Siemens Teams Crowdsources Global Vision Of A More Sustainable Future Through Technology

Online, August 11, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Siemens, a leader in electrical engineering operating in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors, is challenging filmmakers from around the world to show, in HD video, how people use technology to overcome humanity's challenges. To gather these stories, the German company is launching a video contest on Zooppa, the world's leading source of user-generated advertising. Titled "Changing Your City for the Better," the contest awards filmmakers who submit the most captivating short films that demonstrate how technological innovations improve urban life and create a better world.

Contest contributors are asked to approach the creative challenge on a personal level. Instead of commercial films, Siemens encourages these filmmakers to use their own individual experiences with urban life to inform the content and style of their submissions. Videos should explore how innovations in energy supply management; urban infrastructure and building efficiency make their cities more sustainable. Read Siemens' creative brief to learn more about the challenge put forth by "Changing Your City for the Better."

Evoking its 160-year legacy of technological excellence in innovation and research, Siemens wants to showcase global filmmaking talent and bring attention to the role that engineering plays to increase the quality of urban life. Whether its how innovations aid the fight against climate change in Berlin, contain dramatic urbanization in São Paolo or ease the demands of population growth in New Delhi, the video contest will provide a global perspective on the sustainable cities of tomorrow.

"Behind every brand is a story about how a product or service improves the everyday lives of people," says Wil Merrit, CEO of Zooppa. "Video provides a common language for people around the world to tell these stories. We're honored to work on this project and we know that the filmmakers in Zooppa's global community will help Siemens articulate their vision of a more sustainable future."

"It has always been essential for us to pioneer new territories in communications, especially in the digital area", says Tobias Dennehy, Editor in Chief Corporate Communications at Siemens. "After launching our new storytelling format '/answers' on siemens.com together with renowned documentary filmers and journalists in late February, crowdsourcing content for this magazine is the natural next step for us. After all: the web is no longer about broadcasting; it's about listening and 'joint-casting'. That's exactly what we're aiming for in our cooperation with zooppa: listen to the community, get new, surprising impulses for our digital corporate flagship magazine /answers around urban life in the 21st century."

"Changing Your City for the Better" accepts entries on Zooppa through September 30, 2011. The contest offers 15 cash awards totaling $40,000, with the first place winner receiving $15,000. Siemens is looking for contributions from around the world, so videos can be submitted in any language, so long as an English language text script accompanies the submission. All videos will be judged by representatives of Siemens based on equal parts storytelling ability, HD production value, adherence to the brief and accuracy.

For more information about how Siemens is helping city dweller around the world win the future, visit their website http://www.siemens.com

ABOUT ZOOPPA: Zooppa is the world's leading source of user-generated advertising. With a creative community of over 115,000 members, Zooppa has worked with global brands like Samsung, AT&T, Nike and Google and agencies like BBDO, MindShare and Razorfish to produce fresh and fun creative ads. Beyond content, Zooppa's innovative model offers brands and agencies a cost-effective, strategic approach to engage consumers, build online word-of-mouth and gain consumer insights.

ABOUT Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich): Siemens AG is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. For over 160 years, Siemens has stood for technological excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality. The company is the world's largest provider of environmental technologies. More than one-third of its total revenue stems from green products and solutions. In fiscal 2010, which ended on September 30, 2010, revenue from continuing operations (excluding Osram and Siemens IT Solutions and Services) totaled €69 billion and net income from continuing operations €4.3 billion. At the end of September 2010, Siemens had around 336,000 employees worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet www.siemens.com.

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For Further Information Contact:
Michael Burlin, Marketing Manager
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