Last Updated: July 2026
FAQ
This policy explains what information RECA collects when you use our site and submit your work, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using the RECA site or submitting a project, you agree to the practices described here.
What is RECA?
RECA, the Real Estate Content Awards, is an annual awards program celebrating the filmmakers, editors, and creators producing exceptional video content for the real estate industry. RECA exists to raise the standard of real estate media and to recognize the people shaping its future.
Who can enter?
RECA 2026 is open exclusively to video based projects created for the real estate industry. Individuals and companies can enter, including filmmakers, editors, producers, and creative teams. Some categories have additional eligibility requirements, which are listed in the category descriptions below.
Does my project need to be recent?
Yes. Projects must have been published, delivered, or completed within the 12 months prior to the submission deadline.
Entering
How do I enter?
Entering takes just a few minutes:
Create your entrant account on the RECA website.
Choose the category (or categories) you want to enter.
Submit your project and complete the entry form, including credits for all major contributors and any required AI disclosure.
Pay the entry fee securely at checkout, and you are in.
You will receive a confirmation once your submission is complete.
How many categories are there?
There are seven award categories in RECA 2026:
Rising Creator Award
Recognizes emerging video creators whose work demonstrates exceptional potential, originality, and commitment to their craft. Open to filmmakers and editors who have been working professionally in real estate media for three years or less, this category celebrates the next generation of talent helping shape the future of the industry. Great work is not defined by years of experience, budget, or audience size. It is defined by vision, execution, and the willingness to keep raising the standard.
Cinematic Excellence Award (No AI Allowed)
Honors those who redefine visual storytelling through masterful cinematography, precise composition, evocative color grading, seamless camera movement, and intentional lighting. It is for creators whose visual craftsmanship sets a new benchmark in real estate media.
Storytelling Excellence Award
Celebrates the art of weaving compelling narratives, with or without dialogue, that draw viewers into the heart of a property. It is for creators who craft emotional journeys and hold attention from beginning to end through powerful structure, pacing, and visual storytelling.
Creative Innovation Award
Recognizes creators who push the boundaries of real estate media through original ideas, creative concepts, and new approaches to production or post production. It honors the work that challenges convention and moves the industry forward.
Editing Mastery Award
Recognizes editors who elevate real estate videos through exceptional post production. From pacing and transitions to structure and visual cohesion, it celebrates the craft of editing that transforms strong footage into unforgettable viewing experiences.
Elite Estate Award
Dedicated to creators who capture the scale, sophistication, and presence of the world's most exceptional properties. Reserved for projects featuring homes valued at $10 million or more, it recognizes the filmmakers and creatives operating at the highest level of luxury real estate.
Short Form Impact Award
Recognizes creators who make a lasting impression through short form content. Whether through creativity, storytelling, entertainment, or audience engagement, it celebrates the work that captures attention and leaves a lasting impact.
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes. You can enter as many categories as you like, and a single project may be submitted to multiple categories when applicable. The same project may only be entered once per category. Each category entry is a separate submission with its own entry fee.
Is there a limit on how many projects I can enter?
No. There is no cap on the number of projects you can submit. Enter as many eligible projects as you like, in as many applicable categories as you like.
Are there any special requirements for certain categories?
Rising Creator Award:
You must have been working professionally in real estate media for three years or less at the time of submission. Eligibility is self reported and may be reviewed at RECA's discretion.
Cinematic Excellence Award:
No AI generated or AI assisted content is permitted in this category.
Elite Estate Award:
Reserved for projects featuring homes valued at $10 million or more.
Editing Mastery Award:
Editors submitting projects they did not shoot, direct, or produce must identify the project owner or commissioning company and provide appropriate contributor credits. Recognition of contributors does not alter ownership of the submitted entry.
Can I use AI in my project?
Yes, with one exception. Projects using artificial intelligence tools are eligible in every category except the Cinematic Excellence Award. You must disclose the use of AI generated content, AI assisted imagery, AI voice generation, AI video generation, or other significant AI driven creative elements during the submission process. Failure to disclose significant AI usage may result in disqualification.
