Haleiwa teen’s video Shaka Shakes to the top

Kahuku High School senior Jack Germain used his video skills and social media savvy to win the Shaka Shake Video Contest sponsored by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Hawaii News Now.

The Haleiwa teen’s video, shot Saturday at Waimea Bay, offered a visually stunning twist to the "Shake" video phenomenon that has become a global sensation. His entry received almost 2,900 "views" during the contest period, earning him the $300 first prize.

"Yes! That’s so awesome! Oh, psych!" said the exuberant 18-year-old after learning he had won.

A video of the U.S Taekwondo Center Hawaii Demo Team submitted by Shane Chisum claimed the $200 second prize, with 1,766 views, only eight more than Habilitat Hawaii in Kaneohe, which gets the $100 third prize.

A total of 64 entries were submitted.

Germain said he used Facebook to put out a casting call among friends and approached beachgoers about helping with his contest entry.

The participants gamely braved a pounding shore break to climb the large rock outcropping that is famous as a spot for jumping into the ocean. Germain stood on a hilltop a distance away and filmed the group dancing to "Harlem Shake" music with his Canon 7D camera.

He said he picked the location because "it is a big Hawaii scene and it’s the beach and stuff like that. It’s a landmark for the North Shore."

To rally support for his entry, Germain again turned to Facebook as well as the Instagram and Tumblr photo- and video-sharing platforms.

Germain, who also enjoys surfing and hanging out at the beach, plans to pursue his cinematic interests at the Art Institute of California in Orange County, where he will study digital filmmaking and video production.

———

ON THE NET:

» Watch all nine finalists at www.staradvertiser.com/shakashake Opens in a new tab