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.

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:

  • 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:

  • 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

  • ​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