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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Submission & Key Dates

When are free trials released?

On September 1st via a link that will be accessible on the website.

When do submissions open? When do they close?

Submissions open on September 1st and go till November 3rd.

When are the winners announced?

On December 7th via an awards ceremony livestream.

How do I submit my work?

You will submit your project by a YouTube, Vimeo, IG, or TikTok link. Exact details and instructions will be announced on September 1st. 

Can I submit works I made previously?

Yes we accept all projects that were made after February 1st, 2025.

Can I make multiple submissions?

There is no limit on the number of submissions as long as each submission is a unique project.

You can submit to multiple categories or make multiple submissions to the same category.

  • For example, you COULD submit 2 different projects to the Animation / Anime category

  • For example, you COULD submit 3 different projects to the Action / Adventure, Comedy / Mockumentary, and Electronic / EDM Music categories.

  • For example, you COULD NOT submit the same project to the Action / Adventure, Comedy / Mockumentary, and Electronic / EDM Music categories.

Submission & Key Dates

When are free trials released?

On September 1st via a link that will be accessible on the website.

When do submissions open? When do they close?

Submissions open on September 1st and go till November 3rd.

When are the winners announced?

On December 7th via an awards ceremony livestream.

How do I submit my work?

You will submit your project by a YouTube, Vimeo, IG, or TikTok link. Exact details and instructions will be announced on September 1st. 

Can I submit works I made previously?

Yes we accept all projects that were made after February 1st, 2025.

Can I make multiple submissions?

There is no limit on the number of submissions as long as each submission is a unique project.

You can submit to multiple categories or make multiple submissions to the same category.

  • For example, you COULD submit 2 different projects to the Animation / Anime category

  • For example, you COULD submit 3 different projects to the Action / Adventure, Comedy / Mockumentary, and Electronic / EDM Music categories.

  • For example, you COULD NOT submit the same project to the Action / Adventure, Comedy / Mockumentary, and Electronic / EDM Music categories.

Submission & Key Dates

When are free trials released?

On September 1st via a link that will be accessible on the website.

When do submissions open? When do they close?

Submissions open on September 1st and go till November 3rd.

When are the winners announced?

On December 7th via an awards ceremony livestream.

How do I submit my work?

You will submit your project by a YouTube, Vimeo, IG, or TikTok link. Exact details and instructions will be announced on September 1st. 

Can I submit works I made previously?

Yes we accept all projects that were made after February 1st, 2025.

Can I make multiple submissions?

There is no limit on the number of submissions as long as each submission is a unique project.

You can submit to multiple categories or make multiple submissions to the same category.

  • For example, you COULD submit 2 different projects to the Animation / Anime category

  • For example, you COULD submit 3 different projects to the Action / Adventure, Comedy / Mockumentary, and Electronic / EDM Music categories.

  • For example, you COULD NOT submit the same project to the Action / Adventure, Comedy / Mockumentary, and Electronic / EDM Music categories.

Rules & Requirements

Am I required to use tools from our sponsors?
No, you're free to use any AI or creative tools. 

However, to qualify for special Sponsor Awards, you must make significant use of the corresponding sponsor’s tool.

Is PG-13 and R-rated content allowed?

Submissions featuring explicit sexual content, graphic violence, strongly suggestive imagery, or discriminatory language, especially involving minors, will be disqualified. If it's not allowed on YouTube or social media, it is not eligible for The Chroma Awards.

Can I use IP that I don't own? Can I replicate the likeness of real people?

No, to avoid DMCAs and takedown requests, the following are prohibited unless you’ve been granted explicit permission, have a paid license or it is within the public domain:

  • IP (characters, brands, logos, cinematic universes, footage, etc)

  • Voice or visual deepfakes.

Can I use music I don't own or that wasn't made with AI?
No, to avoid DMCAs and takedown requests, you must use:

  • Original music you created

  • Music you’ve licensed (e.g. stock or public domain)

  • Music you’ve been given explicit permission to use (by the artist or a friend)

  • Music generated entirely by AI.

Are there length limits?
Yes, please check your specific category to be aware of any length limits:

Rules & Requirements

Am I required to use tools from our sponsors?
No, you're free to use any AI or creative tools. 

However, to qualify for special Sponsor Awards, you must make significant use of the corresponding sponsor’s tool.

Is PG-13 and R-rated content allowed?

Submissions featuring explicit sexual content, graphic violence, strongly suggestive imagery, or discriminatory language, especially involving minors, will be disqualified. If it's not allowed on YouTube or social media, it is not eligible for The Chroma Awards.

Can I use IP that I don't own? Can I replicate the likeness of real people?

No, to avoid DMCAs and takedown requests, the following are prohibited unless you’ve been granted explicit permission, have a paid license or it is within the public domain:

  • IP (characters, brands, logos, cinematic universes, footage, etc)

  • Voice or visual deepfakes.

