Entry information and terms and conditions

1. To enter the awards, you must be a current financial member of the Australian Cinematographers Society. Only Accredited, Full, Camera Crew and Student members are eligible. Associate, Retired and Honorary members are NOT eligible to enter the Awards. You must have been totally responsible for the visual content and lighting of the entry except in categories where specific exceptions are made. You will be entered in the state or territory branch of which you are a member. If you are in arrears you will not have access to the awards portal.

2. Direct entry into the ACS National Awards is not possible. Gold Award Winners from each of the current State and Territory branch awards are the only entries eligible into the ACS National Awards. Branches will automatically enter State Gold Award winning entries into the National Awards and pay the entry fees.

3. Each entry must be submitted separately using the members portal. Unpaid entries will not be included in the awards. Payment is accepted only by Visa or Mastercard in Australian dollars.

4. An “entry” constitutes a single body of work in its entirety. The entrant must have shot at least 70% of the final edit of the project. (See Joint Cinematography below for exceptions). In the case of episodic work, each episode (or webisode) of a *Series in each Season is classed as a single entry.

Multiple episodes or clips must not be edited together to form a single video clip and entered as a single entry.
If more than one cinematographer has shot episodes within the same season of a series, each cinematographer is permitted to enter their episode(s) and one episode is eligible for an award for each cinematographer within the same season. The entry must be from a Season completed within the last 2 years.

MULTIPLE EPISODES.

In Categories 7, 13 and 14, entrants may enter multiple episodes, but only ONE episode (or webisode) of a series per season by an entrant from a particular production is eligible for an award. If entering episodes from more than one season, one episode per Season is eligible for an award.

In Categories 17, 18 and 19, an entrant is limited to enter ONE episode ONLY from a series per season. In the event the entrant submits more than one episode, only the first submitted entry will be judged. This is determined by time/date stamp of the entry portal. Additional episodes that are submitted will neither be judged nor any refunds will be given.

Once an episode from a season has been submitted to the ACS Awards, no other episodes from that season can be submitted in future years. For example, if you enter  Season 1 Episode 2 in 2026, you cannot enter Season 1 Episode 3 in 2027.

5. Each entry may be submitted in only one category. Identical or duplicated media may not be entered in more than one category, however different edits using some of the same footage or sequence may be entered in other categories if it is intended for an alternative release and looks distinctly different from the other entry, for example, footage from a Documentary is re-cut and used in a Commercial. Entries that are simply longer or shorter versions of one another are considered the same entry and only one may be entered.

6. An entry must be submitted in its entirety, unedited and unaltered from the original release edit, except for the addition of required ‘watermarks’ or text for the judges. Entries must not be cut down versions of the original.

7. Poor quality entries impede the ability to accurately judge the work, which may result in the disqualification of your entry, and if this is the case, entry fees are non-refundable. The ACS reserves the right to reject entries of sub-standard quality.

8. All entries must have been completed within 2 years of the current awards and must not have been previously entered into any other ACS awards. A variation on the time limit may possibly be granted in extenuating circumstances.

9. A “non-commissioned” work may be entered into ANY category which best depicts the type of entry it emulates, that is, it must be entered into the same category as similar types of commissioned or commercially paid work. Examples of non-commissioned works are Spec Ads and/or corporates, fashion films, music videos not commissioned by the artist or label, or ‘passion’ projects. Student work, by default, is considered non-commissioned.
Montages or Showreels are not defined as non-commissioned works and may NOT be entered into the ACS Awards unless a specific exemption is granted by ACS.

10. Student Category entrants may only submit a maximum of two entries. You must state the name of your Film School, Cinematography Course or Secondary School that you were attending at the time of filming your entry in the ‘Relevant Information’ field on the online Entry form. Entries must have been shot within 2 years of the Awards submission dates. Only Student Members may enter into the Student category. Other ACS members who shot works while attending a course may enter into other appropriate categories, but NOT Student.

11. All entries containing computer generated images (CGI) or CGI manipulation must include a description of such CGI and a time code reference of where it occurs. This rule applies to any portion of the image that was not created “in camera” other than standard post-produced colour grading. You must also detail a description of your role in the production of the CGI component. Judges reserve the right to reject an entry considered to be CGI manipulated that does not include a written explanation in the online entry form.

