SWEDE TV 2025

Official Rules

A twist on our popular Sweded film fest, SWEDE TV pits film makers against one another to create no-budget remakes of existing TV shows instead of movies.

Team Composition

There is no limit for cast and crew. Please submit a final team roster (cast and crew) upon entry submission, either via e-mail or by including a text file with your final entry. All team members must be 18+ (21+ to receive any alcohol-related prizes) or have parental permission to participate.

Criteria

Episodes must be no shorter than one (1) minute and no longer than six (6) minutes. This includes time allotted for credits. At the beginning of every episode, an info card (provided by Cinemadrome) must be displayed for five (5) seconds. The maximum length of any entry is six (6) minutes and five (5) seconds.
Special effects must be created on camera. No computer-generated effects are permitted, including titles—make them by hand. Fades, wipes, speeding up, slowing down, and reversing footage are allowed during editing. Filters should be limited to those available on your camera. No filters, color grading, green screen, or After Effects in post-production.
Sound effects and music must be created by your team specifically for your entry. For example, if recreating "Friends," you'd have to create and record your version of its theme song. Downloading original MP3s is prohibited.
Avoid content that may result in DMCA or copyright infractions from Twitch or YouTube.

Eligibility

Official signups begin online at 5:00pm on Friday, June 22nd, 2025

Online Sign-Up: Teams complete a short form and choose three randomized episodes via the SHOW-O-MATIC web app. You may pay 5 dollars for three additional rerolls. If you need time to discuss the options with your team - you will be able to via the web app - but the sooner we approve your project, the sooner you may begin production.

Online sign-ups run June 22nd-July 11th, 2025..

Completed episodes must be submitted by 11:59pm on Monday, July 14th, 2025, meeting all rules outlined here.

All footage must be created during the competition window (June 22nd – July 14th, 2025).

Awards

Awards include Best Swede (Best in Show), Outstanding Performance, Best Sweded FX or Costumes, Best Sound Design, Best Musical Score, Audience Favorite, and The Cinemadrome Lighthouse Award.

Academy-selected Awards:

Best Swede: Top overall episode.
Outstanding Performance: Best acting performance by individuals or ensembles.
Best Sweded FX or Costumes: Excellence in low-budget effects or costumes.
Best Sound Design: Exceptional sound effects, foley and mixing
Best Score/soundtrack: Best original music

Audience-selected Award:

Audience Favorite: Determined by audience vote.

Cinemadrome-selected Award:

The Lighthouse Award: Special recognition for an overlooked or particularly unique entry.

The 2025 Johnny Awards Ceremony follows the second screening on Saturday, July 26th, 2025.

Attendance is not mandatory to claim awards, but winners must contact Cinemadrome within 14 days to claim prizes.

Sign-Up and Submission Guidelines

Upon sign-up, teams will randomly select three episodes from our approved list (via the SHOW-O-MATIC web app), choosing one to Swede. Wild Card selections (personal choice) must be approved by Cinemadrome.

The best entries typically feature memorable scenes, unique costumes, or iconic moments. Slow dramas may be challenging but allowed.

Episodes must be submitted in H.264/.mp4 format at 1080p resolution by 11:59pm on July 14th, 2025, via provided Google Drive link or pre-arranged hard copy delivery.

Include your final team roster and a 30-50 word episode description. Transcripts or SRT files of dialogue are optional but helpful.

Other Considerations

By participating, teams agree not to screen their episodes publicly before July 26th, 2025. Cinemadrome retains the right to use your entry for promotional purposes indefinitely.

Submissions are open to teams worldwide, but prize collection is in Gainesville, FL.

We reserve the right to limit entries based on event scheduling. Rules may change; teams will be informed via email.

Have fun and stay safe!

Turn-In Checklist

Completed episode (.mp4, 1080p, max 6:05 length)
Final team roster
Episode description (30-50 words)
Optional: Transcript or SRT file

Important Dates

Friday, June 22nd, 5pm: Official Sign-Ups Begin Online
Friday, July 11th: Late Sign-Ups Close
Monday, July 14th, 11:59pm: Episodes Due
Friday, July 25th, Time TBA: Special Advanced Screening at The Hippodrome State Theater Cinema
Saturday, July 26th, 8pm: SWEDE TV 2024 Live at The Backyard (Awards ceremony to follow).