The European Film Academy is a non-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating, promoting and protecting films and filmmakers across Europe. As we approach our 40 Years Anniversary, we are looking for emerging design talent based in Europe to create a special edition anniversary element to accompany our existing logo.
Much like iconic global events that pair with a vibrant and specific identity every few years, this anniversary concept strikes the perfect balance: it introduces the start of a fresh decade while keeping our core identity instantly recognisable.
1. Core Requirements & Logo Integration
Your design must seamlessly integrate our existing brand ecosystem. Think of our core brand marks as the "Olympic Rings" of this project—it is sacred and must not be altered. Instead, your task is to create a single, versatile anniversary element that frames, wraps around, or sits alongside our existing logos.
- The brand marks: The element must be designed to complement both the European Film Academy logo and the European Film Awards logo.
- Font: Pangram
- Interactivity: Your anniversary elements can wrap around, sit below, or dynamically interact with the text and frames, but they must not obscure or distort it. The focus is on creating a complementary asset, not a new logo.
2. Required Layouts & Colourways
To ensure the anniversary identity is completely functional across our entire brand ecosystem, your element must adapt seamlessly to both the European Film Academy and European Film Awards logos.
To show this flexibility, your presentation must include a clean asset matrix demonstrating how the element behaves across two layouts and two colourways. All files must eventually be delivered in relevant formats (e.g., SVG, PDF and JPG).
a. The layouts
- Standard / Stacked layout: The primary lockup. Typically, a vertical or square orientation where the anniversary elements and main logo are stacked. Best for social media avatars, merch, and print.
- Horizontal layout: A wide orientation optimised for responsive spaces like website navigation bars, email headers, and document footers.
b. The colourways
- Black & white (monochrome): Must rely purely on form, contrast, and negative space. High legibility at small sizes is crucial.
- Colourful: You are not restricted to our exact branding colours—we encourage flair! However, while you can explore a new palette, it must not contradict our core branding. Avoid clashing tones or moods that misrepresent who we are.
3. Who Can Apply? (Calling All Emerging Designers!)
Whether you are a seasoned freelancer, a student, or a self-taught creative looking for your big break, we want to see your vision. As a non-profit cultural institution, we strongly encourage emerging designers, recent graduates, and young creatives across Europe to throw their hats in the ring. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your work on a major international stage and add a high-profile cultural identity to your portfolio. It is important for us that you are working and living in Europe permanently and feel connected to this continent.
4. Anonymous Submission Process
To ensure absolute fairness and eliminate any bias regarding experience level, background, or agency status, all submissions will be judged blindly. The selection panel will review entries based purely on creativity, execution, and adherence to the guidelines.
How to submit anonymously:
- No names/logos: Do not include your name, portfolio link, watermarks, or agency branding anywhere inside your presentation PDF or on the filenames.
- The identification code: Please label your file using a random 6-digit number of your choice (e.g., 839201_Anniversary_Submission.pdf).
- The email: Your actual name and contact details should only exist via the submission form—the judging panel will not see this until after the winner is chosen.
5. Competition Timeline
Submission Period
August – September 2026
The open call is officially live. All digital submissions must be uploaded by the deadline on 25 September.
Shortlist Announcement
16 October 2026
The European Film Academy selection panel will announce a shortlist of the top 3 designs.
Final Winner Revealed
Late Spring/Early Summer 2027
The single winning anniversary element will be officially announced to the public.
6. Compensation & Intellectual Property
- The design fee: The creator of the selected design will receive a flat compensation of 1,500 EUR upon final delivery of all required asset.
- The invitation: The winner will also receive an invitation, including a complimentary ticket, to the grand ceremony of the European Film Awards on 15 January 2028 in Berlin.
- IP Rights: Upon payout of the fee, full exclusive intellectual property rights and usage rights for the anniversary logo will be transferred to European Film Academy.
- Shortlist recognition: By submitting your design, you grant the European Film Academy the non-exclusive right to publish and share your design publicly (including on our social media channels) should your work be shortlisted. This promotional showcase carries no monetary compensation, but all shortlisted designers will be fully credited by name.
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