https://worldsnextdoor.com
Download Template: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nOW-f94yfq4pitrp83bdwFaeIJjUhhJZ?usp=sharing
Submit your WORK IN PROGRESS to get feedback: https://calvinserrano.com/submission-form.html
Challenge Start & Template Release: June 8, 2025
Submission Deadline: July 6, 2025
Winner Announcement & Film Premiere: July 20, 2025
Participants will receive a pre-designed Blender template featuring a first-person character opening a mysterious door and stepping into a new world.
Using this framework, artists are encouraged to unleash their creativity by designing unique environments, modifying animations, and customizing camera movements. Each submission must loop seamlessly, adding to the flow of the final film.
Beginner-Friendly & Creative Freedom for Pros: Whether you’re new to 3D or an experienced artist, the challenge is designed to be fun and rewarding for everyone. Start quickly with a user-friendly Blender template—no need for character animation, just focus on your creative world.
Expert Support: Submit your project file for help from the Judges during interactive Sunday live streams, perfect for learning new skills.
Community Connection: Network, share ideas, and get inspired by joining the Calver School Discord Server with fellow participants. https://discord.gg/suxmq6vqZX
Generous support from Blender community partners such as BlenderKit, Fox Renderfarm, Reallusion, GeoScatter, Shapelab, Flip Fluids, and polygoniq has made it possible to offer a substantial 12000$ prize pool.
The Collaborative Short Film:
The top 50 submissions will be woven into a compelling short film that tells the story of a father inventor whose portal door accidentally sends his son into unknown dimensions. The father’s journey through these worlds and eventual reunion with his son, forms the emotional core of this community-driven project.
The final film will premiere on YouTube and be submitted to international film festivals to represent the creativity and strength of the Blender Community.
Submissions don't necessarily need to play into this story, as the context will be made clear through the into & outro segments created by the Judges.
Live Streams and Social Media:
As the challenge progresses, the community will be kept engaged with regular updates, countdowns, behind-the-scenes highlights and collaborative live streams.
Artists are encouraged to share their works-in-progress using the hashtag #WorldsNextDoor for a chance to be featured. After the deadline, standout creators will be spotlighted, celebrating the incredible talent within the Blender community.
Calvin Serrano (Video Artist & 3D Generalist) https://calvinserrano.com/
Luciano Muñoz (Director & 3D Character Animator) @lucianomunoz
Phil Flock (Cinematographer, Filmmaker & YouTuber) @PhilFlock
Israel Soteldo (3D Generalist & Lighting Artist) @EgoMotionCG
Tom Cowles (3D Generalist & Community Manager at ActionVFX) @TomCowles
Yurei (3D Artist, Character Designer) @yureiraw
Saumya Shukla (3D Generalist) https://www.instagram.com/saumya_30shukla/
00:00 Intro
00:12 Template
03:04 Timeline
03:41 Prizes
07:45 Judges
11:10 Rules
13:19 Short film
👋 Welcome to Calver, the online school for DIGITAL CREATIVES.
You will learn to use the up and coming tools like Blender and DaVinci Resolve in my interactive live-streams and our Discord community though a mentorship based teaching approach.
Discord: https://discord.gg/suxmq6vqZX
Website: https://calverschool.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calverschool/
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/calverschool
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calver_school
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/calverschool
