2025 ASSG AWARDS ENTRY GUIDELINES

The ASSG award for Best Commercial or Promo submissions must demonstrate exemplary sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing for a single commercial or promo. Only ONE advert from a campaign can be entered.

For this category, a Commercial or Promo is considered to be video content that advertises a product or service. This does not include trailers or other promotional content where other people’s work is being “remixed”.

Entries must have premiered (first televised) within the awards cut-off dates. This can be via traditional broadcast, or streaming (incl Youtube, Facebook, TikTok, etc.).

Examples include: “POC – Ventral Spin”, “Metro Trains – Dumb Ways To Die”, “Carlton Draught – Big Ad”.

Nominated titles will be judged in their entirety for award consideration.

A H264 with Stereo full mix ONLY must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process. If a surround or atmos restriped version is available, these can be submitted as additional content, however, the judges may not have the facilities to watch these.

A description of why this project has been entered, including specific information regarding sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing must be filled out. If there was no one doing one of these roles, please state as much.

Less than 5 minutes

The ASSG award for Short Form must demonstrate exemplary sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing for Short Form content.

Short Form content includes Short Film, Web Series, and Social Media Reels (such as Instagram Stories or TikTok). They can be Animated, Live-Action, Fiction, or Documentaries. For Webseries, only ONE episode from a season or the full series as one cut with no credits in between (if totally under 25 minutes) can be entered. This category does not include short episodes of television or one-off specials (ie TV half hour).

Entries must have premiered within the awards cut off dates. This can be via traditional broadcast, public screenings (does not include cast & crew screenings,) online (such as Youtube, TikTok, Instragram Reels), or festival release.

Examples include: “Tarneit”, “Under The Rose”, “Giants”

Nominated titles will be judged in their entirety for award consideration.

A H264 with Stereo full mix ONLY must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process. If a surround or atmos restriped version is available, these can be submitted as additional content, however, the judges may not have the facilities to watch these.

A description of why this project has been entered, including specific information regarding sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing must be filled out.

Less than 25 minutes

The ASSG award for Documentary must demonstrate exemplary sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing for a single episode or film. For Episodics, only ONE episode from a season can be entered.

A project is considered a documentary if it is a work of non-fiction that focuses on a specific subject or theme. The aim of the program must be to educate or instruct the audience or preserve facts/ideas for the historical record.

Entries must have premiered within the awards cut off dates. This can be via traditional broadcast, streaming, or festival release.

Examples include: “Facing Monsters”, “A Fire Inside”,  “My Name is Gulpilil” &  “Life In Colour with David Attenborough”.

For nomination consideration, submitters must indicate up to twenty minutes (20:00) from no more than two (2) sections. If no times are indicated in the submission paperwork, the first twenty (20:00) minutes will be considered. The Judges may choose to watch the project in its entirety, however, will be focusing on the nominated 20 minutes.

A H264 with Stereo full mix ONLY must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process. If a surround or atmos restriped version is available, these can be submitted as additional content, however, the judges may not have the facilities to watch these.

A description of why this project has been entered, including specific information regarding sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing must be filled out. If there was no one from a department please make mention of this.

25 minutes + 

Entries in this category may be eligible for additional craft awards; Best Production Sound, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Music Production. If you wish to submit in these categories, this will need to be indicated at the time of submission and meet the relevant requirements.

The ASSG award for Best Lifestyle, Reality, or Factual Entertainment submissions must demonstrate exemplary sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing for a single episode. Only ONE episode from a season can be entered.

To qualify in this category, a project must be a work on non-fiction that focuses more on entertainment than a comprehensive analysis or exploration.  It can include an element of competition.

Entries must have premiered within the awards cut off dates. This can be via traditional broadcast or streaming.

Examples include: “The Block”, “My Kitchen Rules”, “Grand Designs Australia”, “Aussie Gold Hunters” & “SAS Australia”

For nomination consideration, submitters may indicate up to twenty minutes (20:00) from no more than two (2) sections. If no times are indicated in the submission paperwork, the first twenty (20:00) minutes will be considered. The Judges may choose to watch the project in its entirety, however, will be focusing on the nominated 20 minutes.

