CELEBRATING THE BEST OF BRAND STORYTELLING
For 9 years the Brand Film Awards have celebrated exceptional creativity, compelling storytelling and outstanding production in branded content films that have been transforming the marketing landscape.
The 2025 awards will continue this tradition, recognising emotional and heartwarming narratives to humorous and inventive concepts, and honour the best of the best in brand filmmaking.
Entries have now closed. Stay tuned for the shortlist reveal on Thursday 6 March.
CATEGORIES
BUSINESS
B2B
A film created for business-to-business communications or promotion.
INTERNAL
The best use of film or series for internal purposes to connect with employees and highlight a corporate message or initiative.
CORPORATE
A corporate film that supported a specific goal and delivered significant results.
ISSUES & REPUTATION CRISIS
A film created to deal with a specific corporate or social issue.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
A film created to influence political or governmental audiences on behalf of an organisation or brand.
CONSUMER
CONSUMER GOODS
For a brand film that helped achieve a goal, such as engaging consumers or employees, building media buzz, and selling products.
HEALTHCARE & PHARMA
The film that highlights the healthcare industry, from pharma and hospitals to insurance, in the most effective way.
SPORT
For a film that uses sport to deliver a brand or organisation's message.
BRANDED CONTENT AND ENTERTAINMENT
ORGANISATION DOCUMENTARY
The most effective documentary film created by a brand or agency that tells an impactful, informative story.
BRANDED PROGRAMME
For an inventive and relevant film that helped drive a brand’s objectives in a demonstrable way.
BEST USE OF HUMOUR
Using humour in an effective way to achieve its goals. The film can be part of a larger programme or a standalone initiative.
MOST EMOTIONAL IMPACT
The most heart warming, emotional film created by a brand or agency. The film can be part of a larger programme or a standalone initiative.
BEST USE OF DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA
For the film with a creative idea demonstrates outstanding use of social media and/or other digital resources in order to reach determined goals.
BEST USE OF AN INFLUENCER/CELEBRITY
This category awards the most creative campaign that used one or more social media influencers or a celebrity’s social platforms to increase the films reach. This can be as a standalone initiative or as part of a wider campaign.
ANIMATED
For the most memorable and effective use of animation in film. Can include hand-drawn, stopmotion, or computer animation.
BEST DIRECTOR
Given to the director who best brings a film to life with their vision and techniques.
BEST FILM UNDER 1 MINUTE
Best Film lasting no more than 1 minute
BEST POST-PRODUCTION
The film that best showcases the use of post-production editing techniques, such as sound mixing, colour correction, graphic design, and special effects.
BEST POST-PRODUCTION EDITING
The film that best showcases the use of postproduction editing techniques into a coherent, cohesive story.
BEST POST-PRODUCTION MOTION GRAPHICS
The film that best showcases the use of postproduction colour correction, graphic design, and special effects.
BEST POST-PRODUCTION SOUND DESIGN
The film that best showcases the use of postproduction editing techniques, such as sound mixing.
BEST USE OF NEW TECHNICAL INNOVATION
For films that tell a brands story through new technical techniques to engage viewers and immerse them in the interactive content experience. This can include periscope or augmented reality.
PURPOSE
PROGRESSIVE SOCIAL CHANGE
The film that demonstrates an impactful philanthropic program or brand CSR effort and the results it had on society at large or for a specific organisation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
The film that underscores a corporation or agency’s sustainability efforts. The film should tell a story as well as support the company’s particular sustainability focus area.
CHARITY/THIRD SECTOR
A film that has been produced by a charity and/or agency achieving the most inspiring awareness raising or fundraising film.
AGENCIES
Judges will take into account achievement against objectives, creative output, new business wins, client retention and relationships and innovation in delivery.
Criteria – a minimum of three pieces of work should be provided
EMEA PRODUCTION COMPANY OF THE YEAR
This category recognises a production company that has produced outstanding branded film content for its clients over the last 12 months.
EMEA AGENCY OF THE YEAR
This category recognises an agency that has produced outstanding branded film content for its clients over the last 12 months.
GLOBAL PRODUCTION COMPANY OF THE YEAR:
This category recognises a production company that has produced outstanding branded film content for its clients over the last 12 months globally. Entering companies must have regional offices in at least 3 continents
GLOBAL AGENCY OF THE YEAR
This category recognises an agency that has produced outstanding branded film content for its clients over the last 12 months. Entering companies must have regional offices in at least 3 continents
FILM OF THE YEAR:
This is a category which looks at all the winners of the film awards and awards an overall winner. YOU CANNOT ENTER THIS CATEGORY
INTRODUCING OUR CO-CHAIR OF JUDGES
JUDGING PANEL
The 2025 panel of esteemed judges who will carefully evaluate and assess your work.
WHY ARE THESE AWARDS SO IMPORTANT?
Hear from the 2025 judging panel themselves...
