Please give us a short ‘elevator pitch’ for your film. Give us more than the topic and plot– tell us how you plan on shooting it, what narrative techniques you will use, and what story elements or special access you currently have or think you could get. Make sure you answer the question “why you” for this particular topic. If you have multiple ideas, you may submit up to three, but please keep them short.
Tell us about yourself. Don’t dwell on your work history–we have your CV. Tell us what guides your personal philosophy as a filmmaker. Why you want to tell the story you are telling, what you believe this addresses. Describe your interest in film. Include any cultural, political, spiritual influences on your worldview as they pertain to your film.
For the first round of submission, a budget should tally only the general expense categories (e.g., $X for Equipment). In the second round of submission, the budget should include a breakdown of costs within the general expense categories (e.g., for Equipment, $Y for Camera Rental, $Z for Lighting Equipment).
As you think through your budget, remember that we cover all reasonable costs associated with insurance and promotion. Filmmakers may take compensation up to $5,000 from the budget, and incrementally more if they function in additional capacity (e.g., as DP or editor).
Professional references–ideally people you have worked for in a professional film capacity, who can speak at length about your skills and abilities as a filmmaker. Please be sure to include a phone number, email, and title of the reference as well as your relationship to them