Change the World with 3 Cuts / "Video That Conveys in Just 3 Cuts" Video Competition Decided

In recent years, with the rise of short movie platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, video content has become more accessible than ever before. We live in an era where anyone can distribute videos with just a smartphone, and a vast amount of content is consumed daily.

However, while the evolution of technology and the frequent use of effects have led to an increase in visually appealing videos, there is also a tendency to overlook the inherent "power to convey" of video and the "brilliance of composition" that moves viewers' hearts.

Talent List Co., Ltd. believes that precisely because of these times, it is necessary to return to the origins of video production. Stripping away ornamentation and weaving a story within limited materials and time becomes a true test of a creator's fundamental strength.

The extreme constraint of "3 cuts" is a challenge to draw out creators' ingenuity and discover new possibilities in video expression.

Competition Name

"Video That Conveys in Just 3 Cuts" Video Competition

Organizer

Talent List Co., Ltd.

Purpose of the Competition

To improve video composition and directing skills under limited constraints. To discover and support the next generation of video creators.

Total Prize Money

Equivalent to 200,000 yen (gift certificates)

In this competition, the grade of shooting equipment, advanced effects technology of editing software, and the amount of time spent on production are not the most important judging criteria. We place the utmost importance on the following three points:

Compositional Skill: How to express a narrative structure (introduction, development, turn, conclusion or beginning, development, climax) with only three scene changes.

Judgment: The selection of what to show and what to "not show" in relation to the message you want to convey.

Editing Tempo: The sense of rhythm that keeps viewers engaged within the 15-60 second timeframe.

【Composition Example】

1st Cut: Problem Statement (Everyday incongruity or challenge)

2nd Cut: Change/Solution (Action or turning point)

3rd Cut: Result/Aftermath (Punchline or message reinforcement)

The key to evaluation will be how much depth and surprise can be embedded within such a simple structure.

Please strictly adhere to the following rules. Submissions that violate the rules will not be considered for judging.

Number of Cuts: Exactly 3 cuts. (2 cuts or less, 4 cuts or more are not allowed)

Video Length: 15 to 60 seconds (blank spaces such as black frames before and after are permissible, but the main content length must be within the specified range)

Audio: Narration (including spoken voice and synthesized voice) is prohibited. BGM, SE (sound effects), and environmental sounds may be used.

Text Information: The use of subtitles and captions is permitted. Compositions that supplement with visual information are welcomed.

Generative AI: Works using AI video generation technology are not allowed.

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) recommended.

Grand Prize (1 winner)

100,000 yen worth of gift certificates

Excellence Award (1 winner)

50,000 yen worth of gift certificates

Honorable Mention (5 winners)

10,000 yen worth of gift certificates each

April 1, 2026 (Wednesday): Entry and work submission reception begins

May 15, 2026 (Friday): Entry deadline (until 23:59)

Mid-May 2026: Judging period

On or after June 15, 2026 (Monday): Notification to first-round qualifiers and announcement of results

Please apply using the following steps.

Upload your created video work to YouTube with the setting "Unlisted".

【Required Information for Entry】

Please fill out the following required information and submit it via the entry form (or designated email address).

Eligibility:

Professionals and amateurs, individuals, teams, and corporations are all welcome.

There is no age limit.

Only unpublished works created by the applicant (not publicly released or distributed on other media) are eligible.

Copyright and Usage Rights:

The copyright of the submitted work belongs to the applicant.

However, the applicant grants the organizer (Talent List Co., Ltd.) the right to use the submitted work free of charge and without time limitation (including reproduction, screening, public transmission, etc.) for the operation of this competition, public relations activities, and related content.

Talent List Co., Ltd. Contact: Mototo Yamanaka

"In video production, subtraction is said to be more difficult than addition. We have deliberately created the restrictive framework of '3 cuts' to encourage creators to confront the 'core message they truly want to convey.' While videos that overwhelm with technology are also wonderful, videos that capture people's hearts with just ideas and composition offer a different kind of emotion. We will judge the skillful 3-cut videos of professionals and the fresh 3-cut videos of students equally and impartially. We look forward to seeing your 'masterpiece 3 cuts.'"