How to Enter the AICP Awards

Create an AICP Awards Entry Site Account -

Go to https://aicpawards.awardcore.com
Click "Sign In/Register" in the upper left-hand corner.

Note - You will need to create a new account on the AICP Awards Entry Site each year.
Fill in the required fields to create your new account then click "Submit."

Create A New Entry

Click "Create A New Entry" https://aicpawards.awardcore.com/newEntry

Check the two text boxes to accept the Terms & Conditions.

Next, scroll down and select the AICP Awards Category you would like to enter.

Categories are listed for the AICP Next Awards, the AICP Post Awards, and the AICP Show: The Art & Technique of the Commercial.
You can view category descriptions by clicking the "More" link to the right of each category in the list.

Then scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Submit."

Fill in the credit information for your entry.

Any field with a pink asterisk (*) indicates a mandatory credit.

If a mandatory credit doesn't apply to your entry, enter N/A.
If your work is shortlisted in its category and qualifies for final judging, you will be notified to go back into the entry website to review, add, and finalize credits.

Note

Review the video file technical specifications, then scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Choose File."

If you are not ready to upload your video, you can click "Upload Later."

Note - You also have the option to "Import credits from EntryBot encoded file"

EntryBot is an outside service that can help you format your video file to the above technical specifications if needed.

After you have selected your file, click "Upload."

A pop-up window will appear.

Note -Your video file must not have any of the following or it will be rejected during the Quality Check (QC) process:

Slate
Countdown
2 pop (ex. the pop noise and 2 seconds of black before the spot begins)
Credits

Click "Upload."and progress bar will appear.

When your video is done uploading, you will return to the Entries page and your entry will now appear in the "Pending Entries" section.

Entry Management Page

In the Pending Entries section, on the right-hand side of your entry under "Action," you have the following options:

Edit - Make changes to your pending entry
Add to Other Categories - Click this button if you would like to submit this entry into multiple categories.

Entrants can submit a single entry into multiple categories across all three AICP Awards shows. Discounted entry fee pricing is available if you enter a single entry into three or more categories.
All entries must be finalized at the same time in order to receive the discount pricing.

Delete - Delete your pending entry

Adding a Single Entry into Multiple Categories

Click "Add to Other Categories" on the pending entry you would like to submit into another category.
On the next page, check off the category/categories that you would like to add your pending entry into.

You can enter a single entry into multiple categories across all the AICP Awards shows.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Submit."
On the next page, you will now see all of your pending entries for the categories that you selected.

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Mandatory credits will vary depending on the category.

For example, a Sound Design category will require the credit information for the Sound Designer.

To add in the missing information, click "Edit". You will then return to the credits page where you can enter the missing information.

When you are finished, click "Submit" to return to the Entries page.

Finalizing Entries

When you are ready to finalize your entries, check off the entries you would like to finalize.
Then click "Finalize Entry." You will then be taken to the Order page.

You will see a breakdown of your entry and upload fees for your order.
You can view the Entry Fees for the AICP Awards on the "Eligibility/Fees" page of the AICP Awards Entry Site.

Checkout Page

At the top of the page there is a breakdown of your entry and upload fees for your order.

You can view the Entry Fees for the AICP Awards on the "Eligibility/Fees" page of the AICP Awards Entry Site.

You can pay your Entry Fees using the following payment methods:

Credit Card - Credit card orders will be assessed a 3.25% processing fee.
Check
Wire Transfer - Sender is responsible for all wire transfer fees from the Sender's bank.

Once you have selected your payment method, click "Submit."

If you selected to pay by Credit Card, you will be asked for your card information.

Your payment address must exactly match the address on file with your financial institution.

If you selected to pay by Check, you will be taken to an Order Information page that will provide you with instructions on where to mail your check.
If you selected to pay by Wire Transfer, you will be taken to an Order Information page that will provide you with wire transfer instructions.

You will then receive an email with your Entry Order receipt.

Important Payment Notes

All payments must be received by AICP by the Entry Deadline or late fees will be incurred.

If your payment is not received by the Late Entry Deadline, your submissions will not be entered into the AICP Awards.

Supporting Material -

Attaching Supporting Material to an Entry

After you have created your entry, click the corresponding Supporting Materials option on the right-hand side of the entry under the "Action" column.

Depending on the category, the option could be:

Add/Update PDF of Script or Board
Add/Update "Making Of"

When you click on one of the above options, you will be taken to an upload page.

Click "Choose File," and select the "Making of" or CGI/VFX Breakdown video that you would like to upload. Then click "Upload."

You will see a progress bar and then return to the Entries page.

