Frequently
Asked
Questions
Got a question? You might find the answer in our frequently asked questions.
Image created using AI
Any further questions?
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at: info@schools48hourfilmchallenge.co.uk
We aim to reply within 24 hours
Participation:
Who can participate?
Students aged 7-18 are eligible to participate. They can enter individually or in teams.
People outside of this age range can appear in films, however they must be credited.
Can we team up with students from other schools?
Yes absolutely, we want you to have fun and it's best to work with people you enjoy working with, that what makes a great creative weekend.
Every team member must be registered, otherwise they will not recieve a certificate for all their hard work.
Do we all have to be the same age?
No, you can have team members of all ages. But as the challenge is in Key Stage groups, we ask that the team is entered into the key stage that the majority of the members are in, eg 3 challengers are in Year 7 and one is Year 6, this would be a Key Stage 3 entry.
What kind of films can we make?
You can create any genre of short film (comedy, drama, animation, documentary, etc.) as long as it uses the three elements and is appropriate for a school audience.
You can even mix your genres, it's whatever works for your storytelling.
What technology can we use?
You can use any technology you have access to, from smartphones and tablets to professional cameras and free editing software. The focus is on creativity and storytelling!
But we do like to see creative shots being used too!
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, there is a low-cost entry fee of £12 per film. This year, the entry fee will be donated to the Young Minds Charity, who are supporting youth mental health nationally.
Logistics:
How do we register?
Registration is free, and must be done by a parent/carer. Registration details are available on this website in the navigation bar:
The deadline for registration is midnight, Saturday 10th May 2025.
It say says 'Schools', do teachers need to be involved during the 48 hours?
No, this is designed as an out-of-school activity. Students participate independently over the weekend. Parents/Carers are in charge and are responsible for supervising.
However, teachers can certainly encourage and support their students.
Schools - refers to the age of the challengers in the UK
Where where can challengers work on their films?
Challengers can work on their films from home or any other suitable location outside during the challenge weekend. Please always ask permission from any property owners or managers, eg shops, land or on transport.
Are there any rules or guidelines we need to follow?
Yes, there will be a set of guidelines regarding film length, content appropriateness, and submission deadlines, which is under The Rules section of our website..
What online resources and support are available?
We provide links to online resources through our partners Into Film and Sync. Participants will also have access to mentoring opportunityies during the 48 hours.
A list of copyright free resources will also be shared.
How do we submit our film?
Submission instructions will be provided on our website after registration. Films will typically be submitted digitally using WeTransfer.com and sent to our email address.
Where and when will the films be seen?
Due to the volume of films that we receive, we cannot show every film in its entirety during the celebration event. We do aim to show 48 seconds of each film and then the recipients of the Best films will be show in full.
All films will be available via our website and hosted on our Youtube channel. All films will be unlisted and therefore will not appear in any search.
This is also why it is important that no surnames are used in the credits and no copyrighted music or materials.
Can AI be used?
As you can see from our site, we are no strangers to Artificial Intelligence.
AI can be used, but we strongly suggest that it is only used as a tool for assisting not creating the storylines.
We will be asking for a declaration of AI use at the submission stage, to ensure that everything is fair and transparent for all our challengers.
Recognition & Awards:
What happens after we submit our film?
All completed films will be checked to ensure that they meet all the rules, we will contact your Team Leader if something isn’t quite right. The films will then be viewed by the mentors who will provide your feedback, which will appear on your certificate.
Is there a celebration event?
Yes! We will be hosting an "Oscar-style" celebration event to showcase the films and celebrate everyone's achievements.
This will be in Redland Hall, Redmaids’ High School, GDST in Bristol, on Friday 20th June.
We will also stream the event live for those that cannot travel to us.
How are films recognised further?
Films that stand out for exceptional creativity will go to the Judges panel, where they will decide who will receive their special awards, this is all carried out in the key stage categories.
What kind of special awards can we win?
Special awards may include categories like Best Use of Elements, Best Film, Best Acting, and more, if they see something else they want to acknowledge.
Winners of each category will be awarded a trophy and a special film review from Catherine Johnson, writer of the Mamma Mia! films.
Who are the judges?
Check out the judges page to see who is on our panel this year
For Parentals & Teachers:
Why should my child/students participate?
This challenge fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and technical abilities in a fun and engaging way. It provides a real-world filmmaking experience and the opportunity for recognition.
It is also a lot of fun, please have a look at our parent testimonals.
What is the time commitment for parents/teachers?
For parents, the time commitment is primarily in supporting their child's participation if needed. The Team Leader are super important will be required to supervise, encourage, organise, support and cheer on the team during the challenge.
For teachers, it's mainly about encouraging students to take part and celebrating their successful completion of the challenge. No supervision during the 48 hours is required.
How does this benefit my child's/students' learning?
It takes learning outside the classroom, encourages practical application of skills, teamworking, organisation and promotes self-expression. Creativity is key here, and clear communication of ideas will make their film stand out.
It can also spark an interest in media and film careers.
How can we support the challenge?
You can encourage the young aspiring creatives and filmmakers to register, help them with basic resources if needed, and celebrate their efforts.
