LCT Airsoft, a company that makes airsoft replicas, has once again invited people to film their replicas in a short film. The "Shoot Our LCT Fever" international short film contest is back for 2025. It's a chance for enthusiasts to show off their replicas on film, a bit like a proud parent showing off a school play performance, but with a lot more simulated firepower and dramatic camera angles.

The company has a few ground rules for the aspiring filmmakers. The videos need to feature LCT replicas, but without any other brand logos making a cameo appearance. It's a branding exercise, after all, and they would prefer to not see other companies getting a free ride. The submissions should also be in the two-to-five-minute range, so no feature-length epics, please. A resolution of at least 1920x1080 is also a requirement, which is a bit of a relief, as no one wants to watch a pixelated masterpiece.

The contest is a good opportunity for people to try their hand at filmmaking. The organizers do not restrict the style, so participants can create a narrative, a music video, or something that resembles a commercial. It's a chance to experiment with cinematic techniques, such as the slow-motion reload or the dramatic silhouette of a replica against a setting sun.

Of course, a contest is only as good as its prizes. The top two entries will be awarded $5,000, which is enough to buy some new camera equipment or perhaps another LCT replica. There are also five smaller prizes of $1,000 for other selected entries. The prize money seems like a nice incentive, and it might help cover the cost of all that fake smoke used in a gritty action scene.

The contest is also an opportunity to see what other people come up with. The entries often showcase a variety of replica types, from the classic AK family to something a bit more unique. It’s a way to see what others are doing with their LCT gear, and maybe even get an idea or two for a future film project.

The contest has a bit of a history now, and it seems to be an annual event. This repetition means there's a certain familiarity to the proceedings. Participants know what to expect and what to aim for, and it makes the entire process feel a bit more like a tradition than a one-off marketing stunt.

The submissions are due on 20 October, with the winners being announced shortly thereafter. So there is still time for anyone who has been meaning to film their airsoft replicas in a short film. It is an interesting way for a manufacturer to engage with its customers, and it will be interesting to see what people come up with this year.