Can I use music I don't own or that wasn't made with AI?
No, to avoid DMCAs and takedown requests, you must use:

  • Original music you created

  • Music you’ve licensed (e.g. stock or public domain)

  • Music you’ve been given explicit permission to use (by the artist or a friend)

  • Music generated entirely by AI.

Are there length limits?
Yes, please check your specific category to be aware of any length limits:

Rules & Requirements

Am I required to use tools from our sponsors?
No, you're free to use any AI or creative tools. 

However, to qualify for special Sponsor Awards, you must make significant use of the corresponding sponsor’s tool.

Is PG-13 and R-rated content allowed?

Submissions featuring explicit sexual content, graphic violence, strongly suggestive imagery, or discriminatory language, especially involving minors, will be disqualified. If it's not allowed on YouTube or social media, it is not eligible for The Chroma Awards.

Can I use IP that I don't own? Can I replicate the likeness of real people?

No, to avoid DMCAs and takedown requests, the following are prohibited unless you’ve been granted explicit permission, have a paid license or it is within the public domain:

  • IP (characters, brands, logos, cinematic universes, footage, etc)

  • Voice or visual deepfakes.

Can I use music I don't own or that wasn't made with AI?
No, to avoid DMCAs and takedown requests, you must use:

  • Original music you created

  • Music you’ve licensed (e.g. stock or public domain)

  • Music you’ve been given explicit permission to use (by the artist or a friend)

  • Music generated entirely by AI.

Are there length limits?
Yes, please check your specific category to be aware of any length limits:

Judging & Prizes

What are the judging criteria?

https://chromaawards.com/info/judging

How does judging occur and how will finalists be selected?

https://chromaawards.com/info/judging

What are the prizes?

https://chromaawards.com/info/prizes

Judging & Prizes

What are the judging criteria?

https://chromaawards.com/info/judging

How does judging occur and how will finalists be selected?

https://chromaawards.com/info/judging

What are the prizes?

https://chromaawards.com/info/prizes

Judging & Prizes

What are the judging criteria?

https://chromaawards.com/info/judging

How does judging occur and how will finalists be selected?

https://chromaawards.com/info/judging

What are the prizes?

https://chromaawards.com/info/prizes

Participation & Terms of Service

What are the Terms of Service

To be announced after August 25th. Please check again later.

Who owns my project?

You retain full ownership rights to your project. By participating, you grant the Chroma Awards and our sponsors permissions to spotlight your project online, in social media posts, and in other marketing materials (i.e. a presentation at a conference). The Chroma Awards and Sponsors are in no way allowed to re-sell, re-distribute, or sub-license your project.

Can I post my film on social media?
Yes you are encouraged to post your film on social media. Please tag us on our various platforms.

Can I participate if I’m under 18?

No, you must be 18 or over.

What countries or regions can participate?

Individuals who are residents of, or Organizations domiciled in, a country, state, province or territory where the laws of the United States or local law prohibits participating or receiving a prize in the Hackathon (including, but not limited to, Brazil, Quebec, Russia, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and any other country designated by the United States Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control).

Participation & Terms of Service

What are the Terms of Service

To be announced after August 25th. Please check again later.

Who owns my project?

You retain full ownership rights to your project. By participating, you grant the Chroma Awards and our sponsors permissions to spotlight your project online, in social media posts, and in other marketing materials (i.e. a presentation at a conference). The Chroma Awards and Sponsors are in no way allowed to re-sell, re-distribute, or sub-license your project.

Can I post my film on social media?
Yes you are encouraged to post your film on social media. Please tag us on our various platforms.

Can I participate if I’m under 18?

No, you must be 18 or over.

What countries or regions can participate?

Individuals who are residents of, or Organizations domiciled in, a country, state, province or territory where the laws of the United States or local law prohibits participating or receiving a prize in the Hackathon (including, but not limited to, Brazil, Quebec, Russia, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and any other country designated by the United States Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control).

Participation & Terms of Service

What are the Terms of Service

To be announced after August 25th. Please check again later.

Who owns my project?

You retain full ownership rights to your project. By participating, you grant the Chroma Awards and our sponsors permissions to spotlight your project online, in social media posts, and in other marketing materials (i.e. a presentation at a conference). The Chroma Awards and Sponsors are in no way allowed to re-sell, re-distribute, or sub-license your project.

Can I post my film on social media?
Yes you are encouraged to post your film on social media. Please tag us on our various platforms.

Can I participate if I’m under 18?

No, you must be 18 or over.

What countries or regions can participate?

Individuals who are residents of, or Organizations domiciled in, a country, state, province or territory where the laws of the United States or local law prohibits participating or receiving a prize in the Hackathon (including, but not limited to, Brazil, Quebec, Russia, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria and any other country designated by the United States Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control).