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Feature Short Film Challenge

This final film challenge of 2025 is unlike anything we’ve attempted before.

Dozens of filmmakers. One shared world.

Individual short films that weave together into a single feature-length movie.

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Use the buttons below for quick reference to the following:

Laws and regulations

Read the Scripts

The scripts are now available for you to read! 

Read through all of the scripts looking to be created as part of this challenge and get in touch with the filmmakers direct to put yourself forward for a specific role (cast or crew) on a project. 

Films are driven by individual filmmakers and teams taking part with support from Newcastle Film Club. 

Supporting Artists Needed!

Have yet to take part in the Feature Short Challenge as an actor? Come along to be an extra in this large final scene of the film! 

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Abstract Sphere

Our Shared Universe

For the past year, there has been no internet. Following the rise of misinformation, global powers shut the online world down. Humanity has been forced to adapt to new ways of living and communicating.

How have people survived without the internet?
What new systems, communities, or lifestyles have been created?
What will happen as digital life prepares to return?


How it begins:
A worldwide broadcast announces that after a year of disconnection, the internet will be switched back on in one month. 

The Challenge
Bible

Everything you  need to know for the challenge can be found in the Challenge Bible. We encourage you to give this a full read through!

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Collaboration on a Wider Scale!

What You’ll Do

  • Make a short film – between 6 to 10 minutes long (excluding credits)

  • Include crossovers – connect your film with others by sharing a character, prop, or reference.

  • Build to the same ending – all films must lead into one agreed “final event”

  • Locations are not restricted for this challenge
     

What Happens Next
 

  • Your film will become part of a bigger story.

  • All the shorts will be edited together into a feature film.

  • The final feature will be screened in February 2026 at a special event (venue TBC).

Watch the Launch Video Below

Hear from NFC Vice President Alastair Railton as he talks through the film challenge and goes over the slides that were presented on the kickoff  meeting on September 7th, 2025.

Challenge Rules 

LENGTH OF FILM: 6-10 minutes (excluding credits)

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DATES: 

For full list of Deadlines, Read Challenge Bible Here

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  • September 7th - September 28th, 2025; Submit Your Script, script submission deadline is 28th!!
     

  • September 14th, 2025; Script  Workshop for all interested participants. Work on your script, get feedback and start collaborating with others.    
     

  • October 12th, 2025 - 28th February, 2026; Production Period, film submission deadline is 19th January!!
     

  • May 2026; Feature Film Screening Event (to be confirmed)

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Challenge Rules:

For full list of rules, Read Challenge Bible Here​

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  • Your film can be any genre (comedy, drama, sci-fi, etc.) and must be fiction, no documentaries

  • Animations are not allowed, unless it is part of a film sequence which requires animation assets (example; Characters watching an animated show or video on their phone)

  • All films must connect to the chosen theme and build towards the final shared event.

  • You must follow the Content Restrictions, Quality Standards, and Editing & Integration set out in Challenge Bible

  • Scripts for this challenge must be submitted by September 28th, if you do not submit your script by the deadline, your short will not be able to take part in the feature short challenge.

    • Unlike other challenges, we will be giving those who participate a budget from NFC community funds to help bring their short film to life. ​

    • Budget available to shorts will depend on how many scripts are submitted for the challenge.​

  • All Crew & Actors must register to participate in this challenge

    • Crew Registration Form - Use for crew who take part or if you would like to take part, fill out this form so we can match you to a production
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    • Actors Registration Form -  Use for actors who take part or if you are an actor who would like to take part so we can match you to a production

  • Actors can only play one character across the feature short challenge films to avoid repetition within the shared universe.  

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DEADLINE: You must submit your film and all deliverables mentioned in Challenge Bible by  February 28th, 2026

 

SCREENING: Films will be screened in April 2026. Keep an eye on the events page for more details.

Film Challenge Judging

The judges look at all of the submissions and give the films a rating based on certain criteria. Together, their scores are combined to determine the winners of each category. â€‹

Judging Criteria

Judges Criteria

The judges for this challenge will be watching the feature film created for this challenge and judge based on a set of criteria.

Characters

Are the characters interesting and believable?
How well were the characters in your film directed?

Locations & External Shots

Are the locations used consistent and appropriate for the universe?

Crossover &  Collaboration Bonus

Films can earn up to 25 bonus points for including crossovers with other films (5 points per crossover).

Disqualification

We don't want you to spend time making a film only to have it disqualified at the last step!
Your film will be disqualified from the challenge if it:

Uses AI-generated content (specifically video or animation)
Poor quality footage and/or audio

Story & Plot

 Is the story clear and engaging throughout the entirety of the feature film?

Integration in the Shared Universe

Does the film fit with the shared locations, timeline, and wider universe?

Technical Quality

Looks at the camera work, sound, editing, and overall production of the film within the feature.

Penalties

Points can be taken away for:
Missing cast and crew registration: -5 points
No crossovers: -10 points
Filming in locations that don’t fit the overall narrative: -10 points
Late submission (script or film): -20 points

Film Challenge Prizes

Prizes for the film challenge will be announced before the challenge ends.

If you have suggestions on prizes you'd like to see, let us know!

QUESTIONS???

For a full list of FAQs for this challenge, READ THE  CHALLENGE BIBLE HERE

We’re here to help!

The NFC leadership team is committed to supporting all participating productions.
 

We can provide:
Access to club equipment through our kit hire system.
Help recruiting crew members from within the membership to fill any gaps in your team.
Whether you need camera operators, sound recordists, or general production assistance, we’ll work with you to make sure your film can be completed to a high standard.

 

Key Support Contacts:
Alastair Railton – Film support, helping on shoots, filling in for missing crew.
Hazal Gündüz – Lead producer; coordinating locations, casting, and crew, only when requested by teams.
Joao Lazaro – Script workshops ahead of script submissions and supporting the Newcomers short film entry for those new to the Newcastle Film Club community.
Sam Castro – All kit hire requests and bookings, behind the scenes video filming across all films 

 

You can reach us all by emailing the Newcastle Film Club Inbox: newcastlefilmclub@gmail.com 

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Artists

Callout

ENDED
Looking to get involved in a different way? Grab your pen, paper or spray can and create art that will help build the world of our cinematic universe.

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Join Our App

Stay Updated with Events, Meetings & More!

Accessible on all devices (computer, phone, tablets)

Join the conversation online with other members

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We meet at various locations in and around Newcastle.

Please check individual Event listings for locations of events. 

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Registered Address: 

Newcastle Film Club C/O Connected Voice

One Strawberry Lane, Newcastle Upon Tyne,

Tyne & Wear, United Kingdom, NE1 4BX​

© Newcastle Film Club Ltd 2025 | All Rights Reserved | #FilmInNewcastle
Newcastle Film Club is a social enterprise registered in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee #16474266

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