SHINE SHOOTOUT

A Regional Short Film Challenge

Shine
Shootout 2026

Stories come from everywhere.
This is where they shine.

Challenge Elements Learn More
[✓] Free Entry
[✓] Smartphones Encouraged
[✓] No Experience Necessary
[✓] Schools & Community Welcome

Awards & Prizes to Be Won

Prizes

Best Film$6,000$3,000 cash proudly presented by the McNab Group, plus a professional colour grading package valued at $3,000, proudly provided by The Post Lounge
Best School Film$1,500Cash prize, proudly presented by Jen Taylor Properties
Best Regional Film$1,000Store credit, proudly presented by Harvey Norman ToowoombaAwarded to the film that best captures the spirit, people, places or stories of regional Australia. The film does not need to be shot in a regional location, but it should authentically reflect regional life, communities or experiences.
Best Performance AwardOne free term of screen acting classesAt Mashed Theatre & Films, proudly presented by Mashed Films
Emerging Filmmaker AwardOne-day walkthrough on setOn an upcoming feature film shooting in South East Queensland, proudly presented by Mashed FilmsAwarded to the filmmaker or team demonstrating exceptional promise through creativity, storytelling, originality and filmmaking potential, regardless of experience or production budget.
Audience Choice Award$1,000Proudly supported by the Australian Cultural Fund

About

What is the
Shine Shootout?

The Shine Shootout is a seven-day short film challenge designed to encourage storytelling, creativity and filmmaking across regional Queensland.

Participants create a short film and compete for prizes, recognition and the opportunity to have their work screened at the Empire Theatre.

Competition Guide

Everything you need to know to enter and compete.

View the Guide

Entering the Shine Shootout is easy

How to Enter

1 Register

Register your team through the Shine Shootout website. Registrations for 2026 have now closed.

2 Receive

The challenge elements were released at 9.00am on Wednesday 29 July 2026. They have been emailed to team contacts and are published in the Challenge Elements section of this website.

3 Create

Create your short film between 29 July 2026 and 5 August 2026.

4 Submit

Submit your completed film through FilmFreeway before 5.00pm on Wednesday 5 August 2026, then send your full-quality master file by 10.00am Thursday 6 August.

Submit Your Film

Every team submits two versions of their finished film: a smaller judging copy uploaded to FilmFreeway, and a full-quality master file used for the cinema screening on awards night and the official Shine Shootout YouTube channel.

Version 1 – Judging Copy (FilmFreeway)

Export a compressed, web-optimised 1080p MP4 (H.264, under 300MB) and upload it to FilmFreeway using the button below. This version is used for judging only.

Submit on FilmFreeway
Version 1 export settings
  • Format: MP4, H.264 codec
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 HD
  • Frame rate: match your project (e.g. 23.976, 24 or 25 fps)
  • Bitrate: restrict to 5,000 Kbps (gives a file of roughly 300MB for a 7-minute film)
  • Audio: AAC, stereo, 320 Kbps

Version 1 Deadline: 5.00pm, Wednesday 5 August 2026

Late submissions may not be accepted.

Version 2 – Master File (Screening & YouTube)

Export a high-quality 1080p master of your film, name the file after your film title (for example TotalEclipse.mp4), and upload it free to SwissTransfer – it is free and needs no account. Please do not use Smash, Dropbox or WeTransfer. After uploading your master file to SwissTransfer, complete the delivery form below. Your film will not be considered fully submitted until both the download link and the completed delivery form have been received.

Version 2 export settings
  • Format: MP4, H.264 codec, file named FilmTitle.mp4
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD, 16:9)
  • Frame rate: match your timeline – do not change it on export
  • Bitrate: VBR 2-pass, target 35 Mbps
  • Colour space: Rec. 709 (standard SDR)
  • Audio: AAC, stereo mix only (no 5.1), 48 kHz, 320 Kbps
  • File size: around 1.8GB for a 7-minute film – maximum 2.5GB

Version 2 Deadline: 10.00am, Thursday 6 August 2026

If the form does not confirm your submission, email your download link and film details to info@shineshootout.com.au

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Film Details Received

Thanks – we’ve got your download link and details. We’ll be in touch if anything else is needed.

Need help? If you are new to FilmFreeway, don’t worry. Guidance will be provided through the Shine Shootout Workshop and on this website.

Mark Your Calendar

Key Dates

17 JUN
Media Launch
18 JUL
Workshop
29 JUL
Challenge Launch
05 AUG
Entries Close
07 AUG
Screening & Awards

Red Carpet Awards Night

The Top 10 films will be screened on the big screen at the Shine Shootout Red Carpet Awards Night at the Empire Theatre’s Armitage Centre, 7.00pm, Friday 7 August 2026, with the award winners announced and presented on the night.

Finalists will not be announced in advance – teams will need to attend to discover whether their film has made the Top 10.

Tickets $15

Buy Tickets

Later in the year we also plan to hold an Encore Screening at the Toowoomba Strand Cinema, a further opportunity to showcase films entered in the inaugural Shine Shootout, including films not selected for the Top 10.

Get Ready

Shine Shootout
Workshop

Saturday 18 July 2026 / 1.00pm – 3.00pm / Toowoomba Strand Cinema / No experience necessary. Smartphones encouraged.

Thinking about entering the Shine Shootout but not sure where to start? The Shine Shootout Workshop is designed to give participants the confidence and practical skills needed to create a short film.

