopeful, and honest. We want to hear:
  -  What makes your communities special
  -  How you’re supporting rural life today
  -  And,  why you’re ready to lead the way forward

Purpose of Your Video

Your video will help our selection committee understand:

  • Your region’s identity, strengths, and values
  • The challenges your communities face
  • Why you’re ready for this opportunity
  • How the RLI could make a real difference
  • Your commitment to helping shape a national model

What to Include

You don’t have to follow a script — just cover the basics:

  • Introduce Your Region
  • Quick overview of your REMC and service area
  • Showcase Community Voices
  • Include 2–3 people from your community (leaders, educators, youth, business owners, etc.)
  • Highlight Your Strengths
  • What assets or opportunities set you apart?
  • Share Your Challenges
  • What’s holding your region back — and what could help?
  • Share Your Vision
  • How could this initiative move your region forward?
  • Make the Commitment
  • Let us know: You’re ready to go all-in.

Suggested Regional Voices to Include

You don’t need everyone—but diverse perspectives are powerful. Consider:

  • REMC leadership
  • Local business owners
  • Community advocates
  • Students or young families
  • Elected officials
  • Educators or healthcare staff

Video Tips

(Use Your Phone!)

  • Keep it simple.

You can shoot the whole thing on a smartphone.

  • Shoot in daylight.

Natural light works best.

  • Be steady.

Use a tripod or set the phone on a surface.

  • Use real locations.

Filming at recognizable places makes it authentic.

  • Speak clearly.

Audio matters more than fancy editing.

  • You don’t need to use all 5 minutes.

Tell your story well and stop there.

Basic Video Specs

  • Length: 3–5 minutes (our judges can watch up to 5 minutes)
  • Format: MP4 or MOV
  • Quality: 720p minimum (1080p preferred)
  • Captions: Optional but helpful
  • Editing: Simple cuts or titles are great, but not required

What We’re Looking For

We’re not judging camera quality—
we’re looking for leadership!

Here’s how we’ll evaluate your submission:

Content (80%)

  • Regional Story:

Is your region clearly represented?

  • Community Voices:

Are diverse perspectives included?

  • Challenge & Opportunity:

Do you explain both honestly?

  • Vision & Readiness:

Are you eager and prepared to lead?

Delivery (20%)

  • Message Clarity:

Is it easy to follow and understand?

  • Storytelling:

Is it compelling and authentic?

  • Flow & Pacing:

Is the time used well?

How to Submit

Next Steps: After completing the “Reserve Your Spot” form, you’ll receive:

  1. A confirmation email with helpful guidance and inspiration for creating your video
  2. Two reminder emails to keep you on track for the August 20 deadline.
  3. A direct contact for questions and support

After your video is submitted, we’ll review all applicants and select the final pilot REMCs by September 10, 2025

After completing the "Reserve Your Spot" form, you’ll receive detailed instructions to submit your video: 

  • Upload directly through our secure portal, OR
  • Share a private link via YouTube (unlisted) or Vimeo Submission

Video Submission Deadline: August 20, 2025

Not signed up yet? There’s still time to reserve your spot and help shape the future of rural America — join the movement now.

Reserve Your Spot!

The Legal Stuff

  • Have permission from anyone appearing on camera.
  • Use only royalty-free or licensed music if added.
  • Make sure filming locations are approved.

This isn’t a marketing video. This is your chance to say:

“We’re done waiting. We’re ready to lead.”

Rural communities deserve to be seen. Heard. Respected.
Your voice could be the one that inspires what comes next.

Reserve Your Spot!