FAQs

WHO CAN ENTER?

Directors can be based anywhere in the world, of any age and from any background.

To be eligible, directors must only have worked on commercial projects with budgets under £/$/€50k. This ensures Shiny supports emerging talent who are not yet working at larger commercial production levels.

It is the entrant’s responsibility to check eligibility before submitting. Entry fees are non-refundable.

WHAT CAN I SUBMIT?

You can submit any video under 5 minutes (excluding credits), including:

* Music videos

* Fashion films

* Brand content

* Narrative films

* Documentaries

* TikToks

* Game-based content

There are no restrictions on genre or release date. Work can be spec, self-commissioned or previously published.

Trailers are accepted and judged as standalone pieces.

Unpublished or password-protected videos are also accepted. If selected, they will not be shared publicly until available.

You can submit as many eligible videos as you like.

IMPORTANT SUBMISSION DETAILS

* Ensure all links and passwords remain active during the review period

* Avoid changing access settings after submission

* It is the entrant’s responsibility to ensure judges can view the work

Entries that cannot be accessed may not be reviewed. Entry fees are non-refundable.

HOW DOES THE JUDGING PROCESS WORK?

All entries are initially reviewed and scored by Shiny.

Entries are first considered for inclusion in the Shiny List, our curated database of emerging directors used by industry subscribers.

* Most entrants are contacted within 2 weeks regarding Shiny List status

* Selected work may then be considered for the Shiny Awards

JURY PANELS

* Shiny Awards industry subscribers

* Shiny Showcases previous Shiny winners

CAN I SUBMIT THE SAME FILM AGAIN?

Entries are only considered once for the Shiny List.

If your film is not selected, we recommend focusing on creating and submitting new work.

If your film is selected for the Shiny List but not for the Award, you may re-enter, outcomes may vary depending on the jury and competition.

DO YOU PROVIDE FEEDBACK?

We don’t offer individual written feedback due to the volume of submissions.

However, feedback and advice are shared:

* General guidance from our judges is available on our feedback page

* At Shiny events

* Through Shiny Insights and online resources

WHAT ARE THE JUDGING CRITERIA ?

All entries are assessed on:

* Innovation — Is the idea fresh or original?

* Storytelling — Is it clear, engaging and complete?

* Craft — Is there a considered aesthetic?

* Engagement — Would you recommend it to others?

Entries are judged on their own merits, including trailers and standalone pieces.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M SHORTLISTED?

Shortlisted directors are invited (plus one) to attend the Shiny Awards as guests.

As shortlist confirmation happens close to the event, directors are encouraged to purchase tickets early. If shortlisted, the cost of two tickets will be refunded.

WHAT PRIZES ARE AVAILABLE?

Prizes vary each year but typically include:

* Meetings with leading advertising industry professionals

* Mentoring opportunities

* Industry exposure and connections

HOW IS MY WORK PROMOTED?

If selected for the Shiny List, your work may be featured:

* In subscriber-only newsletters

* On the Shiny website (member-only section)

* With your contact details (with consent)

Shiny Awards winners are also promoted through:

* Industry press (e.g. Shots, Little Black Book)