RIBA Stirling Prize 2023 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 6 September 2023.

We want to commission six short films (of around 3 to 6 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.

The call for pitches closes at midnight on Sunday 11 June 2023.

These short films 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 2022 RIBA Stirling Prize shortlist films.

We’re 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.

This year, we are also commissioning an additional, longer film per project, interviewing the six architects in their studios to record prepared, detailed examinations of each project.

The production team will need to travel to each of the projects, interview around three contributors on location, and capture beautifully shot visuals of the buildings. This material will be used in both the short and longer films. The six buildings could be anywhere in the UK, urban or rural, and the final deliverables are due in early 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 must 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 upon, but there are some key dates already set:

• Mid-July and August – production (detailed timeline to be agreed)
• Wednesday 6 September – the Stirling Prize 2023 shortlist is announced – delivery of short and social films
• Mid-late September – delivery of longer films
• Thursday 13 October – Stirling Prize ceremony