A H264 with Stereo full mix ONLY must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process.  If a surround or atmos version is available, these can be submitted as additional content, however, the judges may not have the facilities to watch these.

A description of why this project has been entered, including specific information regarding sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing must be filled out. If there was no one from a department please make mention of this.

25 minutes +

The ASSG award for Live-Event Broadcast must demonstrate exemplary sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing for a single Live-Event.

This award is open to all broadcasts that are direct to air or streamed (not pre-recorded) including live sporting events, news programs, etc.

The original live broadcast date must have been within the awards cut off dates.

Examples include: “The State of Origin”, “Carols by Candelight” & “ABC News 24”

For nomination consideration, submitters may indicate up to twenty minutes (20:00) from no more than two (2) sections. If no times are indicated in the submission paperwork, the first twenty (20:00) minutes will be considered. If the entry is below 20 minutes, the full entry will be considered. For projects longer than 20 minutes, the Judges may choose to watch the project in its entirety, however, will be focusing on the nominated 20 minutes.

A H264 with Stereo audio ONLY must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process.

A description of why this project has been entered, including specific information regarding sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing must be filled out. If there was no one from a department please make mention of this.

No running time requirement

The ASSG award for a Television Series must demonstrate exemplary sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing for a single episode. Only ONE episode from a season can be entered.

Any single episode of live-action fictional content can be submitted for consideration in this category. This category has previously been known as “Drama or Comedy Series”. This category does not include Children’s television or Web Series.

Entries must have premiered within the awards cut off dates. This can be via traditional broadcast or streaming services.

Examples include: “Wentworth”, “The Other Guy”, “Mr. Inbetween”. 

For nomination consideration, submitters may indicate up to twenty minutes (20:00) from no more than two (2) sections. If no times are indicated in the submission paperwork, the first twenty (20:00) minutes will be considered. The Judges may choose to watch the project in its entirety, however, will be focusing on the nominated 20 minutes.

A H264 with Stereo audio ONLY must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process.  If a surround or atmos restripe version is available, these can be submitted as additional content, however, the judges may not have the facilities to watch these.

A description of why this project has been entered, including specific information regarding sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing must be filled out. 

20 minutes + 

Entries in this category may be eligible for additional craft awards; Best Production Sound, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Music Production. If you wish to submit in these categories, this will need to be indicated at the time of submission and meet the relevant requirements.

The ASSG Award for Children’s or Animation must demonstrate exemplary sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing for a single episode or film. Only ONE episode from a season can be entered.

Any single episode or film of Children’s (Live-Action or Animated) or Animated (aimed at children or adults) can be submitted for consideration in this category.

Children’s Content is anything aimed at children under 15 years of age. Animated is anything that is majority (at least 50%) animation, including 2D, 3D, and stop motion but does not include general VFX.

Entries must have premiered via traditional broadcast, streaming services, or cinema.

Examples include: “MaveriX”, “Bluey”, “Yolo”. 

For nomination consideration, submitters may indicate up to twenty minutes (20:00) from no more than two (2) sections. If no times are indicated in the submission paperwork, the first twenty (20:00) minutes will be considered. If the entry is below 20 minutes, the full entry will be considered. For projects longer than 20 minutes, the Judges may choose to watch the project in its entirety, however, will be focusing on the nominated 20 minutes.

A H264 with Stereo full mix ONLY must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process.  If a surround or atmos restripe version is available, these can be submitted as additional content, however, the judges may not have the facilities to watch these.

A description of why this project has been entered, including specific information regarding sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing must be filled out.

No length requirements

Entries in this category may be eligible for additional craft awards; Best Production Sound, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Music Production. If you wish to submit in these categories, this will need to be indicated at the time of submission and meet the relevant requirements.

The ASSG award for Best Sound for Games or Interactive submissions must demonstrate exemplary sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing for interactive screen content. This category was previously known as Best Sound for Interactive Screen Media.

This category is open to all non-linear projects that link audio with screens where the vision, mix, or sound design changes from user input. This can include but is not limited to, console or mobile games, 360 Video / VR / AR / MR where sound mix changes based on head position or eye tracking or other user input, art or museum installation with an interactive element, etc. Screen in this case is anything that plays video content. This can be televisions or monitors, mobiles or handheld devices, headsets, or projections (including project mapping and holographics). This does not include content which screens are only used for UI (such as audio tours, podcasts, text-based games, or audio-only games).

