Competition now open

Free to enter, the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards elevates the original voices that bring a fresh perspective to storytelling. The shortlisted filmmakers are flown to Los Angeles for an exclusive four-day event to gain unparalleled insight into all aspects of the filmmaking process to advance their careers. After a black-tie awards ceremony at the Cary Grant Theatre, the 30 successful filmmakers benefit from a four-day workshop program. Aimed at breakthrough artists and independent filmmakers worldwide, there are six categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Environment, Animation, Student and Future Format. 

Each category awards a winner and a shortlist of up to five. The deadline for entries is 07:00 AM (CT) February 15, 2024.

 

 

Prizes
Category Winners Shortlist
Flight to Los Angeles and accommodation* x x
Ceremony attendance x x
Four-day workshop program at Sony Pictures Studios** x x
Camera plus lens*** x
Certificate x
Trophy x

*Includes flights and accommodation for the shortlisted filmmaker. Should the filmmaker have worked with a cinematographer / director on the selected film, and that individual be credited accordingly, they may also attend the four-day program, but their associated costs (including flight and accommodation) must be covered at their own expense.

**Topics covered in workshops will include: casting, physical production, animation, legal, CGI, innovation at Sony, pitching process, sound and music mixing, post-production, talent agencies, TV and studio tours.

***Student category winner and institution each receive Sony camera equipment. 

Entry requirements

  • Videos can be shot on any kind of device or camera*

  • The length of your video must be the same as stated in the category description

  • One submission per person per category

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

  • Audio is delivered as mono/stereo and not 5.1 surround sound

  • You must own full copyright of your entry

  • Entries must have been created in 2022 or 2023

  • Please refer to category descriptions for specific entry requirements

 

*except entries to the Future Format category, which must be shot on a smartphone

Before you enter, please make sure you have:

  • A description of your submission (add this to the ‘series description’ field)

  • A link to your short film on an online screener, for example a Vimeo or YouTube URL, that is 1080 pixels ProRes HQ MOV. The link must remain active until July 31 2024 or your submission risks disqualification

  • Submissions entered as files / downloads will be disqualified

  • A JPEG that illustrates your project

  • The image used needs to be:

    • JPEG format

    • Quality 10 or above

    • Between 1 to 5MB each

    • Set to sRGB color mode

If you’re shortlisted

All shortlisted filmmakers will need to submit a high-resolution file for screening and distribution purposes with the following specifications:

  • A high-resolution version with a minimum resolution of 1080 pixels ProRes HQ MOV and a minimum of 24 frames per second

  • Your audio mix and stems as separate files

  • Clean versions of your film and separate SRT files containing English subtitles

  • Separated graphics

  • A 30 to 60-second trailer of your film

  • If your film is shortlisted, you agree clips from your films will be used during the Awards night and for PR and marketing purposes

  • You’ll also be asked to submit 3 to 5 high-res stills, a film poster, your portrait (all images will need to be 300ppi at 3508 pixels on the longest side). Additionally you’ll need to provide a synopsis, a biography plus a list of cast and crew

 

Fiction

This category awards one winner and a shortlist of up to five. Submissions must be between 5 to 20 minutes in length and be narrative-led to convey an original fictional story or event. Dramatized factual subjects should be entered into this category rather than Non-Fiction.

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Non-Fiction

This category awards one winner and a shortlist of up to five. Submissions must be between 5 to 20 minutes in length and be predominantly factual in content. Archive footage, documentary footage, reenactments and animation are eligible, but dramatized factual subjects will not qualify and should be entered into another category.

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Environment

This category awards one winner and a shortlist of up to five. Submissions must be between 5 to 20 minutes in length and be environment-focused. All styles and techniques are eligible, and subject matter can be interpretations of real-life events, people, organizations and events, but must be clearly stated in the description. The Environment category is part of Creators for the Planet, a global year-round engagement program set up by Creo and developed in collaboration with the United Nations Foundation and Sony Pictures.

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Animation

This category awards one winner and a shortlist of up to five. Submissions must be between 2 to 20 minutes in length and include at least 75% of animated footage to qualify for this category.

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Student

The Student category rewards filmmakers studying a film course at a registered institution at a diploma or degree level worldwide. This category awards one winner and a shortlist of up to five. Institutions that make up the shortlist are selected by continent to ensure a diverse range of global talent. Entries can be of any genre. Submissions must be between 5 to 20 minutes in length.

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Future Format

Submissions to this category must be shot exclusively on a smartphone. The competition awards one winner and a shortlist of up to five. Entries can be of any genre. Submissions must be between 2 to 5 minutes in length.

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