Unreal Engine Short Film Challenge is back for 2022
Screenwest has teamed up with Epic Games for the second Unreal Engine Short Film Challenge. Applications close Monday, 9 May at 5:00pm AWST.
Screenwest and Epic Games are pleased to announce the return of the Unreal Engine Short Film Challenge, with $50,000 production funding up for grabs, as well as the opportunity for rising animators to have their work seen by some of the industry’s top experts.
Following the success of the inaugural Short Film Challenge in 2020, which received over 1,800 entries, this year’s challenge is expanding to include applicants from New Zealand, and to offer more free training resources.
The Unreal Engine Short Film Challenge is supported by VicScreen, Screen NSW, Screen Tasmania, Screen Queensland, Screen Canberra, Screenwest, the South Australian Film Corporation and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC).
Screenwest is encouraging all emerging Western Australian storytelling teams to apply, with Epic Games and representatives from participating screen agencies hosting an online information session on April 4th at 5:30pm AEST to answer questions on training and the application process. Register here.
The application process will be as follows:
30 March – Applications open
4 April – Online information session
19 April – 2 May – 2 weeks FREE Unreal Engine online training for real-time animation
9 May – Submission deadline
June – Finalists announced
July/August – One finalist per state receives $50,000 to create their short film over 8 weeks
Screenwest will review all WA applications and prepare a shortlist for Epic Games who will select one Western Australian project to receive $50,000 production funding, alongside finalists from each Australian state and New Zealand.
The successful teams will have eight weeks to bring their idea to life using 3D creation tool Unreal Engine 5 and they will also have their project reviewed by industry experts and showcased internationally.
“The interest in the inaugural Unreal Engine Short Film Challenge far exceeded our expectations, so we’re thrilled to bring it back this year on an even more ‘epic’ scale so that more people can get involved and further develop their real-time skills. Animation is a wonderful medium for telling stories and we are so excited to see the work of this year’s participants.” said Karen Dufilho, Executive Producer, Epic Games.
From the first Short Film Challenge in 2020, Epic Games selected two projects from WA to be supported to produce their films over the limited production timeframe. These were Red Tail, produced by Aidan O’Bryan of WBMC and Tee Ken Ng of Non-Drowsy Design and Never Alone by Ben Matei and Jennie Tkaz.
In 2021, Never Alone was selected to screen at the prestigious, Academy Award and BAFTA-qualifying LA Shorts Film Festival.
“The Unreal Engine opportunity allowed me to pull together a talented small team of developers and artists to create a film in a very short period of time that only a few years ago wouldn’t have been possible. It was an intense wonderful experience! In terms of career, the opportunity has helped me establish professional connections and friendships that’s led to ongoing collaborations. I’m currently working on a music video using the Unreal Engine with Intr Studios, and I’ve also been consulting with the team behind the animated stop-motion short film, The Maker. These are only a few wonderful opportunities that have come out of that challenge.” said Ben Matei, Never Alone Director.
“Following the success of Red Tail and Never Alone, we are very excited that the Unreal Short Film Challenge is back! It’s a one-of-a-kind initiative aimed at animators & VFX artists looking to hone their directing and narrative skills – I can’t wait to see what this year brings.” said Eva Di Blasio, Screenwest Talent Development Manager.
Check out the finalists’ films from the 2020 Short Film Challenge, including WA’s Red Tail and Never Alone, here.
Unreal Engine Training
As part of this initiative, Epic Games is offering two weeks of free Unreal Engine online training for real-time animation, from 19 April-2 May. The free courses are suitable for all skill levels, and are open to anyone – whether or not they go on to participate in the challenge.
Register for the Unreal Engine online training here
About Unreal Engine
Epic Games’ Unreal Engine is the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D tool. Creators across games, film and television, architecture, automotive, manufacturing, live events, simulation and other industries choose Unreal to deliver cutting-edge content, interactive experiences, and immersive virtual worlds. Follow @UnrealEngine and download Unreal for free at unrealengine.com
How to Apply
The application deadline is Monday, 9 May at 5:00pm AWST.
Western Australian applications will be accepted through the Screenwest SmartyGrants portal.
The full guidelines, application materials and eligibility criteria are available on the Production Funding page of the Screenwest website.
Program Contact
For more information about this program, please contact:
Eva Di Blasio, Talent Development Manager
Screenwest (Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
T: + 61 8 6169 2108
E: eva.diblasio@screenwest.com.au
Ella Rowlands Thompson, Funding Team Assistant
Screenwest
T: +61 8 6169 2114
E: ella.rowlandsthompson@screenwest.com.au