TASVEER FILM FUND
Tasveer
DEADLINE: October 5, 2022
INFO: Tasveer is excited to present the 3rd year of the Tasveer Film Fund (TFF), with partial support from Netflix. This fund is solely for people of South Asian origin and for South Asian-based films.
We are excited to announce that Tasveer is more than doubling its Tasveer Film Fund grant in 2022, from $15,000 to $50,000. The Tasveer Film Fund aims to empower South Asian filmmakers to bring their scripts to life with monetary grants, as well as year-long support with resources and mentorship access. We believe that our support can help to take some of the fundraising burden away from filmmakers, while helping to connect them with important resources to get their projects made. These films, that bring necessary representation and social justice issues to light, deserve to be fully resourced and widely seen.
With support from Netflix, TFF will once again offer awards for US-based filmmakers, which includes increased grants in the Short Narrative, LGBTQIA+ Short, and Documentary categories.
New in 2022, Tasveer is presenting a Feature Film Track, which will award up to $15,000 to a feature-length narrative. This track is open to submissions from any country.
We will host a live pitching session to determine the award winners in each category. The top 3 finalists will be invited from each category to pitch their short film, LGBTQ+ films, or their documentary treatment.
PITCH DATE + TIME:
Thursday, October 13th
- 8am-10am PST: Documentary pitch
- 12pm - 2pm PST: LGBTQI+ Short film pitchFriday October 14th, 2022
- 8am-10am PST: Feature film pitch
- 12pm- 2 pm PST: Short Film Pitch
AWARDS + PRIZES:
Narrative Short: $10,000 (US only)
LGBTQIA+ Narrative Short: $10,000 (US only)
Documentary: $15,000 (US only)
Narrative Feature: $15,000 (Global)
filmfreeway.com/tasveerfilmfund
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2023 ART OMI: WRITERS RESIDENCY
Art Omi
DEADLINE: October 15, 2022 by 11:59pm ET
INFO: Art Omi: Writers hosts authors and translators from around the world for residencies throughout the spring and fall. The program’s strong international emphasis provides exposure for global literary voices and reflects the spirit of cultural exchange that is essential to Art Omi’s mission.
Guests may select a residency of one week to two months; about ten writers at a time gather to live and work in a rural setting overlooking the Catskill Mountains. Daytime is reserved for writing and quiet activities, while evenings are more communal. A program of weekly visits bring guests from the New York publishing community. Noted editors, agents and book scouts are invited to share dinner and conversation on both creative and practical subjects, offering insight into the workings of the publishing industry, and introductions to some of its key professionals. Readings throughout the year invite the public to experience finished and in-process work by writers and translators in residence.
Art Omi: Writers welcomes published writers and translators of every type of literature. All text-based projects -- fiction, nonfiction, theater, film, poetry, etc.—are eligible. International, cultural and creative exchange is a foundation of our mission, and a wide distribution of national background is an important part of our selection process.
All residencies are fully funded with accommodations, food, local transport and public programming provided. However, please note that Art Omi: Writers does not provide travel funds. Selected residents are responsible for funding their own travel or securing travel funds from a third party.
2023 RESIDENCY DATES:
Spring: March 24 - Friday, May 26, 2023
Fall: Friday, September 1 - Friday, November 3, 2023
GUIDELINES:
Each applicant is required to provide 4 (four) separate items in total:
A cover letter, which provides the following details: country of birth, country of residency, the language in which you write, your preferred residency dates. Please note we have two sessions per year: Spring (March 20 - June 5) and Fall (September 4 - November 6). Additionally, please let us know how you heard about Art Omi: Writers, why you want to come to Art Omi: Writers and what you expect to get from the experience. Important Note: If you are eligible for our sponsored residency for a previous Whiting Award winner please indicate so in your cover letter.
A brief (2 pages, maximum) statement about your work history, referencing publications, performances and writing credits. This can be submitted in CV format.
A writing sample, no more than 50 pages. Please be sure to indicate if the writing is published or unpublished; if it is published please provide details.
A one page description of the work to be undertaken while at Art Omi: Writers.
Your writing sample does NOT have to be an English translation; please submit your writing sample in your mother tongue. All other documentation must be submitted in English.
Your cover letter should be provided in the designated Cover Letter field. Items 2-4 should each be provided as separately uploaded files.
