Film Independent + CNN Original Series Docuseries Intensive
DEADLINE: August 13, 2021
APPLICATION FEE: $25
INFO: The Film Independent + CNN Original Series Docuseries Intensive is a three-day remote workshop that will give filmmakers the tools and access needed to develop and present their nonfiction series to potential collaborators working in the series space. Through executive and peer mentorship, workshopping and fostering industry connections, Fellows will walk away with a deeper understanding of how the business works, as well as having tangible next steps to move their projects forward. The program will elaborate on a range of topics, from funding and development to marketing and distribution, and each filmmaker or filmmaking team will receive a $3,500 stipend to utilize as they see fit for their docuseries project.
WHO CAN APPLY?
The Film Independent + CNN Original Series Docuseries Intensive is open to emerging or mid-career filmmakers/filmmaking teams (directors, producers, editors and show runners) from communities typically underrepresented in the media industry, who have worked or would like to work in the docuseries space. Filmmakers who have worked in features (fiction or nonfiction) and are looking to transition to the episodic format are encouraged to apply. Applicants must apply with a docuseries project in developmentand be based in the United States.
HOW TO APPLY:
To be considered, qualifying filmmakers must complete an online application via the Film Independent Artist Development applications site, before the application deadline.The application will require:
A logline and synopsis
A summary of topic and artistic approach
A proposed timeline, audience, and distribution and marketing strategy
Bios of key cast and crew
A link to view a past or current work sample
SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA: Film Independent and CNN Original Series are seeking filmmakers possessing uniqueness of vision, career goals and a spirit of giving back to the community, and whose projects explore original, provocative subject matter. A maximum of ten (10) filmmakers/filmmaking teams and their projects will be selected to participate in the three-day intensive, which is slated to take place from September 22 to 24, 2021.
https://www.filmindependent.org/programs/artist-development/cnn-docuseries-intensive/
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DOCUMENTARY FILM GRANTS
The Alter-Ciné Foundation
DEADLINE: August 15, 2021
INFO: Every year, the Foundation awards a grant of 10,000 Canadian dollars and a few 5,000 Canadian dollars grants to some filmmakers to assist in the production of a documentary project. The grant is aimed at young filmmakers born and living in Africa, Asia or Latin America who want to direct a film in the language of their choice that respects the aims of the Foundation, as explained above. To apply, the filmmaker must:
complete the Application Form in French, English or Spanish;
include a synopsis in French, English, or Spanish (max. 5 pages) that describes the content, characters, situations, theme as well as the treatment and style of the project;
send a Vimeo link of a previous completed documentary work. If possible it should be sub-titled or versioned in French, English or Spanish. If the work does not exist in any of these three languages, please send a written transcript of the dialogue and narration in one of the three languages. Send also any visual element (photographs, filmed images, trailer, if available) in support of the proposed documentary project.
include a detailed production budget for the documentary, as well as a financing plan which includes the Foundation grant and other sources of proposed or assured financing;
present two support letters from partners, NGOs, groups or associations supporting the project
Applications must be sent by e-mail at altercine@videotron.ca. Please compile all the required documents in a single PDF file of a maximum size of 5 MB, a minimal character size of 11 points and a line spacing of no less than 1.5. Only applications sent at the latest on August 15 of each year will be accepted. Candidates will be advised of the decisions of the Selection Committee before December 31 of each year.
The grant will be divided in two parts:
the first payment of 6,000 Canadian dollars after the project is selected.
the final payment of 4,000 Canadian dollars on reception of a Hi quality Computer File and two DVD Bluray copies of the completed documentary.
https://www.altercine.org/html/en/programme-de-bourses.php
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NRDC CLIMATE STORYTELLING FELLOWSHIP
NRDC / The Black List / The Redford Center
DEADLINE: August 25, 2021
INFO: The Black List is pleased to partner with NRDC’s Rewrite the Future program and The Redford Center to offer financial grants and creative support for scripts telling stories with new perspectives on climate change.
The Black List, NRDC and The Redford Center will award $10,000 to each of three screenwriters to support revision of a feature screenplay or pilot with significant climate crisis and/or climate solution themes.
In addition, NRDC will connect each fellowship recipient with the following professionals for feedback and guidance on their scripts:
A credited professional screenwriter with an interest in climate storytelling (mentors include Sarah Treem, Scott Z. Burns and Naren Shankar)
A climate story consultant from NRDC’s Rewrite the Future program to advise on effective approaches to climate storytelling that are entertaining and impactful
As applicable, an NRDC expert to advise on climate issues highlighted in the script.
After receiving these consultations, Fellows have six (6) months to complete a revision of their script. Revised scripts may be reviewed for development by prominent studios, agencies and/or production companies including Hyperobject Industries, Madica Productions, Participant, UTA and WME.
