The CLUE Awards are judged by creators, experts, and leaders within the true crime media community. Jurors have been selected on the basis of their deep industry knowledge, professional reputation and outstanding achievements. Entries will be judged based on the following criteria.

Honor and respect shown toward victims and their families

Entries should demonstrate how the project respects and honors the victims and families involved in the case and does not solely focus on the criminal(s).

Accuracy of reporting and storytelling integrity

Entries should describe the project’s reporting and fact-finding process that supports the integrity of the story and evidence presented. The introduction of new or exclusive information that has been well-sourced will also be considered.

Creativity in presentation

Entries should demonstrate how the project creatively brings a story to life. Jurors will consider elements such as the host(s) personality, use of interviews, and overall creative uniqueness. For video specific categories, judges will consider the creative use of archival footage, law enforcement files, interviews, graphics, and courtroom footage and/or recreates.

Effectiveness of editing and sound design (n/a for Publication category)

Jurors will assess the editing techniques and sound design of the project as it relates to enhancing the storytelling experience. Judges will consider, but are not limited to, the following aspects of the project: music, sound effects, transitions, and visuals (when applicable).

• Projects that premiered or were released in full from 1/1/2022-3/31/2023 are eligible.
• One complete episode of a Series, Docuseries, or Podcast that best represents the project.
• Entire documentary film.
• No visible timecodes, network bugs or logos, on screen graphic promos.
• All videos submitted must be sent via a downloadable link such as Vimeo, Dropbox, Google Drive or WeTransfer. If video is password protected, you will be required to provide the password.
• If selected as a winner you must be able to provide high resolution, broadcast quality clip(s) for use at the ceremony.
• For Publications only:
  
  • Cover image
  • Sample chapter

• Only unscripted and/or nonfiction content is eligible, and projects must be available in the United States.

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   Eligibility: Any company or independent creator is eligible to submit their project(s) for the CrimeCon CLUE Awards, so long as the project premiered within the listed eligibility dates.
2. Submission: The project can be submitted through our designated online platform by filling out the application form and paying a non-refundable fee as stated on the website. All applications must be submitted on or before the closing date. Late submissions will not be accepted. Submitting a project does not guarantee that the project will be listed as a finalist or winner of a category nor does it grant anyone affiliated with the project entry into CrimeCon or the CLUE Awards banquet. Entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstance.
3. Banquet Attendance: Attendance at the live awards show is requested of all final nominees but is not required. CrimeCon will provide representatives of the final nominees in each category with up to four tickets for entry into the CLUE Awards banquet and up to two standard passes for the CrimeCon event.
4. Project Ownership: The submitting company must either be the rightful owner of the project or have necessary permissions from the rightful owners to submit the project. By submitting, the company affirms that they have such rights or permissions and that their submission does not infringe upon any third party rights, including copyright and privacy.
5. Use of Materials: By submitting a project for consideration, the company grants the CrimeCon CLUE Awards, and its organizers, the non-exclusive rights to use, reproduce, publicly display and distribute the submitted materials in connection with the awards and any taping or rebroadcast of the ceremony, including but not limited to promotional uses in all media formats now known or hereafter devised, including, but not limited to, online streaming, social media, television broadcast, and radio broadcast.
6. Hold Harmless. Persons submitting materials for consideration in any category agree to hold harmless Red Seat Ventures LLC and it's producers, sponsors, employees, contractors and all those affiliated with the CLUE Awards, including judges, sponsors, and presenters.
7. Judging: All submissions will be judged by an independent panel selected by the CrimeCon CLUE Awards. The decisions of the judges are final and binding. No feedback or justification for their decisions will be provided.
8. Awards Show: Winning companies agree to make best efforts to have representatives available in person for the live awards ceremony on September 23, 2023. By submitting, companies acknowledge that their projects and potentially their representative's image, name, and likeness may be used in the awards show (and any live or taped broadcast) and related promotional materials.
9. Changes to the Awards: CrimeCon CLUE Awards reserves the right to cancel or modify the awards, categories, rules, or these terms at its discretion. Any changes will be communicated to the submitting companies as soon as possible.
10. Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising from these terms and conditions will be resolved in accordance with the laws of the state of New York, and by submitting, the company consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that state.

By submitting their project for consideration, the company agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at awards@crimecon.com.