STORIES IN MOTION
Got a story to tell? Stories in Motion 2025 is now open for entries. Submit your film before 31st March for your chance to win. Good luck!
THE COMPETITION
Working together with CVP, Stories in Motion is a short film competition for young content creators, filmmakers and cinematographers.At a glance:
- 18 to 25 years old
- UK resident
- Short film up to 5 minutes
THE BRIEF
We are looking for young filmmakers based in the UK and aged between 18 and 25. There are three categories that you can enter: Music Video, Documentary and Scripted Shorts. You can decide to enter one, two or three categories, but you can only submit a maximum of one film per category. Each short film must be between 1 and 5 minutes.
Music Video
This can be any style of music video, shot in an original way.
Documentary
You pick the subject matter and style – whether it’s an interview or run -and -gun.
Fictional Short
This is any narrative short film across any genre, this is your time to be original and creative with your storytelling.
Commercial
Craft a compelling short - form story that promotes brands, products, or services in creative and engaging ways.
THE PRIZE
From shortlisted entries to the overall Stories in Motion Grand Prize winner – you don’t want to miss this!
For each category, there will be three shortlisted films. One of each will be selected as the overall Category Winner. From these four Category Winners, the overall grand Prize Winner will be chosen.
- Each shortlisted entry will receive a £200 CVP voucher
- category winners will win an additional £500 CVP voucher
- In addition, the Overall Grand Prize Winner will receive a Canon EOS C80 & RF 24-70mm F2.8L Lens, and chance to shadow a judge for the day
*New for 2025* Shortlisters open day at CVP’s Fitzrovia Showroom
We are delighted to announce that all those shortlisted will also receive an exclusive invitation to a private open house at CVP’s flagship Fitzrovia showroom on the day of the awards evening.
There, attendees will receive dedicated training and coaching from the judges, the opportunity to get hands on with industrystandard kit and network with their fellow peers and Stories in Motion alumni.
COMPETITION TIMELINE
Entries Open
Submit your short film to us via the form. Read more about the brief and submission requirements on this page.
Entries Close
Entries will close at midnight on the 31st of March 2025, where our judges will begin the judging period.
Winners Chosen
The 3 shortlisted entries per category will be notified by email with an invitation to the Awards Event.
Awards Event
We are excited to bring together all shortlisted entries for a film screening and presentation of the Awards, where Category winners and the overall Grand Prize winner will be announced. This is a night not to be missed! Shortlisters will also be invited to a special, private open day at CVP’s Fitzrovia showroom for coaching, networking and more.
What will the judges be looking for?
Outside of the overall aesthetic and emotional response to each film, the judges look for:
- Cinematography - the lighting and camera movements
- Post Production - the editing, sound and colour grading of the film
- Originality - the subject matter and creativity
MEET THE JUDGES
Our judges bring a wealth of experience across the world of film and cinematography.
Jake Ratcliffe
Technical Marketing Manager
Jake is one of CVP’s resident team of technical experts and a self-confessed camera nerd who gets far too excited over kit! Often referred to as the face of CVP you will find him on the CVPTV YouTube channel testing and talking about the latest and greatest kit.
Ollie Kenchington
Award-winning Filmmaker, Editor and Colourist.
Ollie is an award-winning cinematographer, editor and colourist, as well as a highly qualified and respected trainer. Ollie has run award-winning brand film agency Korro Films since 2008 and has had his work featured by Apple, BBC, ITV, Netflix and many others. Ollie is also a BAFTA Connect member and ambassador for several industry brands.
Tania Freimuth
Cinematographer of Narrative Fiction Film and an Experimental Filmmaker
Tania is an acclaimed cinematographer of award-winning films and television dramas that continue to captivate global audiences, with works featured on the BBC, Hulu and Sky. A visual artist, educator and published photographer, Tania is a member of BAFTA and Illuminatrix.
Elisa Iannacone
Cinematographer & Photographer
Cinematographer, author and speaker Elisa has worked across six continents for outlets including BBC World, National Geographic and Newsweek. Her documentary and conflict work has informed her unique blend of journalistic storytelling and magical realism, addressing social justice issues with innovative multimedia. A Canon Ambassador and recipient of the Alfred Fried Peace Medal, Elisa’s work is displayed in international museum collections and showcased at major global exhibitions.
MEET THE 2024 GRAND PRIZE WINNER
The judges of Stories in Motion 2024 applauded ‘Perceptual Phenomenon’ for its clear artistic voice, style and human story. Jake-Andrew is a multidisciplinary artist and experimental musician with synaesthesia. The film explores his relationship with colour and sound and the intersection of physical and digital art.
TIPS & TRICKS
Need a little inspiration? Check out the articles below which may offer some advice on how to achieve that competition-winning film.
Best cameras and lenses for student photographers
To shoot like a pro, you need the right kit. Canon Ambassadors Emmanuel Oyeleke, Nanna Heitmann and Ingo Leitner offer their recommendations.
Making an award-winning minimalist documentary
Daniel Simpkins, winner of Canon Stories in Motion Young Filmmakers competition, talks about his work and how he made his winning short.
Field testing the EOS C80 with Carolina Nunes
Rising cinematographer Carolina Nunes put the Canon EOS C80 through its paces. Discover the four reasons she loved it
How to make a short film
Indie filmmaker Tania Freimuth talks ideas, getting your project organised and the Canon EOS C70