BEYOND THE FRAME
Show off your creativity and storytelling skills in our exciting video competition! Submit your best video for a chance to win amazing prizes and gain recognition. Whether you're a filmmaker, vlogger, or just love creating content, this is your moment to shine!
THE COMPETITION
'Beyond the Frame' is a video competition for all content creators, videographers, and aspiring cinematographers. Get ready to grab your camera and shoot your most creative work.
We're looking for passionate storytellers, who are earning no more than 20% of their annual income from videography. If you love making videos, showcase your talent now!
THE BRIEF
Choose from the three competition categories. You may enter one, two, or three categories, but only submit a maximum of one video per category.
Short-form storytelling
Tell a powerful story in 15 to 30 seconds - quick, creative, and made to grab attention.
Traditional content remix
Reimagine traditional videography fields (such as documentary, commercial, wedding, etc.) and add your fresh and unique perspective in a shareable way - 1 to 3 minutes to make it your own.
Cinematic masterpiece
Craft a visually stunning, emotionally powerful, and deeply engaging short film. Whether it’s a heartfelt drama, an artistic narrative, or a music-driven story, produce 2 to 5 minute videos that feel like they belong on the big screen.
THE PRIZES
For each category, five finalists will be selected - one of whom will take the top spot as the Category Winner.
Out of the three Category Winners, one will take home the Grand Prize.
🎥 Finalists (2nd–5th place): €200 camera voucher (redeemable at Canon partner stores).
🏆 Category Winners (1st place in each category):
- Short-Form Storytelling – Canon EOS Powershot V1
- Traditional Content Remix – Canon EOS R50 V
- Cinematic Masterpiece – Canon EOS R6 Mark II
🌍 Grand Prize Winner: An all-expenses-paid trip to Canon Vision event in Amsterdam in September 2025.
COMPETITION TIMELINE
Entries open
Submit your video entry through the dedicated form. Check this page for details on the brief and submission guidelines.
Entries Close
Entries close at midnight on June 30, 2025, after which our judges will begin the review process.
Judging
Our panel of creator experts will review all entries and pick the top submissions by July 31, 2025. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll get an email letting you know!
Winner Selection
The competition winner will be announced on Canon's communication channels on September 1, 2025.
What are the judges looking for?
We're looking for engaging, original, and visually captivating videos that bring our themes to life. Whether through storytelling, creativity, or technical skill, your video should leave a lasting impression.
🎬 Cinematography – creative shots, smooth camera movement, and lighting that sets the mood.
🎞️ Post-production – sharp editing, high quality color grading, and sound that pulls it all together.
📖 Storytelling – a clear idea that grabs attention, sparks emotion, or resonates with viewers.
Make it original. Make it beyond the frame.
MEET THE JUDGES
Our judges bring a wealth of diverse expertise across the world of video production and cinematography.
Christina Oné
Christina is a Romanian photographer and creator renowned for her captivating fashion and portrait photography. With a keen eye for detail and a unique aesthetic, she has garnered a substantial following on social media platforms, where she showcases her work. Her experience and artistic vision helps offer valuable insights into creativity and visual storytelling.
Babis Chatzakis
Babis is a Greece-based filmmaker and photographer specializing in travel, lifestyle and commercial content. Originally an electrical engineer, Babis transformed his passion for visual storytelling into a career, bringing his signature cinematic style and focus on storytelling to global brands that share his love for travel, adventure, and sustainability.
Drazen Stader
An acclaimed director and cinematographer, Drazen is known for his compelling visual storytelling and meticulous approach to filmmaking. With experience in commercials, branded content, and narrative films, he blends dynamic imagery with emotional depth, pushing creative boundaries to create memorable and impactful visuals.
MEET THE 2024 GRAND PRIZE WINNER
“Peru is Amazing", by Andrei - Dan from Romania, captured the judges' attention for its personal story and effortless editing. In just one minute, through the lens of their Canon EOS R6 Mark II, he captured the vibrant essence of Peru, creating a narrative that truly stood out.
Working as an entrepreneur in construction and agriculture, Andrei - Dan is a newcomer to videography, honing his skills through online self-study and sheer determination. His next ambition is to write a script and shoot a short movie in a more cinematic way. We wish him continuous success in his filmmaking journey!
"The main thing that keeps me going is how much more I must learn. Videography, filmmaking, cinematography is really just a passion at this point, but seeing my progress is the real reward in my journey.”
Tips & tricks
8 Mistakes Content Creators Make – and How to Avoid Them
From losing your unique style to chasing trends that don’t fit, this guide breaks down common mistakes and how to stay ahead of the game.
How to Make a Video Story
Great videos start with great storytelling. Master framing, pacing, and scene transitions to craft videos that hook your audience and keep them watching.
Tips for Successful Social Videos
Crack the code to viral reels and social videos. Learn how to grab attention fast, pick the right visuals, and work with platform algorithms to boost engagement.
Lighting in video: a guide to cinematic lighting techniques
Learn about different lighting setups that can give videos a specific look and help tell a story.