Enter Filmmaker of the Year 2026
Posted on Dec 19, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker
Celebrating the skilled filmmakers making a mark with innovative, powerful online and commercial content
In a world awash with flashy awards celebrating big-budget productions, glossy TV shows and high-art cinema, where can the filmmakers behind the content we watch every single day get their moment? The answer is right here.
Pro Moviemaker Filmmaker of the Year 2026 returns for its fourth year celebrating the innovators, problem-solvers and visual storytellers creating the films that actually power the modern media landscape. Whether you’re shaping a brand film for a client, dreaming up a music video on a tight deadline, shooting a short documentary on your own time or delivering a wedding film that moves a family to tears, this is your platform.
The awards recognise filmmakers who rarely have huge budgets or large crews behind them and still bring originality, craft and passion to every single frame despite commercial pressures, tight turnarounds or unpredictable clients. Filmmaker of the Year showcases work that might never appear on the cinema screen yet is watched by millions across websites, YouTube, Vimeo, social media, events and streaming platforms.
This is where true creativity thrives.
The content that defines filmmaking
Video now dominates every platform, from global brand campaigns to TikTok. While big productions grab most industry headlines, it is commercial filmmakers who produce the majority of the world’s video content. They tell real stories, solve real problems and deliver consistent excellence under pressure.
Filmmaker of the Year exists to shine a spotlight on this vital, underrated part of the industry.
Categories cover the full spectrum of contemporary filmmaking, including promotional films, documentaries, music videos, marketing and branded content, events, weddings, social media and YouTube. There are classes to honour cinematography, lighting, sound and editing. Plus an all-encompassing open category for anything that doesn’t neatly fit into a box.
Whether you create long-form stories or punchy short-form content, there is a category designed for you. Whether you are an established professional, industry newcomer or student, your work deserves time in the spotlight.
The award has helped previous winners secure new clients, raise their profiles and gain industry recognition. Every issue of Pro Moviemaker during the entry window will highlight standout submissions, showcasing talent to our wide readership of producers, brands, agencies and filmmakers.
The expert panel that’s judging the awards is on the lookout for originality, technical excellence, creativity and top-tier execution. It’s not about budgets, view counts or popularity, it’s about the strength of the idea and how this is expertly brought to life.
If you’ve ever wanted your filmmaking to be recognised on a bigger stage, this is your moment. Submit your work and let the world see you at your best.
How to enter Filmmaker of the Year 2026
All filmmakers juggle deadlines, clients and tight schedules, so entering is deliberately easy and free. You don’t need a special showreel or a newly created film, though you’re welcome to make one. You can enter any work you’re proud of, whether it was made for a paying client, shot for a charity, created for your own portfolio, part of a passion project or only shared on your own personal channels.
To enter, simply fill in the form below.
- Provide a link to your film (it could be YouTube, Vimeo or a downloadable file via WeTransfer).
- Include any passwords if needed, and let us know if we can share the film online.
- Choose your categories and tell us your role in the production (learn more about categories here). You can enter in as many as you like, even for the same film. If the judges feel your film deserves merit in an additional category – typically a technical class for lighting, cinematography or sound – we reserve the right to do that unless you say no.
- Add a short explanation about the process of the shoot – any challenges, achievements or context is useful. If you need help, email our editor in chief [email protected] with Filmmaker of the Year in the subject line.
It’s fast and simple, with a deadline of 22 May 2026, and it could put your work in front of the entire filmmaking community.
CVP backing for 2026 contest
CVP is the UK and Europe’s go-to hub for professional video, broadcast and cinema equipment. It makes sense that such an industry heavyweight is the title sponsor of Filmmaker of the Year. Founded in 1986, CVP has become one of the largest independent resellers in the media and entertainment sector. It has a reputation for expert advice, full-service support and a huge stock of the latest cine, broadcast and mirrorless cameras, lenses and accessories.
But CVP is more than just bricks-and-mortar retail. With flagship showrooms such as the central London space in Fitzrovia and booming Creator Hub, it offers filmmakers an opportunity to handle and test cameras, lenses, lighting rigs and other accessories before investing. The showroom doubles as a creative community space – hosting workshops, hands-on demos, educational sessions and networking events – so that emerging and established creatives alike can learn, test, compare kit and build strong professional relationships.
CVP also provides robust support infrastructure with technical consultation, authorised repairs, used and ex-demo kit sales and hire services, giving filmmakers flexibility and peace of mind.
All this makes CVP not just a supplier but an active enabler of creative ambition, so sponsoring Filmmaker of the Year is only natural. CVP likes investing in the future of the industry by helping filmmakers access, learn about and succeed with professional-grade tools and support.
Terms and conditions: Entries must be received by midnight, 22 May 2026. This competition is only open to UK residents aged 18 and over. Employees of Bright Publishing, the prize provider and their immediate families and agents may not enter. The prize must be taken as offered with no alternative. Entries not in accordance with these rules will be disqualified. By entering, you will be deemed to have agreed to these rules. If prize cannot be supplied, no liability will attach to Bright Publishing. For the full terms and conditions, visit bright.uk.com/terms-conditions
