Guns & Cameras Awards — Official Contest Rules & Regulations
Effective: Fall 2025
TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE CONTESTANT RULES FOR 2025 -CLICK HERE-
1. Eligibility
1.1 The competition is open to creators working within the Guns & Cameras, defense, tactical, and outdoor industries, including filmmakers, photographers, on-camera talent, and marketers.
1.2 Entrants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of entry.
1.3 Work must have been created, published, or made publicly available between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
1.4 All entries must be the original work of the entrant, or the entrant must have secured all necessary rights and permissions to submit the work.
1.5 Employees, contractors, or immediate family members of GCA staff or judges are not eligible to enter.
2. Divisions & Categories
2.1 Entries are submitted into one of four divisions:
Video Awards
Photography Awards
Talent Awards
Marketing Awards
2.2 Each division contains multiple categories. Entrants must select the correct category for each submission.
2.3 Video Awards Categories
Video of the Year (overall winner)
Best Cinematography (camera work & framing)
Best Editing (pacing, storytelling, transitions)
Best Sound Design (Best Soundtrack)
Sub: Best Sound Mix
Best VFX (practical or digital)
Sub: Best Compositing
Sub: Best CGI Integration
Best Color Grading (tone, mood, consistency)
Best Directing (vision, execution, story cohesion)
Best Short Form Video (under 60 sec, optimized for reels/shorts)
2.4 Photography Awards Categories
Photo of the Year (overall winner)
Best Action Shot (movement & impact)
Best Portrait (subject-focused photography)
Best Tactical Photo
Best Product Photo (Studio)
Best Product Photo (Lifestyle)
Best Black & White Photo
Best Editing / Post-Processing
Best Creative (AI Permissible)
2.5 Talent Awards Categories
Best Actor / Performer (live action or staged)
Best Stunt / Action Sequence (practical stunt performance)
Best Voice Performance (narration, VO work)
Best Host (Podcast or Other)
Best Model
Best Supporting Actor / Performer
2.6 Marketing Awards Categories
Best Marketing Campaign of the Year (creativity, strategy, measurable results)
Best Product Launch Campaign (video/photo rollout for a new firearm, optic, gear line, etc.)
Best Social Media Campaign (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or multi-platform)
Best Brand Storytelling Campaign (narrative-driven marketing with emotional impact)
Best Guerrilla / Unconventional Marketing Campaign (creative campaigns that broke the mold)
Community Impact Campaign (tied to charitable work, veteran support, or community building)
3. Entry Rules
3.1 Same File Rule – The same work may be submitted to only one category per division. It may be entered in a different division if eligible.
3.2 Multiple Entries – Entrants may submit multiple unique works in any category.
3.3 Submission Format – All entries must be submitted as a link to view the content. No file uploads are allowed. Links may be private/unlisted but must remain active through the judging period.
3.4 Entry Fees – Each entry requires a separate fee. All fees are non-refundable.
3.5 Judging Anonymity – Entrant names and identifying information will not be shared with judges during scoring.
4. AI Use Policy
4.1 Photography – Only the category “Best Creative (AI Permissible)” allows AI-generated imagery or AI-assisted image creation. All other categories must be based on real-world photography. Limited AI-assisted tools for noise reduction, sharpening, or masking are allowed.
4.2 Video – AI-assisted editing tools (color, stabilization, noise reduction, etc.) are permitted. AI-generated B-roll, environments, characters, or major visual elements are not allowed in 2025.
4.3 Talent – AI-generated voices, likenesses, or performance stand-ins are prohibited.
4.4 Marketing – AI-generated assets are permitted only if they do not misrepresent the nature of the work and if all original creative direction is contestant-driven. AI usage in marketing campaigns must be disclosed in the entry description.
4.5 Disclosure Requirement – If AI tools were used in any significant way, entrants must disclose this when submitting. Undisclosed AI use that violates category restrictions may result in disqualification.
5. Judging Process
5.1 Round 1 – Category Judging
Each entry is reviewed and scored by multiple judges.
Scoring Criteria:
Technical Excellence – 30%
Creativity & Originality – 30%
Storytelling / Impact – 30%
Alignment with Category Theme – 10%
5.2 Round 2 – Division Points
Gold = 5 points
Silver = 3 points
Bronze = 1 point
5.3 Round 3 – Division Finals
The top three point scorers in each division become finalists.
Judges review all winning entries from each finalist as a complete body of work.
Winners are chosen based on overall craft, originality, and industry impact.
Tie-breaker: most Golds in that division; if still tied, a final judges’ vote will decide.
6. Division Awards
6.1 The highest honor in each division is the Division Award:
Videographer of the Year
Photographer of the Year
Talent of the Year
Marketer of the Year
6.2 To win, a creator must demonstrate consistent excellence across multiple categories in the same division. One outstanding entry alone will not be enough to secure this title.
7. Important Dates
7.1 Submissions Open – September 1, 2025
7.2 Submissions Close – December 31, 2025
7.3 Judging Period September 1st, 2025 – January 9th 2026
7.4 Winners Announced – January 16th, 2026
8. Terms & Conditions
8.1 Entrants confirm they hold all rights and permissions to submitted work, including necessary licenses for music, images, and likenesses.
8.2 By entering, entrants grant the GCAs the right to showcase their work for marketing, promotions, and highlight reels.
8.3 Judges’ decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
8.4 Entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
Questions about the contest should be directed to:
📧 Contact@1156productions.com