RIBA Stirling Prize 2022 film submissions call

Every year, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) awards the Stirling Prize to the building that has made the greatest contribution to the evolution of architecture. The winner is chosen from a shortlist of six buildings, which are due to be revealed on 21 July 2022. 

RIBA would like to commission six short films (of around 3 minutes) that capture each shortlisted building’s unique story, with contributions from the architects themselves, the clients behind each project, and the building’s users. We want these to be warm, diverse, and inclusive films that tell human stories in the same breath as showcasing inspiring architecture. We’ll expect producers to demonstrate this in their choice of crew, contributors and treatment. 

These will be played on RIBA’s digital channels, at the live ceremony and may be used by other organisations, including the BBC. For context, you can view the 2021 RIBA’s Stirling Prize shortlist films. 

This year, we’re also ambitious to reach wider audiences on social media with extra content that has been produced and edited bespoke for these platforms, and we’re looking for inventive treatments that speak to the incredible creative opportunity this represents. 

The six buildings could be anywhere in the UK, urban or rural, and the final deliverables are due in late September, so please bear these factors in mind if you plan to put forward a pitch. 

While the creative scope of the pitch is relatively open, there are some core elements that any pitch much demonstrate: 

• Strong experience using film to bring buildings and spaces to life 
• Realistic logistics/budget with proposed cost breakdown and production timeline 
• An understanding of the unique place of the Stirling Prize as a major UK arts award 
• A dedication to diversity and inclusion – in your team and your vision for the films 

The timeline for production is to be agreed, but there are some key dates already set: 

• Thu 21 July 2022 – The Stirling Prize 2022 shortlist is announced 
• Mid-August and September – Production (detailed timeline to be agreed) 
• Fri 30 September – Delivery  
• Thu 13 October – Stirling Prize ceremony