12. Joint Cinematography entries will not be accepted. If a project has more than one cinematographer contributing jointly to the cinematography, then only the cinematographer who has filmed a minimum of 70% of the project may enter it, i.e. the Principal Cinematographer. The cinematography of others and details of their involvement must be provided, clearly highlighting their work by stating the relevant time codes or using watermarks on screen. ‘Joint cinematography’ is defined as having been shot by multiple cinematographers where two or more cinematographers who worked at separate times and/or places on the project may have shot the entry. They may have also shot together at the same time and location in a Multi-cam scenario. One may have replaced the other, stepped in for part of the shoot, or shot specific scenes or sequences. This may also refer to the 2nd Unit DP. Although the multiple cinematographers may have been sympathetic to the look of the film to create a coherent style, it is not a ‘collaboration’ per se. Multi-cam shooting is also considered joint cinematography in this instance. NB. See Item 13 “Collab Cinematography” below regarding collaborative cinematography entries.

70% rule EXCEPTIONS.
In Cat 8: Art, Innovation and Specialised Cinematography. Entrants may submit either: 1. Extracted segments or sequences (unedited, in their entirety) of their work taken from a project if the project runs 15 minutes or longer, or, 2. The whole project may be submitted even if the entrant’s work constitutes less than 70% of the complete project duration. If submitting the whole project, the entrant must note their work by timecode, on-screen text or a description in the entry form such as “The stop-motion sequence at sunset” or “All the shots of the storm”. Any images not created in-camera must be disclosed including CGI and computer animation.

Cat 14: Ron Taylor AM ACS and Valerie Taylor AM Wildlife and Nature, entrants may enter specialised sections if less than 70% of complete projects where it may be just the “Polar Bear” segment, for example. This should be done by providing time code indicating the start and finish of ALL the scenes or section(s) to be screened and judged. Shots within the section(s) that are NOT shot by the entrant must be marked on screen using large text: NOT ENTRANT.
In Cat 15: 2nd Unit Cinematography, entrants are not required to have shot 70% of the entire project. (See below)
In Cat 17: Serial TV and Comedy Series, entrants who have shot either ONLY the location or studio component may enter episodes provided they have shot 100% of EITHER the location OR studio component and state clearly which components those are. Their contribution to the episode should be at least 30% of the total screen time.

13. Collab Cinematography entries are now accepted. NB. Collab(orative) Cinematography entries are not the same as Joint Cinematography and must meet strict eligibility criteria to enter. Check with your branch if in doubt to avoid disappointment. Two people, from the outset of the project, equally share the role of cinematographer in a totally collaborative way. Each cinematographer must contribute knowledgeably to the work, without requiring supervision or instruction from the other. Creative and open discussions must be prevalent throughout the entire project resulting in cinematography from the minds of two as though from the mind of one. The cinematographers must NOT work independently of one another. Each shot, scene and/or sequence must have the dual authorship of both cinematographers. It is most likely that a single camera was used by the two cinematographers. Use of multiple cameras, especially at the same time, probably indicates Joint Cinematography. Each cinematographer must be involved in pre-production, principal photography, any substantial pick ups or 2nd Unit and any post production which involves cinematographic input. ONLY Accredited and Full (formerly Cinematographer) level ACS members at the time of filming may enter Collabs. Follow the link below to read the very important information relating to Collab Cinematography.

READ the important Collab Cinematography T&C’s »

14. 2nd Unit Cinematography. A cinematographer who was wholly responsible for the 2nd Unit cinematography on a Feature Film, Drama or Comedy Series or Serial TV may enter their work for judging in Cat 16: 2nd Unit Cinematography. The entrant must be credited as 2nd Unit DP or Cinematographer. The complete film should be entered. The 2nd Unit must be a substantial contribution to the entire project. For example, it may be all the action and stunt sequences, or all the scenes on board a ship or the sequences filmed in Antarctica. 2nd Unit may also consist of major dialog scenes and sequences that Main Unit could not contain within their schedule. ‘Splinter’ Units or minor pickup shots such as ‘establishing’ shots, car-pasts or cutaways are unlikely to constitute a ‘substantial contribution’ and ACS advises against entering. As a guideline, at least 10 % – 15% of the total running time of the entry would be expected by the judges. Also, an eligible 2nd Unit would involve at a minimum, a 3-person camera crew, grip and/or gaffer support, AD’s and a Director (who may be the 2nd Unit DP).
*IMPORTANT: It is essential that all shots, sequences or scenes must be clearly identifiable as the entrant’s work by the judges. This should be done by providing time code indicating the start and finish of ALL the scenes or section(s) to be screened and judged. Shots within the section(s) that are NOT shot by the entrant must be marked on screen using large red text: NOT ENTRANT. (Another colour may be used if RED does not stand out). 2nd Unit by nature is often rapidly intercut with Main Unit especially in action scenes and it must be made clear and simple for the judges to instantly see which work was shot by 2nd Unit, or not. Additionally, a description can be provided to help, such as “All the scenes on the ship” or “The entire car chase scene starting at 00:18:30 and ending at 00:21:45” or “The dawn sequences of the wandering dog during the first 10 minutes and opening title sequence”.
ACS appreciates this can entail some effort to achieve but it is a necessity to ensure accurate judging of the entry. Contact ACS with any questions.