The premiere is considered the initial release or first day of the exhibition. Re-releases or update patches are not considered a new release. 

Examples include: “The Sir John Monash Centre Installation”, “Thin Ice VR” & “Unpacking”

For nomination consideration, submitters must upload a gameplay of the interactive content.
Capture or record a section (or sections) of the project, no longer than 25 minutes, that best demonstrates the sound of the project. The capture or filmed recording can be showcasing multiple levels, areas, scenes, or scenarios. If showcasing multiple segments, these will need to be edited together into one file.

One H264 with Stereo full mix must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process. If your content is in 5.1, or binaural, please downmix to stereo. Dual mono is also acceptable.  If a surround, binaural, or ambisonic restripe version is available, these can be submitted as additional content, however, the judges may not have the facilities to watch these.

Game keys (up to 6) or links to works in the original format will be accepted as additional material. Keep in mind that judges may not have access to the appropriate device to play the entry, so gameplay captures will be the main form of judging.

A description of why this project has been entered, including specific information regarding sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing must be filled out.

Up to 25 minutes of recorded gameplay. 

The ASSG award for Independent Feature Film (Fiction) submissions must demonstrate exemplary sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing. This can be live-action or animation. This category does not include feature documentaries. 

A film qualifies as an independent feature film if it is at least sixty (60) minutes in length and is not part of a series, and has a total film budget (including cash and in-kind services) less than AU$2 Million.  An Independent Feature Film entry cannot also be entered into the Feature Film category.

Please note that we are requiring proof of budget when submitting into this category. This can be in the form of a declaration from the producer or production company, and only needs to state that the films total budget was below the qualification amount.

Entries must have premiered within the awards cut off dates. Premiere can be the initial release at a festival, the mainstream release in cinema, or direct to streaming. Premiere does not include non-public screenings, such as cast and crew screenings.

Examples include: “Wyrmwood: Apocalypse”, “My Frist Summer”, “Standing Up For Sunny”

The full length film must be entered during the submission process. We highly suggest that your film is watermarked with a generic watermark i.e. ASSG Awards or Netflix Property (Do not watermark films with the name of the submitter or sound company). Films will be downloaded ONLY by the screening facility for the purpose of judging and by our media content team to create judging packages and nomination videos (if applicable).

For nomination consideration, submitters may indicate up to twenty minutes (20:00) from no more than two (2) sections. If no times are indicated in the submission paperwork, the first twenty (20:00) minutes will be considered.

A H264 with embedded 5.1 cinema mix ( LRCLfeLsRs ) or LRC cinema mix must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process. Note that some streamers may use a different order, so please check your files before submitting. Content will all playback at “Dolby 7” level to ensure that films are being judged in the same capacity.

At this time our feature films will not be judged in Dolby Atmos, as not all facilities currently have this capability. We are looking at introducing this for the 2024 awards.

A description of why this project has been entered, including specific information regarding sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing must be filled out.

30 Second promotion clips must be watermark free and restriped with the Stereo Mix.

Above 60 minutes

Entries in this category may be eligible for additional craft awards; Best Production Sound, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Music Production. If you wish to submit in these categories, this will need to be indicated at the time of submission and meet the relevant requirements.

The ASSG award for Feature Film (Fiction) submissions must demonstrate exemplary sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing. This can be live-action or animation. This category does not include feature documentaries.

A film qualifies as a feature film if it is at least sixty (60) minutes in length and is not part of a series and has a total film budget greater than AU$2 Million. A Feature Film entry cannot also be entered into the Independent Feature Film category.

Entries must have premiered within the awards cut off dates. Premiere can be the initial release at a festival, the mainstream release in cinema, or direct to streaming. Premiere does not include non-public screenings, such as cast and crew screenings.

