The Sony Future Filmmaker Awards – Submission Info and Entry Requirements

Competition categories include:

 

Filmmaker

 

The Filmmaker competition elevates original voices that bring a fresh perspective to storytelling.

 

• Three categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction and Environment. The Environment category is run in association with Sony Pictures Television’s “Picture This” initiative, which champions creativity that communicates a positive future for the planet. 
• Entries must be between 5 to 20 minutes in length and can be shot on any device.
• Shortlist of up to 15 filmmakers (maximum five per category).
• Winners and shortlist all receive a trip to Los Angeles to take part in the Awards ceremony and two-day workshop program.
• The three category winners additionally receive $5,000 (USD) and  an FX9 Cinema Line Camera (plus lens).

 

Student Filmmaker 

 

The Student Filmmaker competition rewards the talent soon set to shape the industry.

 

• Two categories: Fiction and Non-Fiction.
• Entrants must be studying a film course at a registered institution at a diploma or degree level worldwide.
• Entries must be between 5 to 20 minutes in length and can be shot on any device.
• Shortlist of up to 10 is selected (maximum five per category) to ensure representation for the different continents and a diverse range of global talent.
• Winners and shortlist all receive a trip to Los Angeles to take part in the Awards ceremony and two-day workshop program.
• The two category winners and their institutions additionally receive a range of Sony’s Digital Imaging equipment.

 

Future Format

 

The Future Format competition challenges filmmakers to respond to a new technical brief each year.

• For 2023, submissions to be shot exclusively on a smartphone.
• Entries must be between 2 to 5 minutes in length and can be shot on any smartphone.
• Shortlist of up to five is selected.
• Winner and shortlist all receive a trip to Los Angeles to take part in the Awards ceremony and two-day workshop program.
• The category winner additionally receives $2,500 (USD) and a range of Sony’s Digital Imaging equipment.

 

Contest is global and entries do not have to be done on a Sony camera.

 

Entry Requirements:

 

• Videos can be shot on any kind of device or camera
• Your video must be between 5 to 20 minutes long
• One submission per person
• Please make sure your submission is in English (or includes English subtitles)
• You must own full copyright of your entry
• Your film must have been created in 2021 or 2022

 

Before you enter, please make sure you have:

 

• A description of your submission (add this to the ‘series description’ field)
• A link to your video, for example, it can be a Vimeo or YouTube URL, make sure it’s 1080 pixels ProRes HQ MOV*
• 1 thumbnail JPEG that illustrates your project

 

Image used needs to be:

 

• JPEG format
• Quality 10 or above
• Between 1 to 5MB each
• Set to sRGB color mode
• *You do not need to upload an MP4 file

Below are some key points to help your submission go further in the competition.

 

1. While spending time researching inspirational videos is always useful, entries that are highly derivative in style, subject matter, or narrative are likely to miss making it to the next round of judging. Find your distinctive voice.

 

2. Take your time to choose the right competition, and category, for you. There are three categories, Filmmaker, Student Filmmaker and Future Format. Read more here.

 

3. Make sure you’ve read the rules before taking the time to enter. If your submission isn’t exactly 5 to 20 minutes in length for (Filmmaker competition or Student competition) or 2 to 5 minutes (for Future Format), then, unfortunately, your submission won’t make it past the first round.

 

4. Take a look at the entry checklist too, to make sure your submission fulfills all essential criteria.

 

5. Show your entry to a respected peer. There might be some useful feedback you can apply, but stay confident with your key messages and creative choices.

 

6. While you’re in the final stages of preparing your entry, keep in mind the final output and how the judges will be viewing your submission.

 

Don't forget:

 

One submission per person

Your film must have been created in 2021 or 2022

Please make sure your submission is in English (or include English subtitles)

You must retain full copyright of the footage

 

The deadline for all entries is December 13, 2022, at 07:00 AM (CT). The two-day workshop program will take place at the Sony Pictures studio lot in Culver City, California on February 23^rd and 24^th, 2023. The jury panel for the inaugural edition will be announced in September 2022.

 

For more information and to submit to the Awards visit: www.sonyfuturefilmmakerawards.com