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.

So grab your camera and get moving!

5. Cannes 2010: Coke Zero Video Contest

Coca Cola wants to reach out to all of us sugar-high youngsters (18-24) to inspire us to think “Impossible is Possible” (as in Coke Zero being tasty). Up to $10k in prizes, several runners-up, plus a Grand Prize of travel, accommodations, and VIP access to Cannes 2010.  Deadline is June 1.  Info here.

4. Roommate of the Year

Free rent for a year plus $10,000 cash?  Now that’s what I’m talking about. Listen up New York and San Francisco–I know you’re not bankrolling a solo spot.  Make a video about how you’re the best roommate ever.  If you aren’t already, you sure as hell will be after winning this contest.  Details here.

3. Tony Stark Innovation Video Challenge

An ideal contest for media makers who are either a) obsessed with Iron Man, b) obsessed with progressive change, or c) all of the above.  Submit your idea for “Better Living through Technology,” and you could win $15,000 in seed money in addition to VIP treatment for two in LA.

2. Cannes 2010: Coca-Cola [Cont'd]

Actually, while you’re at it (see #5), up your stakes to win big by entering the C0ca-Cola Light Video Contest and the Coke Video Contest (classic). $10,000 all around.

1. Couch Abandonment Contest

Are you moving?  Even though there’s no money involved, I included this one because I honestly can’t tell if it’s a joke or not.  AmericanListed.com is a classifieds website–a less elegant, USA-themed Craigslist, if you will.  The contest is framed like a PSA to stop “Couch Abandonment”–the urban blight of couches tossed out onto the sidewalk.  The idea is to create  a testimonial explaining why your old couch deserves a better afterlife than most.  Are they serious? Or is this high-brow camp-marketing?

Happy Shooting.