In early 2020 I started the Real-Time Filmmakers Facebook Group that grew to 14k members. When COVID brought the whole industry to a halt I used the group to launch the Unreal Engine Real-Time Shorts Challenge.

 

Participants had 30 days to make a short film using Unreal assets that I provided. Epic Games and other brands sponsored the Challenge. 30 shorts were submitted from individuals and teams working remotely all round the world. A panel of industry luminaries including Kim Libreri and Matt Workman judged the entries.

 

The Challenge attracted a diverse entrants from 26 countries. Of the ten finalists, half were women the major being women of color.

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The success of the RTSC showed me how we could crowd source aspects of production drawing on a flexible pool of talent from around the world that was more efficient and resilient to disruption.