FAQ
Q: How many buildings are there this year, in the 2026 competition, that I can apply to?
A: This year applications can be submitted for three buildings, the Haus der Weimarer Republik, Schillers Wohnhaus and the Niketempel.
Q: For how many buildings can I apply?
A: You can choose as many as you want.
Q: What needs to be considered in the production of the competition video, how do I proceed?
A: You produce one 30-second 2D video clip (in 4K resolution) for each building that you apply for. Download the animation pack and look at the mask (filename "Mask_Contours") of the respective building. It clearly shows the actual playable areas of the building. Unfortunately, animations outside this area cannot be mapped.
Q: Where should the content be positioned within the 4K video?
A: We have created a series of templates, one for each building. Please use these templates for your submissions. You can find the templates in the Animation pack. . Download the animation pack and look at the mask (filename "Mask_Contours") of the respective building.
Q: What are the most important aspects I should consider when creating the competition video?
A: The building should be thematically themed to match the inherent spirit, the 'genius loci' - i.e. the history of the building, what it could have been, how it appears based on its architecture, perhaps also inspired by its surroundings or function. Creativity is required! The building's facade serves as a backdrop for a thoughtful narrative. Professional knowledge of video mapping techniques is not a must, much more important is a convincing artistic concept, a gripping dramaturgy and a successful image and sound design.
Q: How do I submit my 30-second video?
A: Register on our website and fill in all the required information. Please submit your video online for download (e.g. via Vimeo, WeTransfer…). On the registration page, in the "Add Project" section, there is a URL mask where you can paste the download link. Remember to tell us your password if one is needed! For the public presentation and the public vote we will upload all submitted videos to Vimeo.
Q: In the Animation Packs you can find 3D models in various formats that I can't open. Also, I don't know how to work with 3D.
A: You can neglect the 3D models for the production of the contest video, and submit a pure 2D animation. Just make sure that your 2D video matches the respective building mask (filename "Mask_Contours") from the Animation Pack. It gives you the actual playable building surface.
Q: I downloaded the Animation Pack, but there is no specified camera position in the 3D model. From which perspective should the clip be rendered?
A: The details of the render perspective are described in the document "_START_HERE_ReadMe", which you can also find in the Animation Pack:
„Please render your animation in a front view with a parallel perspective without a vanishing point. The projection surface should be in the middle of the image. To achieve that, please refer to the .pdf or the .png with the name «facade contours» for aligning your animation."
Q: Are the windows of the buildings all taped and are they part of the projection surface?
A: As far as possible, the window areas of the buildings will be covered. More details will follow in the production process.
Q: Can my video be longer than 30 seconds?
A: No, please limit yourself to 30 seconds in the submission video. We will show only 30 seconds to the jury.
Q: Are explanatory texts allowed in the video?
A: No, please do not integrate explanations or texts in the video.
Q: Is (sample) music or sound desired for the 30 second clip or should it be presented silently?
A: Definitely! Sound is an extremely important element to create moods and tension.
Q: What do you mean by "The explanatory text and the self-description will be professionally edited and translated before being displayed to the public"?
A: This means that professional translators will proofread the explanatory text and the self-description before they are presented on the voting page. The editor will not change the message of the texts, but only check them for errors and translate the content.
Q: When will the winners be announced?
A: The winners will be announced approx. three weeks after the end of the competition.
Q: Is it possible to submit several ideas for one building?
A: Yes.
Q: If a building has two facades, such as Schiller's Residence, should the proposal include the entire building (both facades) or be limited to one of the two facades?
A: Yes. If a building has more than one facade in the template, your projection proposal should include all shown surfaces. Please also follow the masking contours (Mask_Contours) provided in the Animationpack.
Q: There is a Tree in front of the Building that I want to apply for. Will the project be developed around the trees surrounding the buildings, or will the trees be removed?
A: We work with multiple projectors to fully illuminate the building surfaces. There may be a few small shadows caused by leaves, but these are usually barely noticeable, so you do not need to consider the trees in your design. If there is any important obstacle affecting the projection area, we will always clearly mention it in the production process.
Q: Could you please clarify what is meant by the “Self presentation” section in the submission form on your registration platform?
A: We expect a small portfolio in the “Self presentation” section. Please see this as an opportunity to introduce yourself and enhance your application. However, if you don’t have anything to include, that is also not a problem.
Q: Regarding the required 30-second video: should this already be edited and cut specifically for projection mapping on the selected building, or can it be a more general preview/showreel excerpt?
A: Yes, the video must be edited and cut specifically for the selected building.
Q: Are interactive installations allowed?
A: As far as we can realize it, yes. If you plan an interactive installation, please include a simulation or description of it in your application.
Q: Are live shows allowed? For example with a dance performance or live music?
A: It is hard to answer this question in general. Basically yes, but please note the following:
- Is the budget sufficient for the realization?
- Does it work with our time cycle of 15 minutes? It is important to consider that, for example, dancers or singers have to be available for three evenings, every 15 minutes, in any weather, to accompany the performance.
- How can the idea be best expressed with the given means (project text and video clip)?
Q: Which codec should I use for the 30 second clip?
A: H.264 with ALAC audio. The resolution should be 4K 3840x2160.
Q: Should the clip be understood as a preview/excerpt of the final 5-minute mapping (for example, an opening sequence or sample scene), or can it also present the full narrative and concept in a condensed 30-second version?
A: Both approaches are generally possible.
Q: Is this open call restricted by nationality or age, and are collective/team submissions permitted?
A: As this is an international competition, we welcome everyone to submit a project, regardless of whether it is created by an individual, a collective, or a group. However, the minimum age is 18.
Q: To confirm, is participation in this open call entirely free of charge?
A: There are no entry fees, participation is entirely free of charge.
Q: For the deadline, what specific files are required? Can some be submitted to a later stage?
A: The 30-second video must be submitted by the deadline. A team or artist PDF and/or concept PDF (Self Presentation) are optional and may be included for further explanation. Unfortunately, these documents cannot be submitted at a later stage.
Production of the winning videos & festival
Q: How many buildings will be involved in the 2026 festival?
A: Participants are free to apply for one, two, or all three locations.
Q: How does my 2D video appear on the 3D facade?
A: During the festival, the film will then be projected onto the building using media servers and several projectors.
Q: Is there on-site support for the technical implementation?
A: Yes, we can help with the technical implementatiom and projection on site. You produce a video clip and we organize the projection.
Q: Is the technical equipment for the projection provided? And is a sound system also available?
A: Yes, the technical equipment is provided. A sound system is also available.
Q: Which mapping software will be used at the festival?
A: The MXWendler FXServer software is used. Contest participants can request a software version for laptops with which they can simulate the projection.