Examples include: “The Power Of The Dog”, “Mortal Kombat”, “The King”

The full length film must be entered during the submission process. We highly suggest that your film is watermarked with a generic watermark i.e. ASSG Awards or Netflix Property (Do not watermark films with the name of the submitter or sound company). Films will be downloaded ONLY by the screening facility for the purpose of judging and by our media content team to create judging packages and nomination videos (if applicable).

For nomination consideration, submitters may indicate up to twenty minutes (20:00) from no more than two (2) sections. If no times are indicated in the submission paperwork, the first twenty (20:00) minutes will be considered.

A H264 with embedded 5.1 cinema mix ( LRCLfeLsRs ) or higher must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process. Note that some streamers may use a different order, so please check your files before submitting. Content will all playback at “Dolby 7” level to ensure that films are being judged in the same capacity.

A description of why this project has been entered, including specific information regarding sound recording, sound editing, and sound mixing must be filled out.

30 Second promotion clips must be watermark free and restriped with the Stereo Mix.

Above 60 minutes

Entries in this category may be eligible for additional craft awards; Best Production Sound, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Music Production. If you wish to submit in these categories, this will need to be indicated at the time of submission and meet the relevant requirements.

The Craft Awards are eligible to Feature Films, Independent Feature Films, Documentaries, Television Series, and Feature Animation over 45 minutes who met the requirements below.

Consideration for the craft categories will not be automatic and will need to be indicated on the submission form. Entries into the Crafts must also be entered into non-craft categories. There is no additional fee for also entering the craft categories. 

The ASSG award for Best Production Sound submissions must demonstrate exemplary sound recording for a single episode or film. “Production Sound” includes Production Mixer (Location Sound Recordist), Boom Operator, Sound Utility, Sound Assistant, Playback Operator, Etc.

This category was previously known as “Sound Recording” and has some slight changes to eligibility.

The majority (over 50%) of the sound recording crew MUST be Australian (citizens or residents), with at least one member as an ASSG financial member. For Example, A film shot in the UK with UK production crew but post-produced in Australia would NOT be eligible for this category. 

Projects over 45 minutes in length entered into Documentaries, Television Series, Independent Feature Films, and Feature Films are eligible for this category. Projects will NOT be automatically entered into this award and must be selected for consideration in the entry form.

For nomination consideration, submitters may indicate up to twenty minutes (20:00) from no more than two (2) sections. We highly recommend indicating a different section than for the overall sound entry, that best demonstrates the excellence in Sound Recording. If no times are indicated in the submission paperwork, the times indicated in the overall category will be used.

A H264 with Stereo audio ONLY must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process.

For Feature & Independent Features – Stereo Mix can be provided as stems, however, they must be the same framerate as the vision. This will be restriped by our ASSG Awards Committee.
For Documentaries & Television Series – If a surround (LRCLfeLsRs) or atmos restripe version is available, these can be submitted as additional content, however, the judges may not have the facilities to watch these.

Above 45 minutes

The ASSG award for Best Sound Editing submissions must demonstrate exemplary sound editing for a single episode or film. “Sound Editing” includes Sound Designer, Sound Supervisor, Dialogue Editor, Sound Effects Editor, Sound Editor, Music Editor, Foley Artist, Foley Editor, ADR Mixer, Assistant Sound Editor, etc.

The majority (over 50%) of the sound editing department MUST be Australian (citizens or residents), with at least one member as an ASSG financial member. For Example, A film shot in Australia but post-produced in the UK with a UK crew would NOT be eligible for this award. 

Projects over 45 minutes in length entered into Documentaries, Television Series, Animation, Independent Feature Films, and Feature Films are eligible for this category. Projects will NOT be automatically entered into this award and must be selected for consideration in the entry form.

For nomination consideration, submitters may indicate up to twenty minutes (20:00) from no more than two (2) sections. We highly recommend indicating a different section than for the overall sound entry, that best demonstrates the excellence in Sound Editing. If no times are indicated in the submission paperwork, the times indicated in the overall category will be used.

A H264 with Stereo audio ONLY must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process.

For Feature & Independent Features – Stereo Mix can be provided as stems, however, they must be the same framerate as the vision. This will be restriped by our ASSG Awards Committee.
For Documentaries & Television Series – If a surround (LRCLfeLsRs) or atmos restripe version is available, these can be submitted as additional content, however, the judges may not have the facilities to watch these.