At the end of the Fellowship, each recipient will provide a designated representative of the NRDC with a revised version of their script along with a short reflection on how the grant has been used to advance their work and/or impacted their career.
The first 50 writers that opt in with a qualified screenplay or pilot that has not been previously evaluated by the Black List will receive one free month of hosting and one free evaluation. If you meet these criteria when you opt in, you will receive a notification.
Each fellowship recipient will retain complete ownership of their work.
In order to apply for the fellowship, the script MUST include climate in the story in a meaningful way that involves major character(s), events and plot or subplot(s). The climate angle should be more than just a backdrop or setting.
WHAT CONSTITUTES CLIMATE STORYTELLING...
The script can be any genre but climate change and solutions must be a main driver of the action and affect important choices made by characters.
The climate crisis intersects with a wide variety of topics so a successful climate script could incorporate impacts and/or solutions in many areas:
Stories that personalize climate issues like environmental racism and climate injustice, climate disruption of food, water, public health, war/national security, natural disasters, corporate malfeasance, immigration, political scandal, conspicuous consumption, deforestation, wildlife and wilderness, pollution, sea-level rise, and other regional effects.
Stories that show the impacts of the climate crisis on people and communities, disproportionate effects on BIPOC frontline communities; personal impacts on relationships, emotions/psychology, romance, family planning, jobs, and career choices; facing the ethical dilemmas of a fossil fuel economy; becoming part of the solution through personal/community/political action, education, politics and journalism, activism, etc.
Stories that feature people discovering and engaging in climate solutions, including “green” innovations in farming and food, public health, law and policy, energy, transportation, science and high-tech, business and finance, building and product design, waste management, circular economy, community-based innovation like greening neighborhoods, food justice, urban farms, etc.
Stories about thought and action leaders meeting the immense challenge of solving the crisis and transitioning to a just, equitable, decarbonized economy.
Stories that show alternative futures, beyond the cliches of climate disaster/dystopia.
Scripts that highlight a new perspective on the human relationship with the planet that:
Engenders hope and illustrates solutions
Addresses human agency
Revises the relationship of “taking from” or carelessly destroying ecosystems to “caretaking”, or sustaining ecosystems
Note: For TV pilot submissions, applicants who make the short list must also provide a long synopsis or treatment describing the primary story arcs and how the climate themes will be developed throughout the show.
THE SELECTION PROCESS: Writers who meet the submission requirements will be able to opt into consideration via the Black List website until August 25, 2021. Up to 15 writers will be invited, based on the strength of their scripts as determined by the Black List, to submit a one-page personal statement and professional resume. From those submissions, three fellowship recipients will be selected no later than September 21, 2021.
https://blcklst.com/partnerships/opportunities/86
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New Narratives Grant
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles
DEADLINE: August 27, 2021
INFO: NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA), supported by WarnerMedia 150, created NewNarratives to identify exciting new global storytellers with accessing NFMLA’s extensive pool of artistic talent, this collaboration will advance, fund and amplify unique new voices whose narratives, stories and characters transcend borders and dismantle convention.
The program will award an annual artist grant to support the early development of an episodic or feature film project.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant must have written, directed or produced at least one short film that has been accepted into a film festival
Proposed project must be in the development stage (treatment, script or visual proof of concept)
Content must be written by applicant
Application’s proposed project must be original and unreleased
Application’s content must be written in English
Applicant must be available and willing to commit to a one-year development cycle
Applicant must be willing to sign project submission release
Applicant must be or become a member of NewFilmmakers Los Angeles
REQUIRED SUBMISSION ITEMS:
Work sample of previously completed, narrative, experimental or documentary feature, short or episodic project
Work samples must include English subtitles for any content not in English language
Treatment (no longer than 2 pages)
Concept deck (no longer than 12 pages)
Logline (one sentence)
Synopsis of project (no longer than one paragraph)
Working title
Submitter biography
Submitter statement
All items must adhere to applicable character count limits
TIMELINE:
Submissions Deadline: August 27th, 2021 at 11:59pm PT*
Award Announcement: October 28th, 2021 at 11:00am PT*
www.newfilmmakersla.com/newnarratives
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CALL FOR FILMS
The Tide Film Festival
DEADLINE: August 27, 2021
INFO: THE TIDE FILM FESTIVAL (TIDEFF) unites directors, producers and writers of color with audiences across communities to highlight and celebrate stories of historically under-represented groups in American cinema. TIDEFF gives a platform for filmmakers of color to tell their truths with intent, to disrupt the mainstream narrative, and to feel entitled in their right to do so.
Festival events include panel discussions, workshops, conversations with industry professionals, receptions, and networking opportunities. The third annual TIDE Film Festival will take place in November 2021 in Brooklyn, NY.
