Schools 48 Hour Film Challenge Rules

Lights, camera, action! Are you ready to take on the Schools 48 Hour Film Challenge?

The challenge is simple: create your own film in just 48 hours. But there's a twist!

When your challenge clock starts, your team will be randomly given three secret elements that must feature in your film:

• A character: A particular character or character trait.
• A prop: A specific object that must appear in your film.
• A line of dialogue: A line that must be spoken, sung or displayed on screen.

Your mission is to bring these elements together in an original story and turn your ideas into a finished film – all within 48 hours.

You don't need the best camera, the biggest budget or a professional film crew. This challenge is about imagination, teamwork, problem-solving and seeing what you can achieve under pressure.

There are a few important rules to keep things fair, safe and fun for everyone.

Getting ready

1. Register your team

You can take part as a team or go it alone. Every entry must have a designated adult Team Leader as our main point of contact. They are responsible for supporting participants, overseeing the challenge and making sure the rules are followed.

2. Pay your entry fee to unlock the Team Portal

Payment must be completed before you can access the Team Portal and start your challenge. We want everyone to have the opportunity to take part, so if the fee is a barrier, please contact us.

3. Get your permissions in place

Before filming, make sure the necessary parent or guardian consent forms have been completed for all young participants. Your Team Leader should ensure that everyone involved understands what taking part means and that the appropriate permissions are in place.

4. Check your details

Please make sure that all participant names are spelt correctly when registering, exactly as you would like them to appear on your official challenge certificates. Give them a quick double-check – we want your achievement recorded correctly!

5. Protect everyone's privacy

Do not use children's surnames in your film or credits. First names only, please! Avoid including school names, home addresses, contact details or other personal information that could identify a young person. All personal information provided to Schools 48 Hour Media is handled in accordance with our privacy policy.

The 48 hours of your challenge

6. Start your creative work from scratch

All the creative work for your film must take place within your 48-hour challenge window. This includes writing, scripting, filming, recording, editing, animation and creating visual effects.

You cannot use pre-recorded footage or previously completed creative work as part of your entry. We want to see what you can create during your 48 hours!

7. Get organised before your clock starts

You can gather your team, plan how you will work together, scout locations, organise equipment and prepare your kit before the challenge begins.

However, you must not start writing your script, filming or creating any of the creative content for your film until your clock has started and your secret elements have been revealed.

8. Include all three secret elements exactly as given

Your film must include all three elements randomly assigned to your team when your clock starts:

• The specified character or character trait.
• The specified prop.
• The exact line of dialogue.

The character, prop and dialogue must be recognisable as they were supplied. The line must be used exactly as given, although it can be spoken, sung or displayed on screen.

Think creatively about how to weave all three into your storyline. The challenge is to make them feel like a natural part of your film!

9. Keep your film to four minutes

Your finished film must be 4 minutes or less, including the opening and closing credits. Make every second count!

10. Make it your own story

You can choose any genre or style – comedy, drama, thriller, animation, documentary, adventure or something completely different. Let your imagination run wild, but make sure your film is suitable for a general audience.

11. Keep it family friendly

Films must be suitable for a U-rated audience. Swearing, nudity, discriminatory language, bullying, abusive or offensive content will not be accepted. Entries containing this material will not be validated.

12. Think safety first

Your Team Leader is responsible for ensuring that filming is carried out safely and that everyone involved is properly supervised.

Make sure you have permission to film in any locations you use, respect other people's privacy and follow relevant filming rules and local laws. If animals feature in your film, their safety and welfare must always come first. Never put anyone or any animal at risk to get a shot!

13. Respect copyright

Your film must use original creative material or content that you have permission to use. This includes music, sound effects, photographs, video clips, artwork and other material.

You must not use copyrighted music or footage from existing films, television programmes or other sources without permission. Royalty-free music and other appropriately licensed material can be used, provided you follow the licence conditions and give credit where required.

AI and technology

14. Use AI responsibly

We love seeing how young people use technology to experiment and bring their creative ideas to life. AI tools may be used for technical enhancement, such as improving audio quality, creating sound effects or supporting visual effects.

However, the story, script, performances and creative direction must remain your team's own original work. AI must not be used to generate your film or replace the creative work of your team.

Please never upload personal photographs, identifiable images, private details or other personal information about your team members to AI platforms.

If you use AI tools, please declare which tools you have used and how you have used them when you submit your film. We may contact you to find out more about your creative and technical process.

Submitting your film

15. Watch the clock!

Your finished film must be submitted within 48 hours of your individual challenge clock starting. Each round will have its own published closing date. Your submission must be received within your 48-hour window and before the closing date for that round.

Late submissions will not be validated unless an extension has been agreed with Schools 48 Hour Media.

16. Submit in the correct format

Your film must be exported as an MP4 or MOV file and submitted using WeTransfer.com.

Your file must be under 3GB.

Send your WeTransfer link to admin@schools48hourmedia.co.uk.

17. Name your film correctly

Your submission must clearly include your film title and team name so we know exactly whose film we are watching!

18. Give your film a final check

Before submitting, make sure:

• Your film is no longer than 4 minutes, including credits.
• All three secret elements are included exactly as given.
• Your film is in the correct file format.
• Your file is under 3GB.
• Your film plays properly and the sound and picture are clear.
• Any necessary permissions and declarations have been completed.

19. Keep your film under wraps!

Please don't upload your film to YouTube, social media or other public platforms before Schools 48 Hour Media has given permission. We want to preserve the excitement of sharing your work through our official channels and celebrations.

A final word

Every completed film is an achievement worth celebrating! Whether you're behind the camera, directing, acting, writing, editing or doing a little bit of everything, you have a part to play.

You might encounter a few challenges along the way. That's all part of the experience. You'll need to think on your feet, solve problems, work together and make creative decisions under pressure.

You don't need to make a Hollywood blockbuster. You just need an idea, some imagination and the determination to see it through.

Get creative. Beat the clock. Tell your story. Amaze yourself!