Alumni of the program are eligible to reapply.
artomi.submittable.com/submit/232906/art-omiwriters-2023-application
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2022 NRDC CLIMATE STORYTELLING FELLOWSHIP
Natural Resources Defense Council / The Black List / The Redford Center / The CAA Foundation
DEADLINE: October 30, 2022
INFO: The Black List has once again partnered with NRDC’s (Natural Resources Defense Council) Rewrite the Future program, The Redford Center, and The CAA Foundation to launch a second iteration of the NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship.
AWARD: The Fellowship will grant $20,000 each to three writers to support revision of a feature screenplay or pilot that engages with climate change in a meaningful way through events, actions, character, emotions, plot, and/or setting.
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
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, one or more NRDC experts 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, UTA and WME.
At the end of the Fellowship, each recipient will provide a designated representative of the NRDC with a short reflection of how the grant has been used to advance their work and/or career in addition to a revised version of their script including an overview of the changes they made during the revision process.
The first 400 writers that opt in with a qualified screenplay or pilot 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. Fee Waivers must be requested no later than October 23, 2022.
Each fellowship recipient will retain complete ownership of their work.
To be considered for the fellowship, a script should engage with climate in a meaningful way through events, actions, character, emotions, plot, and/or setting.
WHAT IS A CLIMATE STORY?
The script can be in any genre but climate change and solutions must drive action and affect choices made by characters.
A climate story is one in which climate change affects characters, influences choices, and drives action.
A climate story acknowledges that we already live in a climate-altered world whether or not our house has burned up or been washed away in a flood.
We worry about climate change. We feel shame and grief about it. We talk about it with our partners and friends. People discuss whether it makes sense to have children, or wonder where the safest place is to live, or what they can possibly do to help.
Climate can be a central factor in motivating characters and driving plot. The story and genre options are limitless because climate can touch every aspect of life, from food, health, and relationships to justice, jobs, and national security.
There have been few climate stories in mainstream entertainment, especially considering the scale of the crisis. Most depict extreme weather disasters, societal breakdown, and apocalypse. That dark and narrow vision is understandable, and it can be entertaining, but if all the climate stories we see show characters stuck in despair, or in dystopian futures, it reinforces the view that there’s no way out.
It also overlooks the enormous potential for original content that illuminates the more complex and nuanced human reality of the climate crisis, including stories about people fighting for a healthier, more equitable and sustainable future.
We need it all–the bleak and the inspirational, the fantasies, dramas, satires, and rom-coms.
It is the power and privilege of writers to show us how climate change is transforming our world, and to help us find a path to salvation.
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 November 30, 2022. 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 February 15, 2023.
Evaluations purchased before midnight on October 30, 2022 will be guaranteed consideration. The Black List recommends—but does not require—that writers obtain at least one script evaluation for their hosted scripts, as the data from script evaluations inform the process by which the short list of writers is determined for this opportunity.
NEW TO THE BLACK LIST?
If you are new to the Black List, register for a FREE account by clicking the REGISTER button below. Once you are logged in, you will be able to apply for a Fee Waiver and submit your script. If you have any questions, please check out our FAQ or email us at support@blcklst.com.
blcklst.com/partnerships/opportunities/118
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NYC WOMEN’S FUND FOR MEDIA, MUSIC AND THEATRE
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)
DEADLINE: November 1, 2022 at 5:00 pm ET
INFO: The NYC Women’s Fund for Media, Music and Theatre provides grants to encourage and support the creation of digital, film, music, television, and live or online theatre content that reflects the voices and perspectives of all who identify as women.
The NYC Women’s Fund for Media, Music and Theatre (“Women’s Fund”), administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) in partnership with the City of New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), is part of a groundbreaking series of initiatives that address the underrepresentation of women in film, music, television and theatre. The Fund provides grants to encourage and support the creation of content that reflect the voices and perspectives of all who identify as women.
The $2 million to be awarded in the fourth cycle brings the grand total of funding to $7.5 million, allocated to a total of 335 recipients (89 in Cycle 3, 94 in Cycle 2, and 63 in Cycle 1).
THE PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE:
Finishing grants* for film, television, and digital projects
Funds for the creation of music recordings or videos
Production funds for live or online theatre
In addition to being made by, for, or about all who identify as women, projects are eligible if they feature a prominent woman perspective; and/or include a woman-identified director and/or producer and/or writer/songwriter and/or engineer (for recordings) and/or woman-indentified protagonist(s) or lead musical role.
