Whether you’re full-timing or freelancing, contests are a great way to keep your creative juices flowing.

They give you deadlines, they give you more work to add on your reel, and sometimes, they even pay off.

We keep our eyes on contests, occasionally enter ourselves, and put in work on some, as well. So grab your camera and get moving!

5.  Are You Free Enterprise?

Lord knows creative people have to be business people, too.  Shoot a 3-minute video on what free enterprise means to you, and you could win $50,000 to jump-start that “production company” you’ve been running from your mom’s basement, courtesy of American Free Enterprise.

4. Pink Martini Music Video Contest

A free trip to France for making a  music video?  Yes, please.  Plus, the band behind this music video contest is called Pink Martini.  How cool is that?

According to their website, “Pink Martini draws inspiration from the romantic Hollywood musicals of the 1940s or ‘50s … with a more global perspective.” Yeah, I’m feeling it.

3. Go Daddy Super Bowl Video Contest

Bob Garfield of AdAge called this year’s Go Daddy Super Bowl spots “brainless boobage.”  So, Go Daddy is offering $100,000 in cash to anyone who thinks they can do better.

2. Skinit Spotlight Challenge

$25,000 grand prize, plus $5k to semi-finalists.  Info here.

1.  Film Your Issue 2010

Are you a media maker with an idea for a community project?  The What’s Your Issue Foundation is offering the ultimate double-whammy:  create a 3-minute video describing an issue and possible solution to it, and enter for a chance to pitch your idea to senior officials in the Obama administration.  Details here.