Unreal Engine Short Film Challenge

About this Initiative

Screen NSW is partnering with Epic Games, VicScreen, Screen Canberra, Screen Tasmania, South Australian Film Corporation, Screenwest, Screen Queensland and the New Zealand Film Commission have partnered on an ANZ initiative to provide funding towards the production of animated short films that utilise Unreal Engine 5 software.

NSW content creators can apply to Screen NSW for up to $50,000 production funding to create an animated short film of up to five minutes using Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5 software.

Screen NSW anticipates funding up to 2 NSW projects.

Unreal Engine is a state-of-the-art real-time engine and editor that features photorealistic rendering, virtual production and much more, allowing filmmakers to conceive and execute visual storytelling without leaving their homes! 

This initiative will allow content creators to explore real-time animation These short films have the potential to be used as a proof of concept for a larger project and may be eligible for additional funding for further development.

Epic Games will offer a series of free training sessions to any Australians interested in learning about the Unreal Engine 5 from 11 April to 29 April 2022. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to participate. Further details here.

• New voices and talent from across the film and television sectors

• Creators eager to engage with new, innovative technologies and alternate methods of storytelling

Screen NSW is committed to supporting increased participation in the industry of people from underrepresented groups including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from CaLD backgrounds, people with disability, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Western Sydney and people from regional NSW. Priority will be given to teams including people from under-represented groups.

Please read these guidelines alongside the Screen NSW Terms of Trade which outline general eligibility requirements.

• Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or Australian company.

• Applicants and all key creatives must be NSW-based.

• Meet the Screen NSW Terms of Trade.

• Submit a completed application by the closing date. Applications close 11pm AEST, 9 May 2022.

NSW resident refers to a person residing in NSW for at least six months prior to making an application.

• Animated short films with a narrative that will use Unreal Engine 5.
• Projects are to be a minimum of 90 seconds up to a maximum of five minutes in length (including credits).

• Your project cannot be a playable game prototype or interactive game experience

• Projects that are designed primarily for educational or training purposes

• Projects commissioned by either government or private entities

• Projects that can be classified as, infotainment, reality television, magazine shows, variety, light entertainment, how to, sports telecasts, news, current affairs, corporate or promotional media, training videos or community television shows

• Projects where the applicant team does not own the IP rights, licenses, or necessary materials to produce the project.

All stages required to produce your short film, including script development, pre-production, production and post-production.

• Up to $50,000 per project 
• Funding is offered as a grant

You can apply for the Unreal Engine Real-Time Short Film Challenge using our online application form: here.

•  Read these guidelines and the Terms of Trade which set out the core terms on which Screen NSW conducts its business. 
• Review the online application form – make sure you have all required document ready to be submitted with the application.
• Make sure your application speaks to the Assessment Criteria (set out above)
• Read Screen NSW Gender & Diversity Statement. Screen NSW is committed to promoting and supporting gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness in the NSW Screen industry.
• Get your application in on time and check the deadline date for this program. Applications are due by 11pm AEST on the deadline date unless otherwise stated on the program page on Screen NSW’s website. Applications not received by the deadline date will not be accepted .

What happens after you apply?

Stage 1

Your application will initially be assessed by our Program Manager/s

A shortlist of applications will be provided to Epic Games and its industry partners for selecting the successful applications

Decisions will take into account the Assessment Criteria listed below, Screen NSW’s availability of funds, diversity of the projects and teams

Assessment Criteria

The project

•         The strength and distinctiveness of the idea

•         The commercial viability of the project as a proof of concept

Team Capability: 

●       The experience and ability of the team to successfully deliver the project

Diversity and Accessibility considerations: 

●       How the project content encompasses gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness 

●       How the selection of the project team (confirmed or planned) encompasses gender equality, diversity and inclusiveness 

Stage 2

The successful teams will have eight weeks to produce their short films using Unreal Engine software.

You can expect a decision within 6 weeks from the deadline date, via email or phone.

• Successful applicants will enter into a standard, non-negotiable agreement with Screen NSW, setting out the terms and conditions of the approved funding, including deliverables and credit requirements 
• You will have eight weeks to create your short film from Monday 27 June to 19 August 2022
• You will be required to take some behind the scenes footage and images of you utilising the software
• Your finished short film and Unreal Engine project file must be delivered to Screen NSW and Epic Games by 19 August 2022.

• We will contact you to let you know if you have been unsuccessful in obtaining funding

• You are welcome to get in touch with the Program Manager, to receive feedback on your application.

Please contact Amelia Carew-Reid, Manager Screen Industry Development

Phone: 02 8289 6417

Email: Amelia.Carew-Reid@create.nsw.gov.au