punditry.ca — uncovering DSU elections

I took a few minutes to watch all the candidate videos. Based on the contents, I came up with some “awards” for the 2009 Election Candidate Video Awards (ECVAs) in recognition of the good, the bad, and the baritone.

Best Shot Composition: Shannon Zimmerman & Vikram Rai

Though the backlight does take away a bit, I like the use of the clock tower. However, despite using the same location, Zimmerman and Rai must have shot their videos at very different times, because…

Worst Background Noise: Vikram Rai

I thought about giving this one to Blake with the running toilet in the echoey bathroom, but the voices in Rai’s video are so loud I was trying to eavesdrop on the conversation while watching.

Best Use of Media: Craig Jennex

Brilliant integration of the slide show allows Jennex to refer voters to his website, Twitter, Facebook group, and e-mail address without having to say all the awkward addresses.

Most Humorous: Shane Simms

While we all take student politics seriously, it’s no fun when we take it too seriously, so people get points for making me chuckle. All it takes is a pipe and a well-placed hand on the hip.

Worst Location: Glenn Blake

Really, Glenn Blake? You’re on the toilet? Really?! You didn’t even try to pull some sort of “Don’t let the University flush student voices down the crapper” line to explain why you’re there. Really?! File this under “Moments you wish the Elections Committee was allowed to offer advice to candidates.”

Best Use of Props: DSU Health Plan Referendum

I know from experience that it’s hard to make a referendum campaign video interesting. I like the integration of legitimate props related to the subject matter. Props are also a useful way to prevent too much hand-talking.

Simms gets honourary mention for his pipe and what I believe is a text entitled Political Development and the New Realism in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Most Baritone: Frederic Perron-Welch

Obviously.

I welcome further submissions for the ECVAs in the comments.