Note - If you need to add a Written Explanation, click "Edit" to return to the credits page.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to the "Technical Explanation" field and enter your description there. Then click "Submit."

Entrants can add Supporting Material to entries in specific categories in the AICP Show and AICP Post Awards.

Note - Supporting Materials must not include any credits or the name of individuals or the facilities that created the work.

Supporting Material Types

"Making of" video

Video should not exceed 2 minutes

CGI Breakdown Video

Video should not exceed 2 minutes

Written Explanation
- Written explanation should not to exceed 300 words.
PDF of Script or Boards

AICP Post Awards - Supporting Material Categories

CGI - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
Character Design - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
Compositing - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
Game Cinematic - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.
Motion Graphics & Design - "Making Of" Video or CGI Breakdown Video, and/or Written Explanation.

AICP Show - Supporting Material Categories

Animation - "Making Of" video.
Concept - Scripts or Boards.
Design - "Making Of" video.
Production Design - "Making Of" Video or Written Explanation.
Visual Effects - "Making Of" Video.

Please click on a category to view the definition.

Theatrical Feature
A fiction program of at least 70 minutes for which the first commercial release was theatrical. That can include independent theaters and festival exhibition. Release must have first occurred between January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

NOTE: Re-releases do not qualify.

Entry Requirements:
Completed entry form including:
- Cinematographer(s) screen credit
- Location and date of first Canadian theatrical screen run
- Working link with password to the full film for screening during the adjudication period (February 15-March 17, 2025)
- Personal headshot to be used if entry is nominated
- Submission fee of $200 for CSC members, $250 for non-members +HST per entry
Non-Theatrical Feature/Anthology Episode/Pilot
A stand-alone fiction program that is essentially self-contained (i.e. has a beginning, middle and end) and is not part of a series. Minimum run time of 40 minutes. A Pilot is the first episode of Season 1 of a regular series. Minimum run time 30 minutes. Anthology series episodes are stand-alone episodes linked through Series Title and theme only; where story and characters are unique from other episodes. Minimum run time 30 minutes. Program material recorded on any professional film/video medium, that has been first broadcast on a network or streaming platform between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

MUST NOT BE RELEASED THEATRICALLY.

NOTE: Cinematographer may enter EITHER the pilot OR one episode of the series.

Entry Requirements:
Completed entry form including:
- Cinematographer(s) screen credit
- Network or Streaming platform and date of first airing/release
- Working link with password to the full film for screening during the adjudication period (February 15-March 17, 2025)
- Upload a 4-minute excerpt through the CSC portal. Complete scenes do not have to be shown, but excerpts must not be edited to alter the original sequence of shots within a scene and must contain the original soundtrack.
- H264 or H265 1920x1080 Total run time 4 minutes
- Label file as: NameofShow_episode#_4min
- Do not include title card with director of photography's name.
- Personal headshot to be used if entry is nominated
- Submission fee of $200 for CSC members, $250 for non-members +HST per entry
Dramatic Series
A single episode of a drama series, mini-series or limited series, longer than 30 minutes, where the theme, storyline or principal character(s) are predominantly featured in multiple episodes. The series must be presented under the same title and each program must be related to the other and be thought of as a whole rather than individual parts. Program material recorded on any professional film/digital medium that has been first broadcast or streamed between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

NOTE: There is a limit of one episode per series per cinematographer. Cinematographer may enter EITHER one episode of a Dramatic Series OR the pilot.

Entry Requirements:
Completed entry form including:
- Cinematographer(s) screen credit
- Network or Streaming platform and date of first airing/release
- Working link with password to the full film for screening during the adjudication period (February 15-March 17, 2025)
- Upload a 4-minute excerpt through the CSC portal. Complete scenes do not have to be shown, but excerpts must not be edited to alter the original sequence of shots within a scene and must contain the original soundtrack.
- H264 or H265 1920x1080 Total run time 4 minutes
- Label file as: NameofShow_episode#_4min
- Do not include title card with director of photography's name.
- Personal headshot to be used if entry is nominated
- Submission fee of $200 for CSC members, $250 for non-members +HST per entry
Dramatic Short
Fiction Program material that is essentially self-contained (i.e. has a beginning, middle and end) and is not part of a series. It should be less than 39 minutes duration, recorded on any film/digital medium that has been first broadcast or exhibited between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

NOTE: MUST NOT INCLUDE COMMERCIALS

Entry Requirements:
Completed entry form including:
- Cinematographer(s) screen credit
- Network or Streaming platform and date of first airing/release
- Upload the complete short in H264 or H265 at 1920x1080
- Label file as: NameofShow_Short
- Personal headshot to be used if entry is nominated
- Submission fee of $150 for CSC members, $175 for non-members +HST per entry
Commercial (Fritz Spiess Award)
Commissioned promotional program material (including public-service material and Commercials), recorded on any film/digital medium, that has been first broadcast or exhibited between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

NOTE: There is a limit of 3 commercials entries per cinematographer.

