• 8 September 2025 | Application Deadline
• 11 September 2025 | Selected Filmmakers Notified
• 22 September 2025 | Deadline for selected filmmakers to provide self-recorded interviews and portfolio projects for editing
• Throughout October & November 2025 | Projects widely shared by Aesthetica and MPB

• Submissions should focus on the personal stories behind your filmmaking equipment and how it has shaped your creative journey.
• Films should be created primarily from your archive footage and self-recorded interviews; no new shooting is required.
• There is no premiere requirement — films previously screened or shared online are welcome.
• While there is no strict completion date, preference is given to films created within the last four years.
• Applications must include your full name, address, telephone number, and email for contact purposes.
• All footage and audio submitted must respect copyright laws, including any music or sound used.
• The link to your film or footage must remain active and accessible throughout the selection process.
• Selected filmmakers will collaborate with Aesthetica on the final film edit; final editorial decisions rest with the Aesthetica team.
• Every submission is reviewed thoroughly by the selection panel; submission date does not impact selection chances.
• Participation includes a £500 honorarium, screening at Aesthetica Film Festival 2025, promotional exposure, and festival passes.
• For further details or questions, please consult the FAQ page or contact the organisers directly.

• An edited short film showcasing your story and past work.
• A £500 honorarium for your participation.
• Your film showcased at the Aesthetica Film Festival 2025.
• Promotion of your film and profile across Aesthetica and MPB’s platforms.
• Exposure to curators, producers, and industry decision-makers.
• Two Unlimited Festival Passes to attend Aesthetica Film Festival 2025.

• Video Resolution: Films should be recorded in Full HD, with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels to ensure high-quality playback during the festival and online screenings.
• File Format: Preferred file formats include MP4 (H.264 codec) or MOV files for compatibility and ease of use in editing and projection.
• Aspect Ratio: The standard aspect ratio is 16:9. Please avoid vertical or square formats unless creatively justified.
• Audio Quality: Ensure clear audio with minimal background noise. Stereo sound is preferred, but mono is acceptable if quality is maintained.
• File Size: Please optimize your files to balance quality and file size for smooth upload and processing, ideally under 5GB per file.
• Self-Recorded Interviews: For interview segments, record in a quiet, well-lit environment, using a stable camera setup or tripod. Natural lighting or soft artificial light is recommended to avoid harsh shadows.
• Subtitles and Captions: If your film includes dialogue in languages other than English, please provide English subtitles for accessibility.
• Submission Delivery: Upload links must be stable and active throughout the selection process; please use trusted platforms like Vimeo, YouTube (unlisted), or Dropbox.

MPB: The Next Shot – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?

You must be:

• Aged 18 or over.
• A filmmaker with a body of past work (e.g., short films, features, or similar) to draw upon for the project.

All experience levels are welcome. However, employees or immediate family members of Aesthetica Magazine Ltd, MPB, or their affiliates are not eligible.

2. What do I need to submit?

You’ll need to:

• Complete the application form in full.
• Answer a series of reflective questions about your work and your gear.
• Confirm that you own the rights to any archive footage or audio you submit (or have permission to use it).

3. What’s the deadline to apply?

All applications must be submitted by 8 September. Late submissions will not be accepted.

4. What are the selection criteria?

Applications will be evaluated on:

• Originality of voice and vision.
• Storytelling strength.
• Creative connection to the idea of equipment as part of your filmmaking journey.

Up to 4 x filmmakers will be selected. Notifications will be sent by 11 September.

5. What happens if I’m selected?

If chosen, you’ll work with Aesthetica to create a short-form film based on:

• Clips from your past work (no need to shoot new content).
• A self-recorded interview, guided by prompts we provide.

You’ll need to supply these materials by 22 September and Aesthetica will handle editing and final production.

6. What are the benefits of participating?

Selected filmmakers will receive:

• A £500 honorarium (paid after you submit your interview footage and sign a release form).
• A professionally edited short film featuring your story and work.
• Screening at the Aesthetica Film Festival 2025.
• Promotion across Aesthetica and MPB platforms.
• Two Unlimited Festival Passes for Aesthetica Film Festival 2025.
• Visibility to curators, producers, commissioners, and other industry professionals.

7. Do I keep ownership of my work?

Yes. You retain full ownership of all original material you submit.

However, by participating, you grant Aesthetica and MPB a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide licence to use your name, image, archive footage, and the final film for:

• Screening at the 2025 Festival.
• Online promotion (including websites, social media, and newsletters), including for paid media.
• PR and industry engagement.

MPB may also wish to re-edit the MPB: The Next Shot videos for other purposes, but will seek prior approval from participating filmmakers in advance of usage.

