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Future Format

 

The Future Format competition celebrates short films shot exclusively on a smartphone. This additional initiative within the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025 provides an exceptional opportunity for the winner to join the four-day workshop program at the Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. The winner also receives top Sony digital imaging equipment.

Closing on 12 December 2024 at 7am CT.

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

** The prize for the Future Format winner will be announced and awarded in Spring 2025 ahead of the ceremony 

*** Previous workshops have included topics such as casting, physical production, animation, legal, CGI, innovation at Sony, pitching process, sound and music mixing, post-production, talent agencies, TV and studio tours.

Entry requirements:

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  • Videos must be shot exclusively on a smartphone

  • Entries can be made using any smartphone

  • Your video must be between 2 to 10 minutes long 

  • One submission per person 

  • 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 can be produced from January 1 2023 to December 12 2024

Before you enter, please make sure you have:

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  • 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 2025 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

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  • ​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 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

Closing on 12 December 2024

Last chance to submit your short film to the Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2025

2025 competition open
Future Format

Submissions to this competition 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 10 minutes in length.