15. News stories shot by multiple cinematographers. In Cat 4: Syd Wood ACS Local/National News, and Cat 5: Neil Davis International News, entries may be submitted by multiple cinematographers who all contributed to the story. At least two of the entrants must have been ACS members at the time of filming. Just one ACS member should be the entrant and submit the story on behalf of the other ACS member(s). The story may only be entered once. Other edits of the same story cannot be entered. Only the ACS members will be acknowledged for an award, however the presentation and award will note the number of contributors.

16. Each entry must be provided as a correctly named (see above), separate data file. An entrant can supply multiple data file entries on a USB drive or a portable hard drive. Other media may only contain one entry each. Entries will only be accepted on the formats listed in these Terms & Conditions.

17. In the interests of anonymity, the entrant’s name must not be disclosed to the judges. Wherever possible an entrant’s name should not appear (or should be blurred/masked) in the opening titles. Final production credits are OK as the video can be paused. The entrant’s name must not appear in text or as a watermark during the vision being viewed for judging, or by audio reference. This will result in immediate disqualification. Do not put the entrant’s name in data file names.

18. Additional Cinematography disclosure. On the entry form, if adding information about additional cinematographers who worked on the entry, please do NOT identify the cinematographer by their name. We need to know if there was additional cinematography, but not who shot it.

19. At each of the State/Territory and National Awards, the adjudication panel consists of five Accredited ACS members (a minimum of two from interstate) who will follow the ACS Judging Guidelines. At the State/Territory Awards, the panel may award a maximum of three Gold awards, two Silver awards and one Bronze award except in the Student Category where one Gold, one Silver and one Bronze may be awarded. At the National Awards, a Gold Tripod and an Award of Distinction may be given. In the Student category, one Gold and one Award of Distinction may be given. If, in a particular category, none of the entries score within the score range to the appropriate Award, then no award at that level will be given in that category. If no entry in a particular category reaches the minimum score requirement for an award, then no awards will be presented in that category. The decisions of the panel will be final and binding and no correspondence or discussion whatsoever will be entered into.

20. The adjudication panel may re-categorise any entry that it considers has been entered into the incorrect category. There will be no reduction of fees as a result of this action. Entries moved to a category with a higher fee may result in a charge to the entrant.

21. All online entries must be completed, any physical media must be received and any uploads completed by the host State or Territory’s deadline. Late entries will not be considered for judging. Allow time for shipping or uploading.

22. The Society will take all due care but WILL ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO AN ENTRY. INSURANCE OF THE ENTRY IS THE ENTRANT’S RESPONSIBILITY.

23. Entries and uncollected awards will be held for collection for up to 3 months, after which time they will be discarded. You may collect or request return of your entry or award at your expense. Please contact your Branch within 2 months of the Awards.

24. Copyright clearance and all related permissions and clearances from the relevant Producer(s) to screen an entry are entirely the entrant’s responsibility. The Society accepts no responsibility for any copyright infringement or screening of an embargoed entry. Excerpts from the entry may be screened publicly at ACS events or online.

25. IMPORTANT: By submitting each online entry form, all entrants agree to or declare the following:
*They have read and agree to these Terms and Conditions.
*That all information provided is true, complete and accurate and not misleading in any way.
*They have disclosed all CGI work to the judges.
*They are entirely responsible for the cinematography of each entry in the role of Cinematographer or Director of Photography, except as described in the follow point (if applicable).
*They have disclosed other contribution and listed all other cinematographers who contributed in any way to the entry and detailed their work by timecode or on-screen watermark/text and written disclosure.This includes Collaborative entries.
*They have arranged all clearances and permissions with the producers and/or distributors or appropriate authority to submit the entry and take full responsibility for any copyright or release infringement.
*They give the ACS permission to Live Stream and /or project excerpts of their entry during the awards presentations. It is the entrant’s responsibility to notify ACS if there is a restriction on this point.
*They will make full payment for the entry to the ACS immediately upon submission.
*They will submit their entry only in an approved format before the submission deadline.
*They understand the ACS Awards For Cinematography are administered by the ACS Board and all decisions made by the Board are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Good Luck!