EA, USC staging 'Sims 2' movie contest

Electronic Arts and the University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television have announced the Sims 2 Student Life Movie Contest. The competition offers prizes for the best movie made with the simulation game's built-in video creation tools. The grand prize winner will receive either $5,000 or a four-week internship with Maxis Studios at EA's headquarters in Redwood City, Calif.

"Sims 2" enthusiasts hoping to grab the grand prize are encouraged to submit their homegrown films at the official "Sims 2" Web site.

The staff of the USC School of Cinema-Television have put together some guidelines for competitors. Films must be less than three minutes in length and feature content appropriate for a teen audience or younger. Submissions will be accepted until May 30.