Marvel may be killing it in the box office with their live action films, but one non-live Marvel project is getting just as much attention and that’s the upcoming Marvel animated film ‘Big Hero 6.’ Based on a 1998 comic superhero team of the same name, ‘Big Hero 6’ brings together a team that together, with a plus-sized inflatable robot named Baymax, is determined to solve a mystery that befalls San Fransokyo. Now kids ages 8 to 17 can also be part of this superhero squad as Disney and XPRIZE have joined forces and are looking for the world’s next ‘Big Hero 6’ team!
Knowing that kids are our future, the ‘Disney Big Hero 6 – XPRIZE Challenge’ is inviting young people to harness their creativity and come up with innovative ideas to tackle the world’s biggest challenges. All they have to do is send in a video letting Disney and XPIZE know how they would solve that problem using S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts and/or mathematics) concepts.
There will be two divisions for this contest: A Junior Division for those 8-12 years of age and a Senior Division for those 13–17 years of age.
As for what types of videos to submit, that all depends on the participant! The video can be of a short story, sculpture, drawing, model, robot or whatever method best communicates the idea in the most creative way. Just make sure that the video explains the problem that is being solved, how the solution can be executed or applied and explain what they learned and the impact their idea would have on themselves and the world. Tip: The more creative and engaging the presentation is, the better the chance of winning!
So what will the winners get? They will become part of a real life Big Hero 6 team and will travel to Los Angeles to walk the red carpet at the film’s Hollywood premiere in November, go behind the scenes and meet the creative minds at both Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, join a special “Visioneering™” experience at XPRIZE headquarters and much more!
In a press release announcing the contest, President of Walt Disney Animation Studios Ed Catmull stated:
“We are thrilled to work with XPRIZE to find real-life young heroes whose desire is to tackle the world’s great challenges. It’s an honor for all of us at Walt Disney Animation Studios to welcome them at our Studio and at the premiere of “Big Hero 6.”
Trish Halamandaris, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications at XPRIZE added:
“The young people who win this contest will be real-world heroes, ready and willing to tackle some of the greatest challenges facing our world today. The XPRIZE Foundation is excited to be conducting this competition that challenges young people to be bold, creative and smart, and to dare to think big. We believe that solutions to the problems facing humanity can come from anyone, anywhere, and one of these kids just might come up with an idea that can truly change the world.”
The contest officially begins on September 19, 2014 with submissions accepted through October 12, 2014. Official rules and more details can be found at XPRIZE Challenge.
So what are you waiting for?! Grab you camera and send in your video for a chance to win!
