How straight 8's challenge can unleash creativity
With the deadline for Shootout 2026 looming, filmmakers from Drool, new-land, Mr+Positive, Snapper Films, and VCCP discuss the terror, joy and creative freedom that comes with creating films under uniquely unforgiving restrictions.
straight 8's fighting talk
With most of the places now taken for this year's shootout, we get eight antagonistic words from some of the current, excitable entrants.
Shoot once, edit never: the raw magic of straight 8
What if your next film had to be made in one take - no do-overs, no cutting room, and no fixing it in post? That’s the dare behind straight 8, the Super 8mm filmmaking challenge that invites creatives to strip everything back and trust their instincts. With its industry Shootout now open for business, will you take the challenge?
How to maintain a winning straight 8 streak
Last year's Focus Shootout saw Iris Worldwide pick up Gold with its hilarious film, The Cost Of Living; their twelfth entry in the competition's history. We spoke to the agency's Global ECD, Grant Hunter, about how the team consistently think up new ideas for the unique format, and ask for tips for any brave companies looking to enter this year's Cannes Lions iteration.
How to swipe right on your first straight 8
With entries open for straight 8's 2023 Cannes Lions shootout, we speak to the team at Girl&Bear/VCCP to find out how their inventive inaugural Super 8 film earned them a Bronze in last year's competition.
Straight 8 Shootout winners announced
At the Focus Production Show in London on Wednesday, the latest crop of Straight 8 Shootout films were unveiled in front of a bustling crowd of international creatives and makers.
How to give your straight 8 a commercial break
Longtime straight 8 contributors, Iris, picked up Silver in the Cannes 2022 Shootout. Here, Global ECD Grant Hunter tells shots how they created a witty, vibrant industry spoof from a single can of film.
How to make a mooving straight 8
To kick-off our ongoing collaboration with creative challengers straight 8, we chat to the latest Shootout Gold winners, Work Editorial, about how they made a masterpiece out of a load of old bull.