Unreal Engine Real-Time Short Film Challenge

In partnership with Epic Games, Screen NSW, Film Victoria, Screen Tasmania, South Australian Film Corporation, Screenwest and Screen Queensland will provide funding towards the production of short films that utilise the Unreal Engine software.

NSW content creators can apply to Screen NSW for up to $20,000 production funding to create a short film of up to five minutes using Epic Games’ Unreal Engine software.

Screen NSW anticipates funding at least three 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 new forms of storytelling through experimenting with emerging technology. 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 software from 10 August to 24 August 2020. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to participate. Further details at: https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/events/unreal-short-film-challenge-australia

Epic Games will judge the completed short films from each state and territory to award a $50,000 prize to one project.

• 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 a NSW resident;

• Meet the Screen NSW Terms of Trade

• Submit a completed application by the closing date. Applications close 11pm Monday 31 August 2020.

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

• Your story must have a structured story or account of a series of events or experiences, whether documentary or fiction.
• Projects are to be a maximum of five minutes in length.

• 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.

• $20,000 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.

Stage 1

• Your application will initially be assessed by a panel of Screen NSW staff.

• A shortlist of applications will be provided to Epic Games for selecting the final applications.

• Decisions will take into account the Assessment Criteria listed below, Screen NSW availability of funds, diversity of the current slate of projects and teams across all platforms, as well as the perceived need for Screen NSW funds by the applicant.

Assessment Criteria

The project:

• The strength and distinctiveness of the idea

• How the idea makes innovative use of the Unreal Engine possibilities

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 NSW teams will have six weeks to produce their short films using Unreal Engine software

• All completed short films from around Australia will compete for a Grand Prize of $50,000, to be awarded by Epic Games.

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, credit requirements and any repayment obligations

• You will have six weeks to create your short film from Monday 12 October to 22 November 2020

• You will be required to take some behind the scenes footage and images of you utilising the software

• Your finished short film must be delivered to Screen NSW and Epic Games by 23 November 2020.

• 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