Lrr,
Using FORscene would make it easier for the contestants as well as easier for the judges.
There would be no huge files nor would there be miriad of formats, the judges could review the entries over the web, and footage can be uploaded from a DV camera, a phone, or from a file. Entrants would have access to professional grade editing capabilities. And if there were any copyright infringements the entries could be pulled from circulation very very easily.
Basically - a one stop shop for video on the net.
It looks like it's aimed at a technical audience however - and perhaps doing things the easy way would take out some of the fun for them.
Rgds, mk.
BTW happy new year too for a few hours time.