Cineformation Festival
Backed by the end-to-end studio power of Whole Brain Media, Cineformation was established as a high-integrity, filmmaker-first ecosystem. We don't care about industry politics or viral clickbait. We care about structural narrative, master-level pacing, and technical brilliance.
Winning a Cineformation Award means your project didn't just tell a good story—it achieved operational, technical, and artistic excellence. Because our judges are working studio heads, colorists, and sound designers from Whole Brain Media, taking home a trophy is the ultimate industry stamp of approval.
Info
The Cineformation Festival is coming to the heart of the Bluegrass. Hosted at a premier venue (TBD in Central Kentucky), the festival is a high-prestige, technically rigorous showcase dedicated strictly to independent Pilots, Web Series, and Proof of Concepts (POCs).
The Main Stage: Selected projects are projected in an uncompromising, elite theatrical environment to deliver a true cinematic experience for the audience.
The VIP Lobby Suite: A private, high-end environment hosted by Streamsies, allowing VIPs, distributors, sponsors, and judges to audit the technical integrity of the films in real-time.
🏆 THE CINEFORMATION AWARDS
Projects and talent are evaluated by industry professionals across four core pillars: Vision, Frame, Soul, and Atmosphere.
The Genre Brackets (Film & Performance)
The Pulse Check Awards (Action): Outstanding Action Film & Outstanding Action Performance.
The Fling Awards (Romance): Outstanding Romance Film & Outstanding Romance Performance.
The Knee Slapper Awards (Comedy): Outstanding Comedy Film & Outstanding Comedy Performance.
The Slasher Awards (Horror): Outstanding Horror Film & Outstanding Horror Performance.
The Max & Zara "Best Fur Baby" Award: Awarded to the project that best integrates a non-human co-star, honoring the difficult craft of directing animals and celebrating the legacy of our late companions.
📐 SUBMISSION CATEGORIES & REQUIREMENTS
To pass our evaluation and be eligible for screening and awards, all files must meet the following strict exhibition standards. Submissions open January 1, 2027. Final Deadline is August 10, 2027.
The Blanket Runtime: 10 to 45 Minutes (Strictly Enforced for all Pilots, Web Series blocks, and POCs).
The Master Asset Specifications:
4K UHD (3840x2160) / 2.39:1 or 16:9 Aspect Ratio
23.976 fps / 24 fps Native
Rec.709 (SDR) Minimum (HDR Masters Welcomed)
ProRes 422 HQ / H.265 10-bit Deliverables
The Pitch Deck: A mandatory 3-page pitch deck utilizing the official template found inside the community resource portal.
⚖️ RULES & TERMS
The Gate: $50 for public, non-member submissions. The submission fee is 100% waived ($0) for active members of the Cineformation Community.
The Grant Synergy: The Tier 1 Winner of the Cineformation Grant receives a guaranteed Headliner Premiere slot at the festival following their 8-week completion window inside the Whole Brain Media studio pipeline.
Attendance: Award winners are highly encouraged to be present at our Central Kentucky venue to receive their Cineformation trophy live on stage.
🏨 LODGING & LOGISTICS
Venue & Hotel Hubs: Exact theater partners, luxury block rates, and lodging accommodations across Lexington/Central Kentucky will be officially unveiled ASAP
Travel Planning: Attendees flying into the region are encouraged to book travel through Blue Grass Airport (LEX) or Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and arrive by Friday morning to attend the kick-off Meet and Create Mixer.