The 2021 TIDE Film Festival accepts films where at least 50% of the key creative positions (writer, producer, executive producer, director) are held by people of color.
Please submit your documentary, narrative or animated shorts and features by July 16th. Late deadline is Aug 27th.
https://filmfreeway.com/tidefilmfestival?mc_cid=e5b9498322&mc_eid=05170ca143
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2021 "TAKE YOUR SHOT" SHORT FILM PROGRAM
The Black List / Hornitos
DEADLINE: August 31, 2021
INFO: The Black List is pleased to partner with Hornitos to present the 2021 "Take Your Shot" Short Film Program in order to support and amplify new voices in inclusive and intersectional storytelling. Up to five filmmakers will receive a $15,000 grant each for the purpose of filming a short proof of concept based on their feature screenplay.
THE SELECTION PROCESS: Opt-ins will be open until midnight on Tuesday, August 31st, 2021. On Wednesday, September 1st, 2021, up to twenty (20) writers will be invited, based on the strength of their scripts as determined by the Black List, to submit additional materials, including a one-page personal statement and professional resume. Writers will also be asked to earmark which pages of their feature they would like to adapt for the short and what their rough production plan looks like. Those materials will be due on Wednesday, September 15th, 2021. From those submissions, up to five (5) writers will be selected by the Black List and Hornitos to be a part of the 2021 "Take Your Shot" program. Grant recipients will be notified on October 1st, 2021 and will have until December 31st, 2021 to finish production and until January 31st, 2022 to complete their short proof of concept and deliver it to the Black List and Hornitos.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
Submission Period Closes - August 31, 2021
Short List Writers Notified - September 1, 2021
Additional Materials Due - September 15, 2021
Final Participants Notified - October 1, 2021
Wrap Production no later than - December 31, 2021
Completed Films Due - January 31, 2022
FAQ:
Do I submit a feature or a pilot?
Only feature film scripts will be considered.
Can I submit multiple scripts for consideration?
Yes, the totality of a writer's submissions will be considered by the Black List in determining the Short List but only the writer's strongest script will be considered.
My script was on the site a while ago, but I took it down to work on a rewrite. Does a script have to be live on the site to be considered?
To be considered for this program, a script need only be live on the site for a minimum of one week during the submission period. If your script has not been hosted during that submission period, we recommend reactivating the script for one week at some point during this submission period. You must host a script by August 24, 2021 at the latest in order to meet the one-week hosting minimum by August 31, 2021.
Do I have to film the script that got me selected for the program or can I write something new?
Your short film needs to be adapted as a proof of concept for the feature script that got you selected for the program. If you are selected for the short list, you will be asked what pages of the feature script you are planning to adapt for the short.
When will I be expected to shoot my short film?
All films need to be shot before the end of 2021. However, the completed film will not be due to Hornitos and the Black List until January 31, 2020.
https://blcklst.com/partnerships/opportunities/99
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RESIDENCY PROGRAM: UCROSS FELLOWSHIPS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN VISUAL ARTISTS AND WRITERS
UCross Foundation
DEADLINE: September 1, 2021
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: The Ucross Residency Program is open to visual artists, writers, composers, choreographers, interdisciplinary artists, and performance artists, as well as collaborative teams. Applicants must exhibit professional standing in their field; both mature and emerging artists of promise are welcome to apply.
Current work is requested. An applicant's work sample is the most significant feature of his or her application. Unless work is interdisciplinary, i.e. the various genres interconnect, each applicant is encouraged to apply in a primary discipline and submit a work sample and project description that emphasizes this single discipline. Competition for residencies varies seasonally and with the number of applications. While only one Fellowship winner will be selected, all applicants will have the option of being considered for a regular Ucross residency.
ELIGIBILITY: Residencies are open to Native American writers who meet the criteria below. They must:
* Be a practicing contemporary writer who is currently producing works in one or more of the following genres -- FICTION, NONFICTION, POETRY, DRAMA, SCREENWRITING, PLAYWRITING, HYBRID FORMS, and more;
* Be an enrolled member of a state-recognized or federally-recognized Tribe, Pueblo, Nation, Native Community, Political Entity, or Alaskan Native Village.
FICTION WORK SAMPLE: Your writing sample should be representative of the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name.
* Appropriate sample: 20 pages of fiction, which could be a novel excerpt, a story, several stories, or a combination.
NONFICTION WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should be representative of the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name.
* Appropriate sample: 20 pages of nonfiction
POETRY WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should be representative of the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced, but poetry submissions may be single-spaced, and they should include your full name.
* Appropriate samples: 10 pages of poetry.
PLAYWRITING WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should be representative of the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name.
* Appropriate samples: One complete play (documentation of production may be included, if relevant).
SCREENWRITING WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should be representative of the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name.
* Appropriate samples: One complete screenplay (documentation of production may be included, if relevant).