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.
straight 8. You know the score... One roll of Super 8, no retakes, no edits - just pure, in-camera storytelling.
This year's shootout is already filling up with bold ideas, brave filmmakers and the familiar buzz of creative chaos, but there are a handful of places still up for grabs.
In an effort to give brave wannabes an indication of what they're up against, we spoke to the companies and individuals already signed up to get an eight-word flavour of their fighting style.

Credits
powered byScuare (Vilnius, Lithuania)
First entered: 2025 (director previously took part for another company)
Number of wins: None
new—land (London, UK)
First entered: 2025
Number of wins: None
Fighting talk: "No ordinary feast — Straight ate."
Day One Agency (New York, USA)
First entered: 2025
Number of wins: None
Directors Guild (Helsinki, Finland)
First entered: 2019
Number of wins: 1 Gold (2019)
Fighting talk: "Excited to return, push boundaries, embrace creative risk."

Above: Directors Guild actor Petter Kevin is ready for a cinematic fight.
Ricswrld Studios (London, UK)
First entered: 2025 (also entered straight 8 2025)
Number of wins: None
Mr+Positive (Tokyo, Japan)
First entered: 2020 (4 previous entries)
Number of wins: 1 Bronze, 1 Audience Award
Fighting talk: "Tokyo’s 2025 entry is going to Positively slay!"
Siren Music (London, UK)
First entered: 2022
Number of wins: 1 Silver (with Factory)
Fighting talk: "We have a thirst for our peer's blood."
Drool (London, UK)
First entered: 2025
Number of wins: None
Dept Agency (London, UK)
First entered: 2025
Number of wins: None

Above: new—land is dressed for battle.
Imagine This! (London, UK)
First entered: 2024
Number of wins: 1 Gold (2024, Cannes)
Fighting talk: "A wild idea, sillier execution, unforgettable fun ride."
VCCP / Girl and Bear (London, UK)
First entered: 2022 (3 previous entries)
Number of wins: 2 Silver, 1 Bronze
Quiet Storm (London, UK)
First entered: 2025
Number of wins: None
Snapper Films (London, UK)
First entered: 2018
Number of wins: None
Fighting talk: "Casting is our secret weapon... Eggs-pect the un-eggs-pected!"