The idea, brought to the RTS by actor and director Daymon Britton (Emmerdale, Tales from the Lodge), is a unique challenge where entrants have 48 hours to create, film and edit a three-minute short film that will be judged and awarded by television industry heavyweights.  

The competition gives filmmakers a chance to showcase their creativity and innovation, and entries can be submitted either as an individual or as part of a team. During the launch event on Friday 9 October, participants will receive the film title at 7pm, and will then have 48 hours to create a three-minute short film based on this which also adheres to all COVID-19 rules and restrictions.

All entries must be submitted to the RTS by 7pm on Sunday 11 October.

The nominees will be announced in November, with the winner set to be crowned later this year. The winning film will be showcased on the RTS YouTube Channel and will also receive a prestigious Royal Television Society Award.

Daymon Britton said: “With so many people recovering from the effects of COVID-19, and personally reflecting on how huge the impact has been on our industry I wanted to bring creatives together for something positive.  With incredible support and vision from the RTS we have formed an official film challenge called Futures 48. The challenge gives a focus, a deadline, and an incredible platform for those taking part. Open to people of all ages, I am hoping to see an outpouring of creativity over those 48 hours in October. This is just the beginning of Futures 48, and it’s already incredibly exciting.”

Theresa Wise, CEO of the Royal Television Society, added: “Necessity has been the mother of invention this year – and the television industry top to bottom has been a great example of this during COVID.  We are grateful to Daymon for bringing this idea to involve young British film-makers and we are also delighted that the RTS Regions and Nations are leading this effort.”

Find out more about registration for the launch event and full conditions of entry here.