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"We're here to raise the bar on standards for brand films. Tell me how your film is breaking new ground for our industry".
— Adrian Ma
— Founder & Partner , Fanclub PR
"The awards are crucial in allowing us to inspire each other, while stepping outside of our own brand bubbles and algorithms to look at the massive variety of creative storytelling styles in EMEA. A bit of healthy competition never hurt, either!"
— Ben Forder
— Creative Studios Manager , CFA Institute
"We need to inspire and celebrate new filmmakers, story-tellers, producers and directors because Britain is a creative powerhouse and brands can help find and support new talent".
— Dan Lambden
— Creative Director , Red Consultancy
"Being recognized by peers and clients is critically important and can help your new business approach".
— Dan Ruttley
— Founder & Executive Producer , Feed Films
"Immersing ourselves in exceptional brand storytelling showcases the innovative ideas that propel our industry forward and elevate creativity. It is both a pleasure and a privilege to celebrate the incredibly talented organizations and individuals who bring these stories to life".
— Don Ferguson
— Deputy MD , Hope&Glory
"The world of branded content is growing rapidly. It is a discipline that sometimes gets lost in the world of paid ads but is just as important, sometimes more, in spreading their message".
— Joff Sumner
— Global Content Director , Axicom
"There is a lot of noise out there ‚ so to deliver a campaign that stands out, makes a difference, gets recognised is something to celebrate".
— Kate Sarginson
— Head of Creative , Fight or Flight
"It's no secret that I love awards. They're way more than just shiny trophies. For agencies, they boost culture, fuelling team pride and ambition and celebrating impact beyond the day-to-day grind, as well as being a helpful signal to talents looking for new roles where they can work at the top of their game. For brands, they're third-party proof that their investment and work is having an impact and is best-in-class compared with competitors. They're also very useful when brands are seeking a standout new agency, in a sea of mediocrity, that is shaping the industry and setting the bar for what excellence looks like".
— Lizzie Earl
— CEO , Stakked
"Brand films have become a core part of the marketing toolkit and impact multiple pieces of marketing collateral - the awards are a great opportunity to showcase this creativity in action and highlight memorable moments from campaigns".
— Roopa Ramaiya
— Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications , Stenn
"With so many different brands, channels, publishers, broadcasters and OTT platforms creating more and more demand and hunger for stand out work the bar is being raised every year. The Brand Film Awards are an excellent and well recognised place to stand out in the digital noise and get industry recognition for powerful work. They are specifically aimed at Branded Content rather than Advertising so the budgets and the engagement reflect that reality as normally budgets are smaller and media spend is tiny, if it exists at all, compared to an above-the-line campaign".
— Will Ingham
— Chief Creative Officer , WING
AMPLIFY YOUR WIN
If you're a winner at these awards, shout about your success even more with our amplification package
You’ve had a cracking night out, you’ve picked up an award, you’ve slept off the celebrations, but do the people that really matter know you’ve won big?
We’re here to help. We want to get your win out there, to the audience, in front of prospective clients (and competitors!).
That’s why we’ve put together an instant shout-about-it package: quick turnaround content that won’t destroy your marketing budget.
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
"BRAND FILMS, IN ALL THEIR WONDERFUL VARIETIES, ARE ONLY GETTING MORE IMPORTANT.
They are increasingly becoming an essential part of an organisation’s marketing toolkit, allowing them to showcase their vision, culture, and impact in an authentic way that sticks with viewers.
Winning a Brand Film Award is the perfect way to show the world that you are on top of your game. Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain recognition, inspire others, and solidify your place in this evolving genre.
Enter today to show the world your storytelling prowess and your commitment to pushing the boundaries of brand film".
Editor, PR Week
John HarringtonBROUGHT TO YOU BY
CONTACTS
ENTERING IS EASY
Ready to enter? Here's everything you need to know
1. CHECK ELIGIBILITY
Your film must have aired between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2024, and be from the EMEA region, unless entering a global agency category.
2. WHAT TO SUBMIT
Send a one-page summary (A4) covering your film’s story, objectives, and success, plus a YouTube/Vimeo link. If your film is over 1 minute, include a shorter version too.
3. FINAL STEPS
Upload two high-quality images (300dpi), include client approval, and complete your entry at the Brand Film Awards.
THREE REASONS TO ENTER
1. WORLDWIDE EXPOSURE
Elevate your brand awareness to a global audience by showcasing what makes you unique to our panel of international experts who truly appreciate your vision.
2. BUILD TRUST
Celebrate your success to reinforce trust and loyalty with existing clients while drawing in collaborators who align with your values, building credibility and future partnerships.
3. INSPIRE CREATIVITY
Be recognised for your transformative ideas and compelling brand narrative. Acknowledge your impactful ideas that made a difference and inspire others to follow.
JUDGES SPOTLIGHT
TOP TIPS FOR NAILING YOUR 2025 ENTRY
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