Who is considered the official entrant?
The individual or company submitting a project is the official entrant and the recipient of any award associated with that submission. All major contributors should be credited during the submission process, including editors, filmmakers, producers, sound designers, and other creative team members when applicable. By submitting, you confirm you have the authority to submit the work and that you have accurately represented all major contributors.
Pricing and Payment
How much does it cost to enter?
2026 is RECA's founding year, and the first 30 days of submissions are reserved for Founding Entries:
Founding Entry Rate:
$49 per entry, available only during the founding window (August 1 through [August 31, 2026]). Once the window closes, this rate is gone and will not return.
Standard rate:
[$99 / $149] per entry, from [September 1, 2026] until submissions close.
Fees are charged per project, per category. For example, entering one project into two categories is two entries.
How do I pay?
Payment is made securely online at checkout through Stripe. Major credit and debit cards are accepted. Your entry is confirmed once payment is complete.
Can I get a refund?
Refunds are available for up to 30 days after your entry, or until the submission round closes, whichever comes first. After that point, submission fees are non refundable. Please review your entry carefully, including the category requirements and eligibility rules, before completing your submission.
What if I entered the wrong category?
No problem. Email hello@recaawards.com and a member of the team can update your category submission for you.
Judging and Voting
How are winners decided?
All submissions are reviewed by the RECA judging panel, a group of leading creators in real estate media. Judges may not evaluate projects they directly contributed to, and all judging decisions are final. There is no public voting component; every entry is evaluated on its craft by the panel.
Who are the judges for 2026?
Eric Davidson
(Windsor, ON), founder of Eric Visuals. Known for his cinematic approach to luxury real estate filmmaking, Eric has become one of the industry's most recognizable visual creators, producing work for top agents, developers, and brands across the globe. Instagram: @_ericvisuals
Aaron James
(Melbourne, Australia), founder of AC Media and Media Powerhouse Coaching. Aaron has established AC Media as one of Australia's leading real estate media companies, producing high end visual content while helping shape creative standards across the industry. Instagram: @aaronjamesfilms
Jason Timpson
(Salt Lake City, UT), founder of JT Visuals. Jason has built a reputation for pushing creative boundaries in real estate media through innovative concepts, dynamic cinematography, and a distinctive visual style that has influenced creators around the world. Instagram: @jtvisualsllc
James Bottomley
(Calgary, AB), founder of Haven Creatives and YouTube creator. Instagram: @thejamesbottomley_
What distinctions can my project receive?
Projects may receive one of three distinctions: Winner, Nominee, or Honorable Mention. RECA reserves the right to determine the number of nominees and honorable mentions within each category.
Timeline
What are key dates?
Submissions open: August 1, 2026
Founding entry window closes: [August 31, 2026] (30 days after opening)
Submissions close: [September 30, 2026] (60 days after opening)
Judging period: [dates TBC]
Nominees announced: [date TBC]
Winners announced at the live annual RECA awards: [date TBC]
Projects must have been published, delivered, or completed within the 12 months prior to the submission deadline.
Winning
What do winners get?
Winners receive official RECA recognition, a permanent place in the RECA winners archive, a physical award, and digital assets to showcase their achievement. More importantly, their work earns recognition from the creators helping shape the future of real estate media.
What do nominees get?
A select group of entries will earn nomination status and be featured during the annual RECA awards presentation. Nominees and honorable mentions receive official recognition within their category.
Good to know
Will my work be shown publicly?
By submitting a project, you grant RECA permission to display, promote, and share your work across RECA platforms, including the website, social media channels, livestreams, presentations, and promotional materials. You confirm that you hold any permissions needed to publicly showcase the submitted project.
What if there is a dispute about who owns or contributed to a project?
RECA is not responsible for disputes regarding ownership, authorship, permissions, or contributor credits. Any such disputes are the responsibility of the submitting entrant and associated parties.
Who do I contact if I need help?
Questions about your entry, payment, or eligibility? Reach out at hello@recaawards.com
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