2025/26 Short Film & Branded Content
Welcome to our annual competition for Short Films and Branded Content/Entertainment.
We appreciate that many short films are made with excruciatingly low budgets so we have included craft categories to celebrate those individuals whose efforts may otherwise go unacknowledged. Your work will be seen by a jury comprising of some of the world’s TOP commissioners of short form content (important, as you want to sell yourself as well as your work).
Through our awards and their endorsement of your work, you’ll ensure your creation gets the worldwide publicity is deserves. With the increase in demand for short form content The Shark Awards will provide a great exposure opportunity for makers of short films.
Jury for 2025/26
Short Film Categories
Under 25 Minutes
Live action dramatisation including but not limited to; dramas, comedies, thriller, horror, sci-fi, romances etc. Films between 15 and 25 minutes.
Under 5 Minutes
Live action dramatisation including but not limited to; dramas, comedies, thriller, horror, sci-fi, romances etc. Films between 0 and 5 minutes.
Creator Social Video
Short film story made for use on mobile devices & ipads in vertical format (9 x16). Eg Reels, stories, tiktoks etc
Casting
Casting is crucial for the success of any production, as it directly impacts the audience's engagement and the overall quality of the final product. Casting the right actors can elevate a film, making it memorable and impactful.
Direction
The director's vision transforming a script into a compelling storytelling experience, influencing everything from casting and production design to the final edit.
Writing
The taking of a story idea or concept and transitioning into a script so that it is an excellent starting point for an engaging film. Includes the development of characters and dialogue, compelling plots, pacing and a structure for the director to follow.
Under 15 Minutes
Live action dramatisation including but not limited to; dramas, comedies, thriller, horror, sci-fi, romances etc. Films between 10 and 15 minutes.
Documentary Short
Non-fiction. A factual report using pictures/observations/interviews with real people involved in real events to create awareness of a particular subject or cause. Films upto 25 minutes
Acting Performance
Outstanding actor's performance that contributes to the production through embodying a character, conveying emotions, and advancing the narrative while engaging the audience.
Cinematography
The art and technology of motion-picture photography. Including techniques such as composition of a scene; the lighting of the set or location; the choice of cameras, lenses, filters, and film stock; the camera angle and movements.
Editing
The art of assembling raw footage into a coherent and engaging final product, Skilled editing uses techniques to manipulate time, create suspense, and guide the audience's emotional experience by shaping the narrative.
Under 10 Minutes
Live action dramatisation including but not limited to; dramas, comedies, thriller, horror, sci-fi, romances etc. Films between 5 and 10 minutes.
Animated Short
Fiction or non fiction. Can include live-action stop motion or a mix of live-action/animation techniques. Films up to 25 minutes
Animated Design
The overall artistic look, feel and visual representation including the style, textures, colours, surfaces of the backgrounds, foregrounds, characters and objects, and their movement, dynamics, and transition through the frame.
Colour Grading
The adjustment of colours to evoke emotions, guide the audience's attention, and achieve a specific aesthetic. By manipulating colour, filmmakers can convey meaning, create atmosphere, and elevate the overall impact of their stories.
Original Music
Music that enhances emotional impact, creating memorable moments and guides audience perception making moments more impactful, provide insights into a character's inner thoughts, foreshadow upcoming events, and add layers of meaning..