8. Do I have to create anything new for this?

No. We’ll be using your existing archive and a self-recorded interview. No new filming is required unless you wish to contribute additional material.

9. What if I need to withdraw?

You may withdraw at any time, but must notify Aesthetica in writing.

If you are selected and don’t submit the required materials on time, you may lose your place and forfeit the honorarium.

Aesthetica reserves the right to change or cancel the programme at any point if necessary.

10. How will my personal data be used?

Your data will be handled in accordance with GDPR and Aesthetica’s Privacy Policy.

It will only be used to manage this opportunity and will not be shared beyond Aesthetica and MPB.

11. How do I confirm my agreement to the terms?

By submitting your application, you confirm that:

• You’ve read and agreed to these FAQs and the full Terms & Conditions.
• You have all necessary rights for the materials you submit.
• You are happy to be contacted by Aesthetica and MPB regarding this opportunity.
• You opt into the MPB newsletter and agree to receive news, inspiration, and tips and techniques from MPB. You can unsubscribe at any time via the unsubscribe link at the bottom of each email.

12. Where do I apply?

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/3uvhejy5 
Deadline: Monday 8 September

MPB: The Next Shot – Terms & Conditions

By submitting an application to MPB: The Next Shot, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions. Please read them carefully before applying.

1. Eligibility

• Applicants must be aged 18 or over at the time of submission.
• All levels of experience are welcome, but applicants must have a body of past work (short films, features, or similar) to draw upon for the final short film.
• Employees or immediate family members of Aesthetica Magazine Ltd, MPB, or their affiliates are not eligible to apply.

2. Submission Requirements

• Applicants must fully complete the application form, including responses to the reflective questions provided.
• All information submitted must be accurate and truthful.
• You must own the rights to the footage and audio submitted as part of your archive or confirm you have permission to use it for this purpose.
• Submissions must be received by Monday 8 September. Late entries will not be considered.

3. Selection Process

• Aesthetica and MPB will review applications based on originality, storytelling strength, and creative connection to the theme.
• A maximum of 4 x filmmakers will be selected to participate.
• Selected participants will be notified via email by 11 September.

4. Participation & Production

• Selected filmmakers will participate in the creation of a short-form documentary-style film using:
  • Archival clips from their past work.
  • A self-recorded interview (prompts and guidance will be provided).
• The self-recorded interview and archival clips of past work should be supplied by 8 September.
• Participants are not required to shoot new material.
• Aesthetica will oversee editing and final production.
• Final editorial decisions rest solely with Aesthetica.

5. Rights & Usage

• By participating, you grant Aesthetica and MPB the non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide right to use your name, image, archive footage, and final short film for:
  • Screening at the Aesthetica Film Festival 2025.
  • Online publishing and promotional use on Aesthetica’s and MPB’s websites, newsletters, and social media platforms, including for paid media.
  • Press, marketing, and industry engagement purposes.
• You retain full ownership of your original work submitted as part of the project.
• MPB may also wish to re-edit the MPB: The Next Shot videos for other purposes, but will seek prior approval from participating filmmakers in advance of usage.

6. Honorarium and Benefits

Each selected participant will receive:

• A £500 honorarium (payable upon delivery of final interview footage and signed release).
• A professionally edited short film featuring their story.
• Screening of their film at the Aesthetica Film Festival 2025.
• Promotion across Aesthetica and MPB’s platforms.
• Two Unlimited Festival Passes to attend Aesthetica Film Festival 2025.
• Exposure to industry audiences, including curators, commissioners, and producers.

7. Cancellation & Withdrawal

• Aesthetica reserves the right to cancel or alter the programme at any stage if necessary.
• Selected participants may withdraw at any time but must notify Aesthetica in writing.
• Failure to submit the required interview footage within the agreed timeframe may result in forfeiture of participation and honorarium.

8. Data Protection

• Personal data submitted as part of the application will be handled in accordance with GDPR and Aesthetica’s Privacy Policy.
• Data will be used for the administration of this opportunity and will not be shared with third parties outside of Aesthetica and MPB.
• Entrants will opt into the MPB newsletter and agree to receive news, inspiration, and tips and techniques from MPB. Entrants can unsubscribe at any time via the unsubscribe link at the bottom of each email.

9. Agreement

By submitting an application to The Next Shot, you confirm:

• That you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
• That you have the necessary rights and permissions for all materials provided.
• That you are willing to be contacted by Aesthetica and MPB regarding your application and participation.
• That you opt into the MPB newsletter and agree to receive news, inspiration, and tips and techniques from MPB. You can unsubscribe at any time via the unsubscribe link at the bottom of each email.

Apply now: https://tinyurl.com/3uvhejy5
Deadline for Applications: Monday 8 September