Be #FerryFamous
San Francisco Bay Ferry invites riders to capture their ferry experiences on video and enter the Ride. Record. Win! contest.
[1]“Show us how you Ferry There—we’ll be featuring select video clips onboard our vessels, and on our social media and web pages,” the SF Ferry contest web page [3] states. “This is your chance to become #FerryFamous!”
The creators of the first 200 eligible submissions will receive three complimentary round-trip ferry tickets for participating. Then, on the first day of summer—June 20—three Grand Prize winners will be notified to receive a summer’s worth of free ferry rides.
How to enter
Submissions will be accepted through May 11, 2025, or until 200 videos have been received. Entrants may submit multiple videos, and will receive three complimentary round-trip ferry tickets for each submission.
Create a short video or videos (up to three minutes each) showing why you choose to ride the ferry:
- Your video must respond to one of three creative briefs: “This and…,” “Time well spent,” or “Ease your way.” (See below.)
- On-ferry footage is preferred—all terminals and routes are welcome.
- Submissions in all languages are encouraged.
Submit your videos online, using the contest’s online form [4].
Technical requirements:
- High-resolution footage (minimum 1080p) filmed vertically (portrait-style).
- Footage must be original content no longer than 3 minutes in length.
- Supported video files only (.MP4 or .MOV).
- Maximum of 100MB file size.
- Files must be submitted in raw, unedited format.
- No overlaid text, inappropriate language, or copyrighted music embedded.
Creative briefs
SF Ferry posted three creative briefs on the contest web page [3] to inspire your videos. Here’s a summary:
- This and… These videos should feature “epic and visually striking onboard footage.” They are looking for imagery that portrays “a smooth, accessible passenger experience from boarding the ferry to disembarking against a backdrop of movie-worthy views of the Bay.” In other words, “capture what you love about regularly taking the ferry.”
- Time well spent. They’re looking for a “minute-by-minute replay showing how riding the ferry is time well spent.” Show all the details, from pulling into your parking spot to boarding the ferry, getting a coffee, and generally enjoying the ride however you choose—and then arriving on time at your stop across the Bay.
- Ease your way. Show how you make the most of your ferry trip, from enjoying a snack to taking a short power nap en route to your destination. Be bold and visually creative. And show how the ferry is fun as well as convenient and reliable.
The rules
Of course, there are a few rules.
- First, you must be 18 or older to participate.
- You also must get express consent from all recognizable individuals in your video.
- Very important: Videos with children and minors may only be submitted with the prior consent of parents and/or guardians.
- By submitting your video(s) to the contest, you and everyone who is seen in the video agrees to the grant of rights [5] set forth by San Francisco Bay Ferry. Be sure to click that link and read the notice. Here’s why: “By agreeing, you’re allowing us to use your video submission or a part of it in our SF Bay Ferry campaign for example on social media, our website, and in emails. You’re also confirming you’re 18 years or older and allowed to participate.”
Good luck and happy sailing!