NBCUniversal creates 1917 inspired one shot film contest

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Although some believe 2014's BIRDMAN to be the first one-shot film (a movie that's one continuous shot with no edit cuts), flicks like TIMECODE, BIG MONDAY, and last year's BLIND SPOT put paid to that myth. However, a specific one-shot film that's garnering a ton of interest right now is Oscar winning director Sam Mendes' WWI epic 1917. Early reactions are very high on the picture, hailing it as a technical marvel for legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins.

If you've ever dreamed of being Roger Deakins or just want to flex your filmmaking muscles, NBCUniversal and Ideas United have got a treat for you. The two groups have partnered together on a one-shot short film contest. The requirements are simple; as long as you are at least 18 and a U.S. resident, all you need to do is submit a two minute, one-shot film that, like the driving plot of 1917, focuses on delivering an urgent message. Then upload the two-minute video to Instagram, Facebook or YouTube using the hashtag, “#1917oneshotchallenge” and the public link 1917oneshotchallenge.com.

And the prize for winning the contest is pretty awesome. The winner and a guest will be flown to Los Angeles for the world premiere of 1917 on December 18 and meet various members of the cast and crew. Damn. The chance to meet Sam Mendes, Colin Firth, and Benedict Cumberbatch? If I even had a modicum of talent or equipment, I'd be all over this.

For further details you can go to 1917onshotchallenge.com or check out the promotional videos on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

1917 opens Christmas Day.