The 48-Hour Film Challenge: Reading Biscuit Factory x Framespotting
About this Event
48 HOURS. ONE FILM. TOTAL GLORY.
Have you ever wanted to see your work on the big screen? Reading Biscuit Factory and Framespotting Films are challenging the creators of Reading to a high-speed cinematic showdown.
Whether you are a seasoned pro with a RED camera or a novice with a smartphone, this challenge is for you. You have one week to pick your 48-hour window, write, shoot, and edit a short film based on a secret brief—all for the chance to win a year-long cinema membership.
How it Works:
Register: Sign up as an individual. You can form teams of 2–6 people.
The Launch (Monday 17th August): Join us at the RBF bar to receive the official brief, your required elements, and your unique Team ID code.
The Sprint: You have until Sunday evening to create a masterpiece (Max 10 mins).
The Premiere (Monday 24th August): Walk the red carpet! We’ll screen every qualifying film in a Reading Biscuit Factory's 80 seat cinema screen followed by a live awards ceremony.
The Grand Prize:
The winning team will receive a Full Annual Membership to Reading Biscuit Factory (worth £65 per person), giving you 6 free films and up to 15% off the bar for an entire year! The winning film will also be screened at Through a Different Lens' short film festival in September.
The Rules
Teams: 2–6 people.
Entry: £10 per person.
Content: No racist, sexist, or offensive content. All films must be suitable for a festival audience.
Diversity & Inclusion: In alignment with the Reading Biscuit Factory and Through a Different Lens ethos, we strongly encourage teams to be inclusive. We challenge you to look beyond your usual creative circles—consider diversity in gender, ethnicity, disability, and background when forming your cast and crew. A broader range of perspectives makes for better storytelling.
Legal: All music and stock footage must be authorized for festival use.
Validation: All films must include the assigned Secret Code, Story Prompts, and a shot of the Reading Biscuit Factory to be eligible for prizes. No premade content (except stock) is permitted.
Launch Night 17th August
🕑: 06:30 PM
Arrival & Check-In
Info: Participants arrive at the RBF Bar.
Check-in desk: Teams verify their registration and receive their Secret 3-Digit Team ID.
Bar is open for pre-briefing drinks.
🕑: 07:00 PM
Welcome & Introductions
Info: Opening remarks from Reading Biscuit Factory and Framespotting Films.
Introduction of any sponsors in attendance.
🕑: 07:15 PM - 07:30 PM
The Reveal
Info: Presentation of the Option 1: Local Legend brief.
Live reveal of the secret prompt and required dialogue.
Q&A session regarding rules and submission logistics.
🕑: 07:30 PM
Networking & Strategy
Info: The "Mixer": Individual registrants form teams; existing teams begin brainstorming.
Bar remains open for "Strategy Sessions."
🕑: 10:00 PM
Event Close
Premiere Night 24th Aug.
🕑: 06:30 PM
The Red Carpet Reception
Info: Filmmakers, friends, and family arrive.
Step-and-repeat photo opportunities in the bar area.
Bar is open for "Premiere Drinks."
🕑: 07:00 PM
Move to Cinema Screen
Info: Guests take their seats. Welcome address and thanks to sponsors.
🕑: 07:15 PM
The Screening (Part 1)
🕑: 08:30 PM
Intermission
🕑: 08:50 PM
The Screening (Part 2)
🕑: 09:30 PM
The Awards Ceremony
Info: Guest judges present category awards (Best Cinematography, Best Use of Prop, etc.).
The Grand Prize: Announcement of the winning team for the Year-Long Memberships.
🕑: 10:00 PM
The After-party
Info: Return to the bar for celebrations and networking. Live DJ the set the party mood!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 8.83 to GBP 11.55