Whether you’re a student, teacher, community group, aspiring filmmaker or simply someone with a story to tell, this workshop will help you prepare for the challenge.

Online access. The workshop will also be recorded and made available online for participants who cannot attend in person.

Who Should Attend

  • Secondary school students
  • Teachers
  • Film clubs
  • Community groups
  • First-time filmmakers
  • Anyone interested in entering the Shine Shootout

What to Bring

  • A smartphone (if you have one)
  • A notebook
  • Your ideas and questions

The Wait Is Over

Official Challenge Elements

Every film entered in the Shine Shootout 2026 should include all three of the following elements.

1. Line of Dialogue

Your film should include the following line of dialogue:

“Nothing ever happens here.”

2. Prop

Your film should feature a:

Fly swatter

The prop may appear anywhere in the film and may be used in any creative way.

3. Location

Your film should feature a recognisable landmark, place or feature that helps identify where your film was made. It doesn’t have to be famous, it simply needs to be recognisable to your local community. Examples include:

  • A main street or town centre
  • A local café, pub or shop
  • A park, playground, sports ground or showgrounds
  • A school or university (with permission)
  • A river, creek, lake or beach
  • A mountain, lookout or distinctive natural feature
  • A bridge, water tower or silo
  • A mural, sculpture or public artwork
  • A historic building, church or hall
  • Any location that reflects the character of your town or region

The location does not need to be the focus of the film. It can simply appear naturally anywhere in your film.

We can’t wait to see where your creativity takes these challenge elements. Remember, your film must be uploaded via FilmFreeway by 5.00pm on Wednesday 5 August 2026. Most importantly, have fun, tell a great story, and enjoy the experience. The very best of luck!

Top Tips for Making a Great Short Film

Workshop Tips

1. Story Comes First

The best short films are built around a simple, memorable idea. Don’t try to tell an entire life story in seven minutes. Ask yourself:

  • Who is the main character?
  • What do they want?
  • What stands in their way?
  • How does it end?

Keep your story simple and make every scene count. Storyboarder by Wonder Unit is a free resource that may be of assistance.

2. Keep It Small

The easiest films to make well usually have:

  • One or two locations
  • Two to four characters
  • A clear beginning, middle and end
  • One central conflict

Limiting your scope almost always improves the finished film.

3. Plan Before You Shoot

Spend more time planning than filming. Before the camera rolls:

  • Visit your locations
  • Rehearse with actors
  • Create a simple shot list
  • Make sure everyone knows the schedule

Good planning saves hours of editing later.

4. Sound Is More Important Than Picture

Audiences will forgive slightly shaky footage. They won’t forgive bad sound. If you have limited time or money:

  • Record in quiet locations
  • Move closer to your actors
  • Turn off air conditioners and fans if possible
  • Monitor your audio while filming

5. Use Natural Light

Good lighting doesn’t need to be expensive. Film:

  • Early morning
  • Late afternoon
  • Near windows
  • In open shade rather than harsh midday sun

6. Get Plenty of Coverage

Don’t just shoot one wide shot. Film:

  • Wide shots
  • Medium shots
  • Close-ups
  • Cutaways
  • Reaction shots

These extra shots make editing much easier.

7. Keep Your Camera Steady

If you don’t own a tripod:

  • Lean against a wall
  • Place the phone on a table
  • Use two hands
  • Move slowly

Smooth camera movement almost always looks more professional.

8. Edit Ruthlessly

Every scene should move the story forward. If a scene doesn’t add something important, cut it. A strong five-minute film is usually better than a weak seven-minute film.

9. Music should support the story. Music should enhance emotion, not overpower dialogue. Never use commercial songs unless you own the rights. Free, properly licensed options are below.

Free Music & Sound Effects

  • YouTube Audio Library – free music and sound effects
  • Pixabay – royalty-free cinematic music and sound effects
  • Mixkit – free music and sound effects for films
  • Free Music Archive – Creative Commons music (always check the licence for the individual track)

Free Stock Video & Photography

Free Editing Software

Free Graphics

AI. AI can help with brainstorming ideas, refining dialogue, generating shot lists and planning production schedules. Remember to comply with the Shine Shootout rules regarding AI use and ensure your film remains your own creative work.

Use what you have available and be flexible. Many memorable short films are made with ordinary locations, small casts and modest equipment. Creativity, preparation and good storytelling usually matter far more than an expensive camera.

Registration

Registrations
Have Closed

The challenge is under way. Thank you to every team that registered for the inaugural Shine Shootout.

Registered Teams

The challenge is on

The official challenge elements are now live, and completed films are due by 5.00pm on Wednesday 5 August 2026.

View the Challenge Elements

With Thanks To

Sponsors & Partners

Major Sponsor
Shine Lawyers
Major Sponsor
Award & Prize Partners
The McNab Group
Best Film
Jen Taylor Properties
Best School Film
Harvey Norman Toowoomba
Best Regional Film
Mashed Films
Best Performance & Emerging Filmmaker
Australian Cultural Fund
Audience Choice Award
The Post Lounge
Best Film
KOFI Foundation
Award & Prize Partner
Prize Partners
Ric’s Flicks
Prize Partner
CBA
Prize Partner
Supporters
Empire Theatre
Supporter
Queensland Fringe
Supporter
Toowoomba Strand Cinema
Supporter

Interested in partnering with the Shine Shootout? Get in touch below.

Get In Touch

Contact

For media, sponsor and general enquiries, reach the team directly.

info@shineshootout.com.au

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