*To be eligible, projects need to have completed principal photography.
GRANTS WILL BE GIVEN IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES (AMOUNTS LISTED ARE THE MAXIMUM POTENTIAL GRANT):
Fiction Feature (running time of 60 minutes or more) – $50,000
Fiction Short (running time of 59 minutes or less) – $25,000
Fiction Webisode/Webseries (all forms) – $20,000
Documentary Feature (running time of 60 minutes or more) – $50,000
Documentary Short (running time of 59 minutes or less) – $25,000
Documentary Webisodes/Webseries (all lengths and forms) – $20,000
Music – $20,000
Theatre Production – grant amounts up to $50,000
GRANT TIMELINE:
Recipients notified: March, 2023
Funded Project completion: March 31, 2024
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The WAVE Grant
Wavelength Productions
DEADLINE: November 1, 2022 at 11:59pm PT
INFO: The WAVE Grant is devoted to helping emerging female and non-binary filmmakers of color tell their own “great f**king story.” This year we will select five recipients to receive a $5,000 seed grant for the production of their short film. Recipients will also receive mentorship from our award-winning team with development, production, and distribution strategies.
AWARD:
Recipients will receive a $5,000 seed grant for the production of their short film.
Recipients will receive a mentorship program. The Wavelength team will assist with development, production, and distribution strategies.
ELIGIBILITY:
Wavelength’s WAVE Grant is for a short narrative film of approximately 10 minutes. Shorts already in production or post-production will not be considered.
Production of the short must be completed within 2023.
This project must be the applicant’s directorial debut. Student films do not count as prior work. Applicants may have prior experience in film industry apart from directorial role.
Applicants must own the copyright of their production and have budgetary and editorial control.
Applicants must identify as a member of the BIPOC community and identify as woman or non-binary.
Applicants must be based in the United States and will be required to provide proof of residency.
Student films, feature films, series and engagement/outreach campaigns will not be considered. Documentary concepts or films in need of finishing funds will not be considered.
REQUIREMENTS:
Treatment (one-page max) – include a brief outline of the story and tone
*Optional — A script is not required but preferred if you have it.
Budget – work-in-progress budget at development stage only. (A note on film financing: Wavelength partners with Seed & Spark as a platform tool for grantees to utilize. If the budget exceeds $5,000, must include information on how you plan to raise the additional funding.)
Resume – include a PDF of your CV. A link to your personal portfolio is also welcome.
Video pitch (3 minutes max) – 1-3 minute video introducing yourself and the project (private Vimeo or YouTube link is preferred)
Signed release form – we will not be able to review your application without this release.
If currently enrolled in university, must be graduating in or by 2023.
TIMELINE:
Applications close: November 1, 2022 at 11:59pm PT
Interviews with finalists: December 2023
All applicants will be notified by January 31, 2023 of the status of their submission
wavelengthproductions.com/grants
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THE MINORITY REPORT 2023: A SCREENWRITING FELLOWSHIP
DIVERSO
DEADLINE: Extended to November 10, 2022
ENTRY FEE: $20 (Pilot + Feature)
INFO: The Minority Report is an industry-vetted fellowship program for the top diverse screenwriters enrolled in undergraduate or graduate educational institutions (Class of 2022 Graduates are eligible). Made by students, for students, it's the first-ever initiative of its kind.
The contest is sponsored by DIVERSO, a student-run film nonprofit dedicated to changing the face of entertainment by empowering the underrepresented storytellers of the next generation.
At DIVERSO, we believe that long-term, systemic change in Hollywood starts at the student level: providing underrepresented student groups with exposure, resources, and connections in Hollywood that they may not otherwise have access to.
We offer an extensive professional platform to break into entertainment by connecting our Minority Report Fellows with top companies/executives/mentors and providing individualized guidance and stipend for career development.
BENEFITS:
Each year, the Minority Report Fellowship program changes. Below, you'll find the benefits afforded to the Fellows over the last two seasons.
PREVIOUS SEASONS' BENEFITS:
1. Distribution to Agencies: The Minority Report was sent out to over a dozen agents and managers at different companies from Anonymous Content to Paradigm to United Talent Agency.
