Margaret Atwood Birthday Message

We are looking for your help! Penguin Random House is creating a special video message for Margaret Atwood to celebrate her 80th birthday this November – and we are looking to include special messages from a few of her superfans. If you would like to submit a video to potentially be featured, please see the instructions below!

What: A special video message wishing Margaret Atwood a happy birthday! (Margaret’s 80th birthday is this November)

How: We are collecting many videos and editing the best clips into one highlight video

Where: The final video will be delivered to Margaret as well as possibly posted on a variety of Penguin Random House social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.)

Content: Video submissions can be as short as saying “Happy Birthday Margaret!” but should be no longer than 30 seconds (you might consider: what Margaret Atwood means to you, or your favorite writing of hers, or how you discovered her writing, etc.)

Method: Record on your smartphone, computer, or using a video camera (if you use a smartphone, please hold the phone horizontally – on its side! See more tips below)

Submit: When finished, upload your video directly using this link: http://bit.ly/2JnTobj. Be sure to include your name in the “Description” field!*

Deadline: Submissions must be uploaded no later than Friday, August 30th

Tips for Making Smartphone Videos:

• Orient your phone horizontally, with the subject/person/you in the center of the frame.
• If someone else holds the phone, be no more than 5 feet away, to ensure better audio.
• Record the video in a quiet space. No TV, music, other audio/noise in the background.
• Pay attention to lighting. Smartphones tend to adjust the video image depending on lighting conditions, but will not be able to overcome utter darkness or overpowering light. In a practical sense, when recording, be sure that your face can be seen clearly.
• Record/watch back a brief test to make sure everything looks and sounds good.

*By submitting a video at this link you are providing Penguin Random House with permission to use, edit, and distribute your video (including your name and likeness) as part of this compilation video on all video platforms. Submitting does not guarantee usage! We will choose the clips that best fit the overall message.