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.
| Category Winners | Shortlist | |
|---|---|---|
| Flight to Los Angeles and accommodation* |
|
|
| Ceremony attendance |
|
|
| Four-day workshop program at Sony Pictures Studios** |
|
|
| Camera plus lens*** |
|
|
| Certificate |
|
|
| Trophy |
|
*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.
How To Apply
- 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
Sounds Interesting? Choose your preferred filmmakers category and apply with the link below