Entry Requirements:
Completed entry form including:
- Cinematographer(s) screen credit
- Network or Streaming platform and date of first airing/release
- Upload the complete commercial in H264 or H265 at 1920x1080
- Label file as: Client/Subject_commercial
- Personal headshot to be used if entry is nominated
- Submission fee of $200 for CSC members, $250 for non-members +HST per entry
Half Hour Scripted Series
Television program material not longer than 30 minutes, recorded on any professional film/video medium that has been first broadcast or exhibited between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

NOTE: Limit one episode per series per cinematographer.

Entry Requirements:
Completed entry form including:
- Cinematographer(s) screen credit
- Network or Streaming platform and date of first airing/release
- Working link with password to the full film for screening during the adjudication period (February 15-March 17, 2025)
- Upload a 4-minute excerpt through the CSC portal. Complete scenes do not have to be shown, but excerpts must not be edited to alter the original sequence of shots within a scene and must contain the original soundtrack.
- H264 or H265 1920x1080 Total run time 4 minutes
- Label file as: NameofShow_episode#_4min
- Do not include title card with director of photography's name.
- Personal headshot to be used if entry is nominated
- Submission fee of $200 for CSC members, $250 for non-members +HST per entry
Documentary - Long Format (Robert Brooks Award)
Non-fiction program material, a minimum of 40 minutes in length, not involving actors, recorded on any film/digital medium that has been first broadcast, streamed or exhibited between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

NOTE: If program is part of a series, limit one episode per series per cinematographer.

MUST NOT INCLUDE COMMERCIALS or programs intended to promote a product or service.

Entry Requirements:
Completed entry form including:
- Cinematographer(s) screen credit
- Network or Streaming platform and date of first airing/release
- Working link with password to the full film for screening during the adjudication period (February 15-March 17, 2025)
- Upload a 6-minute excerpt through the CSC portal. Complete scenes do not have to be shown, but excerpts must not be edited to alter the original sequence of shots within a scene and must contain the original soundtrack.
- H264 or H265 1920x1080 Total run time 6 minutes
- Label file as: NameofShow_6min
- Do not include title card with director of photography's name.
- Personal headshot to be used if entry is nominated
- Submission fee of $125 for CSC members, $150 for non-members +HST per entry
Documentary - Short Format
Non-fiction program material 39 minutes or less, not involving actors, recorded on any film/digital medium that has been first broadcast, streamed or exhibited between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

NOTE: If program is part of a series, limit one episode per series per cinematographer.

MUST NOT INCLUDE COMMERCIALS or programs intended to promote a product or service.

Entry Requirements:
Completed entry form including:
- Cinematographer(s) screen credit
- Network or Streaming platform and date of first airing/release
- Upload the complete documentary in H264 or H265 at 1920x1080
- Label file as: NameofShow_episode#_doc or NameofShow_doc for singular work.
- Personal headshot to be used if entry is nominated
- Submission fee of $125 for CSC members, $150 for non-members +HST per entry
Music Video
Visual interpretation of pre-recorded musical material where the DOP has control over the creative lighting, recorded on any film/digital medium, that has been first broadcast or exhibited between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

NOTE: There is a limit of 2 music video entries per cinematographer

Entry Requirements:
Completed entry form including:
- Cinematographer(s) screen credit
- Network or Streaming platform and date of first airing/release
- Upload the complete music video in H264 or H265 at 1920x1080
- Label file as: NameofShow_musicvideo
- Personal headshot to be used if entry is nominated
- Submission fee of $200 for CSC members, $250 for non-members +HST per entry
Student
Program material that was created solely by students while enrolled at an accredited Post-Secondary Canadian Media Program.

Qualifying Period: Entry must have been completed between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

NOTE: Only 1 entry per student and 3 entries per department. The instructor/supervisor at an accredited Post-Secondary Media Project may submit a student media project completed as part of the school's program, for which the named student is acknowledged as solely responsible for that project's cinematography.

Entry Requirements:
Completed entry form including:
- Cinematographer(s) screen credit
- Date the work was completed
- Upload the complete student project in H264 or H265 at 1920x1080
- Label file as: NameofShow_student
- Personal headshot to be used if entry is nominated
- Submission fee of $50 for CSC members, $50 for non-members +HST per entry