2. Virtual Panels with Top Industry Professionals:
The Daniels, EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
Shaka King, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH
Jessica Gao, RICK & MORTY
Amy Aniobi, INSECURE
JD Dillard, STARWARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
Dennis Liu, RAISING DION
3. General Meetings: Our fellows were set up on 5+ general meetings with executives from studios and production companies such as Plan B, 3Arts, Paramount, Universal, Big Beach, JuVee, Tornante, and more.
4. Mentorship: Fellows were matched with experienced writers in the industry based on their personalized style and experience. Mentors provided both career and script guidance. Last season's mentors included:
Charles Rogers, SEARCH PARTY
Charise Castro Smith, ENCANTO
Ifuoma Ofordire, LOVECRAFT COUNTRY
Industry Jury Members last season included:
Lee Daniels - Academy Award® Nominated Director, THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLLIDAY
Kemp Powers - Academy Award® Nominated Writer, SOUL, ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI
Tze Chun - Showrunner, GREMLINS
Moisés Zamora - Showrunner, SELENA
Alexander Hodge - Actor, INSECURE
Nava Mau - Actor, GENERATION
Sadé Grandberry - Actor, IMMORTAL
Yalda Uhls - Founding Director of the Center for Scholars & Storytellers, UCLA
Jo Jo Lam - Kodak Vision Award for Excellence in Cinematography, CEREMONY
writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/the-minority-report
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Elevate Collective
Inevitable Foundation
DEADLINE: Rolling
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: The Elevate Collective empowers mid- and upper-level disabled screenwriters with the mentorship, coaching and connections they need to level-up their careers.
FAQS:
Why did you create Elevate Collective?
Mid- and upper-level disabled screenwriters need targeted support, education, connections and financial resources—small to medium-sized actions that can have an outsized impact, especially in an industry that is mostly focused on supporting emerging talent. Based on the learnings from our Fellowship program, we wanted to support more disabled screenwriters and help them accelerate their careers, with an important emphasis on building community. For mid- and upper-level disabled writers, there are very few places to turn for this industry-specific support, which is why we created Elevate Collective.
What is the difference between the Elevate Collective and an Elevate Collective Award?
Elevate Collective is an ongoing community of disabled writers who can turn to each other for ongoing support, networking and camaraderie. The Collective is made up of Elevate Collective Award recipients, who have received one-time $5,000 grants that can be used for coaching, education, mentorship, work-from-home equipment and/or IP acquisition.
What does an Elevate Collective Award include?
Elevate Collective Members receive a $5,000 professional development grant, which can be used for career coaching, professional development script consultations, equipment and IP acquisition. Elevate Collective Members also have quarterly check-ins with the Inevitable Foundation team and regular events for members to meet their peers and build community with other disabled screenwriters.
Does Inevitable Foundation own the Intellectual Property (IP) that Elevate Collective Members acquire?
No. When Elevate Collective Members use Elevate Collective Awards to purchase IP, the Member is the right’s holder.
How long does an Elevate Collective Award last?
The financial benefits of an Elevate Collective Award must be used within six (6) months. However, Elevate Collective Members will continue to have access to events and community building opportunities indefinitely.
Can I apply for an Elevate Collective Award more than once?
Yes. If you receive an Elevate Collective Award, you are not permitted to apply again for one (1) calendar year, after which you may re-apply. Receiving an Elevate Collective Award once does not guarantee that you will selected in the future.
ELIGIBILITY:
What are your eligibility requirements?
General eligibility requirements:
Self-identifies as disabled.
18 years of age or older.
Currently pursuing a career in screenwriting.
Not enrolled in an accredited degree program.
Currently or previously has worked in the entertainment industry.
Applicants must also meet at least two (2) of the following criteria:
Has an agent or a manager
Member of the WGA, Animation Guild or equivalent union
Has sold a script, TV show, or pitch before
Has staffed on a tv show or received a writing credit on a movie
Has been or currently are in development with a major production company, studio, or network
APPLICATION PROCESS:
What information does the Application ask for?
The Application requires the following information:
Standard Demographic Information including race, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
Writer Questions (max 250 words each)
What have you accomplished in your career over the last two years?
What is the next level you want to achieve in your career
What are the biggest things in the way of you reaching that next level?
Why is disability representation important to you?
What projects are you currently working on?
List title, format, genre(s) and loglines.
Resume or CV