Rules

Competition rules and requirements.

Clear standards keep judging fair, transparent, and consistent for every entry.

Age

Under 18

Entries

2 max (1 per category)

Duration

3 min max

Fee

Free

Categories

Two categories only: Cinematic + VFX and Motion + Innovation. You may submit one entry per category.

Cinematic + VFX

Narrative clarity, cinematic storytelling, or compositing craftsmanship.

Judging emphasis

  • Story clarity and editorial intent
  • Cinematic pacing and emotional impact
  • Visual continuity and compositing craft
  • Process documentation showing decisions and tradeoffs

Motion + Innovation

Motion-forward, high-energy, or format-bending work.

Judging emphasis

  • Timing, rhythm, and motion design clarity
  • Creative experimentation and visual voice
  • Technical execution and polish
  • Process documentation and iteration
View full category details →

Eligibility

Age requirement

Participants must be under 18 years of age at the time of submission. Age verification is required for all finalists.

Original work

All submissions must be original work created primarily by the submitting participant. Collaborative work is permitted with proper credits.

One entry per category

You may submit one entry in each category. Choose the category that best fits each piece of work.

Submission

Video format

YouTube or Vimeo (public or unlisted)

Duration

3 minutes maximum (strictly enforced)

Process statement

200–500 words required

Credits

All contributors listed

Step 1: Add Your Verification Code (Before Submission)

When you create an account, you'll receive a unique verification code (e.g., FLARE-K7HP-X3NM). Add this to your video description to prove you own the video:

Flare Submission: FLARE-XXXX-XXXX
#FlareReview #ProcessReview

Step 2: Add Your Project ID (After Submission)

After you submit, you'll receive a Project ID (e.g., FLARE-2026-A7K3M). Update your video description to include this ID for identification:

Flare Submission: FLARE-XXXX-XXXX
Project ID: FLARE-2026-XXXXX
#FlareReview #ProcessReview

Both codes are displayed on your dashboard. The verification code proves ownership; the Project ID identifies your entry for judging.

AI Policy

AI-generated video content is not allowed.

Your submitted video must be created by you, not generated by AI. This includes AI-generated footage, AI-animated content, and AI-synthesized video. The focus of this competition is on your editing craft and creative process—not AI output.

AI tools for editing assistance are permitted but must be disclosed. This includes AI-assisted color grading, audio cleanup, transcription, rotoscoping, or other editing aids. If you used any AI tools in your workflow, you must disclose this in your submission.

Failure to disclose AI use, or submitting AI-generated video content, will result in disqualification. When in doubt, disclose.

Anonymity

Flare uses blind judging to ensure fair evaluation. All identifying information must be removed.

Anonymity Requirements

Submissions must not contain identifying information in the video, captions, or process documentation:

  • Your name or the names of team members
  • School or organization names
  • Location information (city, state, country)
  • Social media handles or links
  • Watermarks or logos with identifying information
  • Personal websites or portfolio links in the video

Project ID System

Upon submission, each entry is assigned a unique Project ID (e.g., FLARE-2026-A7K3M). This is your anonymous identifier throughout the competition.

  • You will receive your Project ID via email upon submission
  • Judges only see Project IDs — never your name or personal information
  • Do NOT publicly share or claim your Project ID until results are announced
  • Your Project ID will be displayed in your participant dashboard

Anonymity Violation Policy

If identifying information is detected in your submission, we will request a redacted resubmission. Repeated or intentional violations may result in disqualification.

Verification

All finalists must verify their age before winners are announced.

Option A

School verification

Email from your school administrator confirming enrollment and grade level.

Option B

Redacted ID

Government-issued ID with all info redacted except name and birth year.

Verification data is automatically deleted after review.

Disqualification

  • AI-generated video — video content created by AI is not allowed
  • Plagiarism — submitting work that is not your own
  • Undisclosed AI use — using AI editing tools without disclosure
  • Age misrepresentation — providing false age information
  • Duration violation — exceeding maximum duration
  • Multiple submissions — more than one entry per category
  • Anonymity violation — including identifying information after warning
  • Project ID disclosure — publicly claiming your entry before results

Flare Process Review administration has final authority on all matters of eligibility, disqualification, and dispute resolution. All decisions are final.