Before entering please be sure to review the full entry criteria, which gives tips on how to submit your entry in each category.

If you are unsure about anything please call C21 on +44 (0) 20 7729 7460 and ask to speak to someone about entering the Drama Awards.

The awards entry period is August 11 – October 16.
The judging period is October 19 – November 13.
The finalists will be announced on November 16.

The winners will be announced at a gala awards night at C21’s International Drama Summit on the evening of Wednesday December 2 at The BFI in London.

Entry Criteria

All entries must have had their first broadcast between 1 October 2014 and 16 October 2015.

The drama must have debuted in one territory and be available to the international broadcast community.

Entrants must supply:
One clip or promo trailer of up to three minutes in length with all rights cleared for online screening.
One full episode (which will only be viewable on a password protected site by the jury).
A holding image of the show logo at 620 pixels wide by 348 pixels high.
A description outlining why the series should be considered in the appropriate category.

Full entry criteria by category

Best English language drama (series)

This category awards the drama series, produced in the English language, which displays the ‘genre defining’ project in its class. It must demonstrate most compelling story, casting, character, screenplay, direction, cinematography, music, production. A drama series is defined as a production with six to 26 episodes. The judges will pay particular attention to series that have enjoyed unrivalled critical and ratings success in their home territory and at television markets and festivals around the world.
ENTRY NOTES
Complete the entry form with:
Title of drama and campaign and entry summary.
After submission you will be contacted for:
A clip of up to three minutes of the related entry.
A holding image of the show logo at 620 pixels wide by 348 pixels high.
One full episode of the drama.

Best non-English language drama (series)
This category will award the best drama series produced in a language other than English which is THE ‘genre defining’ production in its class. It must demonstrate most compelling story, casting, character, screenplay, direction, cinematography, music, production. A drama series is defined as a production with six to 26 episodes. The judges will look for outstanding success in the local market, proved by critical acclaim and high ratings, but also buzz at TV markets and events worldwide.
ENTRY NOTES
Complete the entry form with:
Title of drama and campaign and entry summary.
After submission you will be contacted for:
A clip of up to three minutes of the related entry.
A holding image of the show logo at 620 pixels wide by 348 pixels high.
One full episode of the drama.

Best returning drama series
This category will award the series, which in the judges opinion, is the best new season iteration of an existing drama series. This can include any series of an ongoing drama that is not “series one”. It can include any series that has four episodes or more.
Complete the entry form with:
Title of drama and campaign and entry summary.
After submission you will be contacted for:
A clip of up to three minutes of the related entry.
A holding image of the show logo at 620 pixels wide by 348 pixels high.
One full episode of the drama.

Best TV movie
The category will award the best TV movie, defined as a single feature length production shown in one part. The judges will look for genre defining production and excellence across all areas of casting, story, production. The judges will also take account of the potential for the TV movie in the international market.
ENTRY NOTES
Complete the entry form with:
Title of drama and campaign and entry summary.
After submission you will be contacted for:
A clip of up to three minutes of the related entry.
A holding image of the show logo at 620 pixels wide by 348 pixels high.
One full episode of the drama.

Best mini series
The category will award the best mini series, defined as a short run drama of between two and four parts. The judges will look for genre defining production and excellence across all areas of casting, story, production. The judges will also take account of the potential for the mini series in the international market.
ENTRY NOTES
Complete the entry form with:
Title of drama and campaign and entry summary.
After submission you will be contacted for:
A clip of up to three minutes of the related entry.
A holding image of the show logo at 620 pixels wide by 348 pixels high.
One full episode of the drama.

Best digital original drama – big budget (Over $500k for the series)

This category awards the best drama that has been made without traditional broadcast distribution, launched on the internet, mobile or as an app. Entries must be for standalone digital properties that are ‘genre defining’ in their class. They must demonstrate compelling story, casting, character, screenplay, direction, cinematography, music, production and distribution, proving that the quality of ‘digital drama’ can rival that of traditional television.
ENTRY NOTES
Complete the entry form with:
Title of drama and campaign and entry summary.
After submission you will be contacted for:
A clip of up to three minutes of the related entry.
A holding image of the show logo at 620 pixels wide by 348 pixels high.
One full episode of the drama.

Best digital original drama – low budget (Under $500k for the series)

This category awards the best drama that has been made without traditional broadcast distribution, launched on the internet, mobile or as an app. Entries must be for standalone digital properties that are ‘genre defining’ in their class. They must demonstrate compelling story, casting, character, screenplay, direction, cinematography, music, production and distribution, proving that the quality of ‘digital drama’ can rival that of traditional television.
ENTRY NOTES
Complete the entry form with:
Title of drama and campaign and entry summary.
After submission you will be contacted for:
A clip of up to three minutes of the related entry.
A holding image of the show logo at 620 pixels wide by 348 pixels high.
One full episode of the drama.

Best casting of a drama series
This category awards the best overall casting in a drama series. The judges will look for the most rounded, inspirational casting that brings variety and depth to the production. Particular attention will be paid to both lead actors and supporting cast and to how the drama series uses casting to enhance the story and bring additional depth that would otherwise be missing. Additional weight will be give to casting that enables a drama series to work across territories and create buzz across different international markets.
ENTRY NOTES
Complete the entry form with:
Title of drama and campaign and entry summary.
After submission you will be contacted for:
A clip of up to three minutes of the related entry.
A holding image of the show logo at 620 pixels wide by 348 pixels high.
One full episode of the drama.

Best female performance in a drama series

This award will be given for a definitive performance in a dramatic series by a woman, and one that is recognised internationally by drama buyers from channels worldwide. The actress will be recognised as making the most significant performance and created a buzz in the global business that resonates worldwide.
ENTRY NOTES
Complete the entry form with:
Title of drama and campaign and entry summary.
After submission you will be contacted for:
A clip of up to three minutes of the related entry.
A holding image of the show logo at 620 pixels wide by 348 pixels high.
One full episode of the drama.

Best male performance in a drama series

This award will be given for a definitive performance by a man in a dramatic series, and one that is recognised internationally by drama buyers from channels worldwide. The actor will be recognised as making the most significant performance and created a buzz in the global business that resonates worldwide.
ENTRY NOTES
Complete the entry form with:
Title of drama and campaign and entry summary.
After submission you will be contacted for:
A clip of up to three minutes of the related entry.
A holding image of the show logo at 620 pixels wide by 348 pixels high.
One full episode of the drama.

Best consumer marketing campaign for a drama series

This category will award the best consumer marketing campaign for a drama released during the entry period. Judges will look for effective marketing across all platforms, that has a proven ROI and paved the way for a compelling series launch. Focus will be on all elements of the campaign, from print and outdoor advertising, to digital, social media, and live initiatives.
ENTRY MATERIALS NOTES
Complete the entry form with:
Title of drama and campaign and entry summary.
After submission you will be contacted for:
Photos of print ads or related materials.
Showreels of campaigns.

Best new US fall season drama

This category will award the single most ‘genre re-defining’ launch of the the US fall season. This award will be chosen by the C21 editorial team based on ratings and reaction to the new fall season shows. It will seek to distinguish which of the new shows is most likely to succeed in the international market through a series of interviews with judges, online poll and internal discussion.

C21 editor’s choice award
This award is considered and made by the senior C21 editorial team to the person, show or initiative that it deems has made, in its opinion, the most significant contribution to the international drama business during the past year.

For more information please contact C21:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7729 7460