3D generalist and video artist Calvin Serrano launches Worlds Next Door on June 8—a global challenge for digital artists using a shared Blender template. The concept: a first-person character opens a door, enters an unknown world, walks through, and exits through another. What’s behind the door is up to the participants.
The scene is provided as a fully animated Blender file, but the event is software-agnostic—any DCC may be used, as long as the final output meets spec. That includes a resolution of 1920×1440 pixels, framerate of 30fps, and delivery as ProRes, DNxHR, Cineform, or PNG sequence with alpha channel.
Participants can change elements like door design, arm and camera animation (specifically between frames 138–402), and the placement of the exit door. The only must: a seamless loop. Sound is optional, but AI-generated content is discouraged—judges want original work. Each artist (or team) may submit one entry. Submission deadline is July 6 at 22:00 Berlin time.
The top 50 short films will be edited into a cohesive collaborative film. Its plot: a father-inventor whose teleportation device flings his son into other dimensions. The father’s multiverse-hopping search forms the narrative thread. Judges will also contribute intro, outro, and interstitial scenes. The final film will premiere on YouTube and is slated for submission to international film festivals.
Sponsored by the Blender Community
Backing for the challenge comes from Blender-centric studios, tools, and marketplaces: BlenderKit, Fox Renderfarm, Reallusion, GeoScatter, SuperHive Market, Physical Addons, Difffuse Studio, ShapeLab VR, BlenderBin, BlenderLighting, FlipFluids, Polygoniq, and Calver School.
There’s no entry fee and no obligation to use Blender—though the template, explainer video, and timeline live at worldsnextdoor.com
Join the Creative Odyssey
Digital artists worldwide are invited to participate in this opportunity to showcase their talents and contribute to a global storytelling endeavor, and have some fun going from door to door. For more information, submission guidelines, and to join the community, visit the official website: Worlds Next Door.