Above 45 minutes

The ASSG award for Best Sound Mixing submissions must demonstrate exemplary sound mixing for a single episode or film. “Sound Mixing” includes Re-Recording Mixer, Re-Recording Engineer, Mix Assistant, etc.

The majority (over 50%) of the sound mixing department MUST be Australian (citizens or residents), with at least one member as an ASSG financial member. For Example, A film shot in Australia but post-produced in the UK with a UK crew would NOT be eligible for this award. 

Projects over 45 minutes in length entered into Documentaries, Television Series, Animation, Independent Feature Films, and Feature Films are eligible for this category. Projects will NOT be automatically entered into this award and must be selected for consideration in the entry form.

For nomination consideration, submitters may indicate up to twenty minutes (20:00) from no more than two (2) sections. We highly recommend indicating a different section than for the overall sound entry, that best demonstrates the excellence in Sound Mixing. If no times are indicated in the submission paperwork, the times indicated in the overall category will be used.

A H264 must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process. Restripe audio must be the best format that demonstrates the mix (Stereo, LRC, or 5.1 only). Surround must be restriped as LRCLfeLsRs.

If mixed in Atmos, you can provide a restriped version as additional content, however, the judges may not have the facilities to watch in Atmos (that includes using the Dolby render to watch Atmos files as surround).

Above 45 minutes

The ASSG award for Best Music Production submissions must demonstrate exemplary music editing and music mixing for a single episode or film. Music Composition is not a considering for this award. “Music Production” includes Music Editor, Score Engineer, Score Recordist, Assistant Score Engineer, Score Editor, Score Mixer, Mastering Engineer, etc.

The majority (over 50%) of the sound mixing department MUST be Australian (citizens or residents), with at least one member as an ASSG financial member. For Example, A film shot in Australia but post-produced in the UK with a UK crew would NOT be eligible for this award. 

Projects over 45 minutes in length entered into Documentaries, Television Series, Animation, Independent Feature Films, and Feature Films are eligible for this category. Projects will NOT be automatically entered into this award and must be selected for consideration in the entry form.

For nomination consideration, submitters may indicate up to twenty minutes (20:00) from no more than two (2) sections. We highly recommend indicating a different section than for the overall sound entry, that best demonstrates the excellence in Sound Mixing. If no times are indicated in the submission paperwork, the times indicated in the overall category will be used.

A H264 must be uploaded to Media Room during the submission process. Restripe audio must be the best format that demonstrates the mix (Stereo, LRC, or 5.1 only). Surround must be restriped as LRCLfeLsRs.

If mixed in Atmos, you can provide a restriped version as additional content, however, the judges may not have the facilities to watch in Atmos (that includes using the Dolby render to watch Atmos files as surround).

Above 45 minutes

The ASSG student award is for passionate sound students. It is presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding aptitude, ablity, and dedication withn the diverse field of Sound Production and/or Sound Post-Production for Screen Arts (such as Film and Games).
The nominations are to be made by the Head of School or Supervising Lecturer and supported by a written statement and/or production material via the Student Award Form.

Students can only be considered singularity, and not as a group.

The ASSG Syd Butterworth Lifetime Achievement Award is given each year to an individual, or individuals, in recognition of significant and enduring contribution to the Australian Screen Sound industry, and for valuable enrichment of the field according to the stated aims of the Australian Screen Sound Guild.

Nominations are accepted from all ASSG Full Members. The nominee need not necessarily be a sound practitioner, nor a member of the ASSG. The Guild may also choose to make the award posthumously if the circumstances are appropriate. The Guild will consider a group of individuals to be eligible for the Award, if those individuals are deemed to be a strong collaborative unit.

All nominations will be assessed on their comparative merits by the standing Committee, who will decide the eventual recipient by majority vote. This is an important award, but is necessarily subjective. It should not be viewed to be in any way competitive.

All submissions for this recognition are considered in confidence by the Committee, and nominations will not be publicly disclosed. The President and members of the standing Committee are not eligible for this award while in office.

Nominations for the Syd Butterworth Lifetime Achievement Award should be forwarded by email to the President with a short explanation of the reason for nomination.

More details can be found here