If you've never heard of My RØDE Reel, it's a contest in which filmmakers may submit their original short films, as well as a BTS reel, for a chance to win, as you've already read, a staggering number of prizes. Another exciting treat RØDE has included in their 3rd year of the competition is that DP Shane Hurlbut ASC has joined this year's panel of judges, along with a couple of MRR vets, Philip Bloom and Rodney Charters.
Okay, here's how it works. Filmmakers write, create, record, and edit a short film, as well as a BTS video, both of which must be between 1 to 3 minutes long. The short can be can be about whatever you want, but the BTS video "must show a RØDE product being used in the production of the Short Film (the “BTS Video”). It's pretty straightforward, but you'll want to read over the terms and conditions before you start.
There are a ton of categories that you can compete in as well, including a variety of both genre and technical awards. In fact, My RØDE Reel has introduced the Female Filmmaker Award this year to “recognize and promote the contribution of female professionals in the creative industry.”
Now, on to prizes! The short film chosen as the best of all the competing films gets all of this, including a Blackmagic URSA Mini 4K, a Freefly MōVI M5, and a ton of RØDE gear!
If you need a little inspiration, RØDE has shared their entry, a short entitled Rodent, along with their BTS reel. Check them out:
My RØDE Reel is currently taking entries. However, the competition closes at 12:00 midday AEST on June 1st, which is 10PM EST on May 31st for those in the US, so be sure to get your submissions in before then!
Source: My RØDE REEL
