CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF ELSTREE FILM STUDIOS

Got a story to tell? Love where you live? Passionate about film?

As part of the 100-year celebrations for Elstree Film Studios, we’re inviting residents, school, community group and creative to make a 100 second film inspired by one of the three themes and see it shown on the big screen!

 

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL 

We’re marking a century of storytelling at Elstree Studios with a very special community project, The 100 Films for 100 Years.  Each film will be up to 100 seconds long. So sadly, no epic 3-hour blockbusters required! What we are looking for are films which reflect the following themes:

– What does film mean to you?

– Elstree Film Studios, what does this place mean to you?

– What do you love about Hertsmere?

More info on themes below!

 

HOW TO TAKE PART

To submit your film idea, fill out the form here.

Please note, participants must be aged 16 and over. Applicants aged 16 – 18 must fill out the parental guardian form and attach with their application. Parental guardian form can be found here.

Submit your ideas by 31st January 2026.

What Does Film Mean to You?

Film inspires, entertains, and brings people together. Maybe it’s your favourite film, a genre you love, or how movies have shaped your imagination.

You could explore:

  • How a particular film inspired you
  • What cinema means in your life or community
  • The feeling of watching a great movie with friends and family

Elstree Film Studios

For 100 years, Elstree Film Studios has been home to some of the world’s most iconic productions; from Star Wars and Indiana Jones to The Crown and Strictly Come Dancing. But what does Elstree mean to you?

Your 100-second film could:

  • Share a personal memory or story linked to the studios
  • Highlight your favourite film or show made here
  • Capture what it feels like to live near the home of British film

 

You can find Elstree Studios productions here.

What do you love about Hertsmere?

From local festivals to green spaces, thriving businesses and small communities, Hertsmere is full of stories worth celebrating.

Your short film could:

  • Showcase your favourite place or local event
  • Tell the story of a community project or local hero
  • Capture what makes your town or village special
  • Celebrate how creativity and community thrive in Hertsmere

PATRON: MICHELLE COLLINS 

Our festival patron, award-winning Michelle Collins, shares why she believes you should get involved.

TECHNICAL DETAILS FOR THE FILMS

  • Frame Rate: 25 frames per second
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9 horizontal video. Please note we can not accept vertical submissions.
  • Resolution: Either HD (1920×1080) or 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) preferred
  • Video Codec: Either ProRes, or H.264
  • Audio: Stereo audio preferred

 

SUPPORT AVAILABLE 

Now, we’re not expecting any lavish Hollywood blockbuster! Your film can be shot on a smartphone or a simple digital camera, it’s all about the idea, not the budget!

If you need a bit of help, don’t worry, we’ll be on hand to guide you through how to structure your idea, plan your shoot, and, if needed, work with you on editing your short film.

Support with how to plan, film and tell your story will be led by award-winning broadcaster and Elstree Film Studios board member Aaqil Ahmed. Editing assistance will be provided by The University of Hertfordshire, led by Academic and Elstree Studios historian Howard Berry.

 

BE PART OF ELSTREE’S HISTORY 

This is your chance to celebrate 100 years of creativity and community, and we cannot wait to see your submissions, so don’t hesitate to contact us as we are more than happy to get back and discuss your ideas. The email address to contact us is: 100films@elstreestudios.co.uk

KEY DATES

Online briefings: Week commencing the 8th of December and the 5th of January 2026.

Form submission deadline: 31st January 2026

Announcements from: 9th February 2026

Production: 9th February to 15th May 2026

(If editing assistance is required) Submission deadline: 15th May 2026

(No editing assistance required) Submission deadline: 12th June 2026