Please read though the FAQs BEFORE signing up or sending us questions, we are operating on a skeleton staff (spooky) so may not be able to respond to questions quickly, especial during the event!
The Puppet Place 48
When is the 2025 Puppet Place 48?
Puppet Place 48 – 7pm (BST) Friday 12 September to 7pm (BST) on Sunday 14 September 2025
TIPA Category dates – See TIPA FAQ below
How do I register for the Puppet Place 48?
When does registration close?
6pm (BST) on Friday 12 September 2025
TIPA Category – See Below
Should I have received a confirmation email when registering?
You will receive an email copy of your Registration Form, this can take a couple of minutes to process. If you haven’t received this within an hour, contact us.
Can I use premade puppets?
Yes
What kind of puppetry can I use in my film?
Any kind of physical based puppetry. For example hand, rod, Bunraku, stop motion, table top, object manipulation, basically any kind of puppetry you use your hands to directly manipulate. You can have elements of human actors and animation but the bulk of your film must be physical puppets.
Can I submit a stop motion film?
YES!
Can I submit a film I have already made?
No. All films submitted must be original and made over the Challenge Weekend.
I’m not based in Bristol, can I enter?
Yes! We want to see films from near and far!
Are there prizes?
Yes, see the 2025 Puppet Place 48 webpage.
Is there an age limit? What are the youth awards?
Anyone one of any age can enter. the Puppet Place 48. We have two specific age categories that will highlight youth participation: under 15s and 16 – 21. At least one individual or member of the team must fall into the age category and play a big part in the filmmaking process.
Will I still be a part of the main Puppet Place 48 if I enter a sub-category?
Yes, your film can qualify for more than one category, just select them when submitting on FilmFreeway.
How much does it cost to enter the Puppet Place 48?
As of 2025 there is a chance we will have to start charging a submission fee. Info about this will be announced soon.
Are there prizes?
Yes, prizes change every year. Details can be found here.
What are TITLE CARDS and CREDITS?
Title Card – The Title of the Film, this can be a static frame or a text overlay.
Credits – Credits are where you list the name of people who worked on the film and what they did. Please include the names of all people who worked on the film and credit the music you have used. This is also a good place to add in the required “Made for the 2025 Puppet Place 48”
Do I get extra time for title cards and credits?
No, the film time limit of 3 minutes total! This includes the title card and credits.
When is the film submission deadline?
7pm (BST) Sunday 14 September 2025
I’m not going to get my film in by the deadline! What should I do?
If you are unable to get your film to us by the deadline then unfortunately your film will not be eligible for judging.
I can no longer participate, what do I do?
Its okay, these things happen, we hope to see you next year.
Its all gone wrong, I haven’t finished my film, I’m panicking, what should I do?
Its okay, this is a challenge, primarily its meant to be fun so don’t stress. This challenge is about seeing what you can do and try new ideas. Perfection is not the goal! Submit what you can and learn from this year, we would love to a bit of what you accomplished!
What format/ratio does my film need to be?
Your film can be either a MOV or MP4 file. The higher quality the better. You can submit your film in any aspect ratio, we will scale it to fit a standard screen. We would prefer it if your ratio is 16:9 or like a standard YouTube video.
TIPA The Inclusive Puppetry Alliance Category FAQ
How do I know if I qualify for TIPA?
The TIPA is for participants with chronic illness, disability or anything of this nature that prevents them form taking part in the traditional Puppet Place 48.
If you are unsure if you qualify for this category here’s how to think about it.
The Challenge is meant to be hard, we are asking a lot of people, its designed to push you, but for some people the time restrictions make it impossible.
If you ask yourself the question “Can I do the Puppet Place 48 weekend?” and you think “Yes I can” then 48 weekend style is for you.
If you ask yourself the question “Can I do the Puppet Place 48 weekend?” and you think “Maybe, but it will be hard” then 48 weekend style is for you.
if you ask yourself the question “Can I do the Puppet Place 48 weekend?” and you think “There is no way I could Participate in this event, I have a chronic illness/disability/medical condition, it makes working in this time frame impossible.” then TIPA is for you.
“I’m neurodivergent, do I qualify for TIPA?”
Ask yourself the questions above. If you land on
“Can I do the Puppet Place 48 weekend?” and you think “There is no way I could Participate in this event… working in this time frame impossible.” then TIPA is for you.
You have to decide for yourself if its the right fit for you. You can also look a the Broken Puppet CO who helped develop this category. Seeing what they do might give you an idea.
I am busy on the main 48h challenge weekend, can’t I just do TIPA instead?
No, the TIPA category is only for Participants with Access needs that means they can’t participate in the short format main Film Challenge. This is not for anyone who is just not available on the Film Challenge weekend.
Do I have to prove I have a chronic illness or disability?
No, on some of our Registration or Diversity forms you may be asked about this but it is optional and only for our records.
I found our about TIPA after the start date (14th Aug 2024) can I still take part?
Yes, registration for TIPA ends 7pm (BST) on Thursday 28 August 2025. If you register after the TIPA start data of the Thursday 14 August 2025 you won’t be given any extra time. You must complete your film in the remaining TIPA time allowance. So participants who register on the 28 August will only have just over two weeks to complete their film. If you miss TIPA sign up you are still welcome to register for the tradition Puppet Place 48.
if I enter TIPA will my film be eligible to win other awards?
This year we are trying that yes, TIPA films qualify for the over all awards.
How do I record my 48 hours?
We will soon have a downloadable sheet that you can use to record your working times on. It’s good practice to keep this filled in and up-to-date so you can manage your time well. Part of the fun and joy of the competition is the time restriction, you will be forced to think outside the box.
I spent some time today just thinking about my film, do I have to count this time as part of my 48h allotted time?
Yes, your 48 hours of allotted time covers everything from the practical to the mental. If you spend an hour thinking about your story, how you will achieve a shot, how to include the prompts, then this time must be taken out of your 48hrs. Record it on your sheet!
Do I have to use all the 48 hours?
No, 48 hours is the maximum time you can spend on the film, there is no minimum time.
The Film Festival Screening & Finale
Where can I watch the live finale?
TBC
Do I have to pay to watch the Film Festival Online Screening?
No, but Donations are appreciated! All money raised goes to Puppet Place – Charity No 1048591
When is the Online Film Festival Screening and Finale
TBC
Where can I watch the online Film Festival Screening?
On YouTube: follow us on YouTube and social media (@puppetplace and facebook.com/puppetplace) to stay up-to-date with Screening announcements. We will also post details here in due course.
Other Questions
How can I support the Challenge?
You can donate to the Film Challenge! See our Donation page on our website.
Do I still own the rights to my film if I submit it?
Yes! But by entering and agreeing to our Terms & Conditions, you give the Puppet Place 48 the rights to use your film for the festival and for future promotion, posters and related screenings.
I’m a professional in the puppet industry, is this a Challenge for me?
Absolutely. This is your chance to get your work viewed not only by a panel of industry professionals who will provide feedback and advice on your work, but it also allows you to reach a wider viewing audience. This Film Challenge is a great chance to practice your skills and create original content in a strict time frame.
I’ve never made a puppet or puppeteered before, is this a Challenge for me?
Yes! There’s no better way to start a new creative challenge than a short time framed challenge. This will give you a good basis to set off on your exploration of puppetry, have fun and get creative. The more challenges you take on the better you get and the more skills you develop. Follow the event on Facebook to see tips and advice from the organisers and feel free to ask us any questions if you get stuck!