Time to Inspire Storyboard competition shortlist announced

• Please note: This competition has now closed. View the shortlisted entries.

We are pleased to announce the brilliant shortlist for the Time to Inspire Storyboard competition, in partnership with world-renowned Swiss watchmaker, Swatch.

Collectively, more than 175 young people aged 13-19 from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales submitted group storyboards for the Time to Inspire Storyboard competition. Five teams have been selected for the shortlist and invited to attend a storyboard workshop to develop their initial ideas at the prestigious Netflix office in London.

This innovative storyboard competition is themed around inspiration. We want to showcase the positive impact young filmmakers can have by using their films to inspire future generations to aspire, be empowered, and be the changemakers of tomorrow.

The finalists' workshop will enable the shortlisted young people to develop their skills, including learning how to respond to a creative industry brief, how to work better as a team and how to present their short film ideas to an expert panel. 

With the help of our friends at Swatch, Into Film will support one winning group to bring their inspirational storyboard to life as a completed short film (U classification). The winning storyboard will be announced in September and screened to audiences at the 2024 Into Film Festival.

Time to Inspire Storyboard competition finalists

Find out more about each of our shortlisted storyboards below.

Dinosaur - by All Saints Catholic High School, Sheffield 

Dinosaur is a film about a young boy's self-discovery and acceptance of his cultural heritage. Matthew is going to a new school wearing his Kurta (cultural clothes) and at first, believes he is going to stand out so much he imagines he is wearing a dinosaur costume. Through support from his mum and finding a friend, he comes to feel more comfortable and confident in himself.

Never Stop Dreaming - by North Birmingham Academy, Birmingham

A young boy, Miguel, dreams of becoming a footballer but is grappling with some difficult news that has the potential to make him give up on this. However, in a dream, he gets a visit from someone who inspires him to keep believing in himself and not lose hope. This story is about achieving your dreams, despite all obstacles.

The North London Retirement Home For Elderly Socks - by Ashmole Academy, London

A film about finding inspiration to carry on, in a new and unfamiliar environment. Explored through a humorous setup when a documentary crew visits a retirement home for elderly socks. This story shows that there is always time to inspire and it's never too late to change someone's life for the better.

Pity Party - by Sullivan Upper School, Belfast

Tom gets ready to go to a party while his little brother stays at home decorating the house for his own birthday. Worried about his brother as there are no party guests in sight, he and his friends decide to stay at home and give Noah the best birthday ever. This film idea inspires people to do good, be kind and look out for others.

Outside of the Box - by Montgomery Academy, Blackpool

Arabella wants to become a designer but is constantly discouraged by those around her. One of her teachers had a similar dream growing up and encourages Arabella to pursue her dreams. This storyboard inspires us to believe in yourself and work hard.

Peter Murray, Filmmaking Lead at Into Film, said: "We were impressed by the overall ideas and creativity shown in the storyboard submissions. The subjects covered were all inspirational in their own way, and the standard of the entries was very high, making the judging process difficult."

More about Into Film's Every Child a Filmmaker Initiative

Part of our Every Child a Filmmaker initiative, this educational and exciting competition aims to engage and help young people to develop their creative skills and imaginations by designing a storyboard based on what inspires them - something that is unique to each young person.

More about Swatch

Positive provocation and joie de vivre made in Switzerland: since its founding in 1983, Swatch has shaken up the watch industry. Thanks to its striking designs that always reflect the zeitgeist, Swatch is one of the leading watch manufacturers and most sought-after brands in the world and has always stayed true to itself. The company surprises again and again, whether it be with regularly released new models or special collections. The revolutionary way in which Swatch thinks and acts has always been evident with its early involvement in action sports, such as BMX, skateboarding, and surfing. The Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai embodies the brand's love of art and brings together artists from around the world.