Submissions for Congress Awards: The Buzzies

At the 2020 event, Congress will present 15 awards celebrating excellence in science, history and factual storytelling.

Winners will be announced during a virtual event on the final day of Congress '20, and will receive a signature awards statue celebrating their achievement. Winners will also receive a free registration, including full access and other benefits, to Congress '21.

Submissions for The Buzzies at Congress '20 are now open with a final deadline of October 10, 2020.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Best Science Program/Content - One-off or series

  • Long Format (25 minutes or longer)
  • Short Format (under 25 minutes)


Best History Program/Content - One-off or series

  • Long Format (25 minutes or longer)
  • Short Format (under 25 minutes)


Best Natural History Program/Content - One-off or series

  • Long Format (25 minutes or longer)
  • Short Format (under 25 minutes)


Best Multi-Platform Factual Project
Science, history or natural history project designed specifically to be experienced on two or more different platforms (e.g. linear, digital, social media, VR, gaming)


Content with Biggest Impact of the Year
Science, history, natural history projects that have made a measurable impact on society by shifting public attitudes or policies (e.g. an environmental project that brings attention to a new chemical risk)


Most Innovative Factual Program/Project of the Year
Science, history or natural history project that demonstrates exceptional creativity and originality in either storytelling, production, technical or visual presentation.


Best Host/Presenter in a Science/History or Wildlife Program/Content
An individual host/presenter or on-screen team working on a single project/program.


Best Science Communicator
Judged on the recipient's ability to translate complex science into everyday language the public can understand, the application can be based on a single project or a body of work over multiple years.


Lifetime Achievement Award in Factual Content (Note: No fee to apply)
Submissions must be accompanied by a minimum of two letters of support from third parties that outline the nominee's media accomplishments in the genres of science, history or natural history. Achievements could be in the field of production, executive leadership, host, technical, training, etc. Submissions will be accepted from the nominee or third parties. In the case of a third-party nomination, the nominee must be aware and support the application.


Mentor of the Year
Submissions must be accompanied by a minimum of two letters of support outlining highlights and specific examples demonstrating the nominee’s dedication to mentorship and developing talent in a media position relating to science, history or natural history content. Submissions will be accepted from the nominee or third parties. In the case of a third-party nomination, the nominee must be aware and support the application.


Emerging Producer of the Year
Candidates must be in the early stages of their career as producers, and show outstanding potential and achievements in the genres of science, history or natural history. Submissions must be accompanied by a minimum of two letters of support outlining specific examples. Previous participants and applications to the Emerging Producer Bursary Program are eligible, not including applicants to the Congress '20 program. Submissions will be accepted from the nominee or third parties. In the case of a third-party nomination, the nominee must be aware and support the application.


Diversity Leadership Award (Note: No fee to apply)
An individual, team or organization that is related to media in the fields of science, history or wildlife. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to issues of diversity and inclusion with specific examples of initiatives and successful outcomes. Submissions must be accompanied by a minimum of two letters of support. Submissions will be accepted from the nominee or third parties. In the case of a third-party nomination, the nominee must be aware and support the application.

ELIGIBILITY

All submissions:

  • must have been completed after January 1, 2020
  • must be in English or subtitled in English

The WCSFP will not accept rough cuts or fine cuts for consideration.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure clearance from all copyright holders of materials included in the submitted project. WCSFP will not be held responsible for the unauthorized inclusion of copyrighted materials within or relating to the submitted project. WCSFP reserves the right to disqualify any project with unauthorized copyrighted materials.

Questions? Please contact [email protected].

SUBMISSION FEES

Members registered for Congress '20 will receive a discount code for awards submissions.

  • Regular: $140 CAD
  • Independent Digital Creator/Science Communicator: $70 CAD - please select Student Fee when submitting

Please note, there is no fee to submit a nominee for the Lifetime Achievement Award in Factual Content or Diversity Leadership Award.


All fees outlined above include:

  • Submission to the 2020 awards for consideration
  • Administrative expenses related to cataloging and revewing each submission
  • Presence on the Congress VOD site until January 31, 2021

Note: Inclusion in the Congress VOD site is only included for selected projects if the applicant opts in during the submission process. All WCSFP online screening programs are curated and all submissions will be considered by the WCSFP programming team.

Discount codes are not accepted retroactively. Submission fees are non-refundable.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants will be notified whether their project has been nominated via email by the beginning of November 2020. All decisions by juries and the WCSFP programming team are final.

WCSFP is under no obligation to provide comments or feedback regarding the submitted project to the applicant or any other representative.

No screeners or applications materials will be returned. Do not send film prints, master tapes or other originals.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Submissions are now open with a final deadline of October 10, 2020.

To submit, you must complete the online submission form. All submissions will be processed via FilmFreeway. Please note, you will be required to created a FilmFreeway account to submit.

An individual or organization may submit more than one project/nominee, and may submit that project/nominee for more than one category; however, you must complete a separate form for each project/nominee.

If interested in allowing WCSFP to include your project on our VOD site, please mark the appropriate box on the submission form.




Questions? Please contact [email protected].

Submission guidelines for The Buzzies are subject to change. The WCSFP reserves the right to rule on all issues not expressly covered in these guidelines.