INVITATION TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR THE YOUTH FILMMAKER PROJECT: 2020/2021

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture that was created to ensure the equitable growth of South Africa's film and video industry. The NFVF does this by providing funding for the development, production, marketing and distribution of films and also the training and development of filmmakers. In addition, the NFVF commissions researches and produces industry statistics that provide both the public and stakeholders with valuable insights into the South African film industry.

The NFVF in collaboration with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) are pleased to announce that the call for writers to submit proposals for the Youth Filmmaker Project is now open. The filmmakers will be guided by the team at Triangle Post and Animation Studios, facilitators of the NFVF project.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The concept for the Youth Filmmaker Project is to provide ten young filmmakers, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, with an opportunity to make a film in collaboration with other filmmakers.

We are looking for 10 - 15 aspirant young filmmakers who will be guided in developing their concepts into 24-minute scripts. Only the best 10 scripts will be produced by Triangle Post and Animation Studios. Successful writers will be paired with a qualified mentor who will teach them the much needed writing skills and techniques used in the industry.

 This project is targeted towards aspirant young filmmakers who have a desire to break into the industry and would like to pursue  a career  in script writing. This platform will ensure that each participant has a completed film that will form part of their portfolio in the future.

 OBJECTIVES

  •  To nurture, support and promote young filmmakers in South Africa through strategically developed training laboratories and workshops.
  • To seek out remarkable writers, who will bring new perspectives to our South African, African and global audience.

 

WORKSHOPPING

Successful candidates will go through a series of intensive workshops facilitated by qualified industry mentors who will equip them with the right tools in writing these short films.  The writer’s workshop will take place over a one-week period. Thereafter one-on-one mentoring for each individual project will commence – until a satisfactory polish draft is delivered.

Successful candidates must be able to set aside 9 -12 months in order to fully partake in the programme.

These workshops will take place to ensure that the aspirant writers are taught the full development process with the final output of a polished script. This will range from learning how to write loglines, synopsis, treatments, character bibles, script formatting etc. Each successful writer will be involved from the start of production until the post-production phase of their films. Workshop attendance is mandatory as it helps with the development of the film and writer alike.

THEME

BEYOND has been selected as the 2020 theme and can be interpreted and unpacked in various ways. BEYOND is an adverb that means “in addition” or “farther along”, it means you’re doing more than was expected!

It deals with stories of life beyond major events such as but not limited to: a life after Covid-19, beyond tragedy, success/achievement, failure, exclusion, sickness, abuse, divorce etc. It allows for a variety of stories that essentially all talk to restoration, new beginnings and hope

We look at the theme BEYOND to describe the following: outside the understanding, limits, or reach of; beyond comprehension; beyond endurance; beyond help. This idiom can be used to show a variety of emotions. It expresses an extreme emotional response, such as joy, thankfulness, shock, or even anger beyond words.

ELIGIBILITY

In order for a filmmaker to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be between the age of 18 to 35 years old.
  • Must be new in the industry and have passion for writing, no experience required.
  • Must be a South African citizen or have a permanent residency. Applicants can be from any province within South Africa but preference will be given to those residing outside the main regions of Gauteng and Western Cape.
  • Applicant must make sure that she/he is available without fail for the duration of the programme (workshops, shoot, post-production).
  • Please note that if your film is selected as 1 of the 10 to go into production then you will not automatically be attached as a director, you will however be given an opportunity to pitch for this opportunity and the most suitable candidates will move onto the directing phase.
  • Be a historically disadvantaged Individual as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
  • There will be no stipend paid out to successful participants
  • Only fictional narratives will be accepted.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

 Eligible candidates for the project must meet the following criteria:

  • Must demonstrate a passion for writing.
  • Must demonstrate familiarity with the tools of scriptwriting including taking feedback, understanding that aspects of their original story might change for the purposes of producing the script
  • Have a strongly written concept for a 24-minute stand-alone film with a clearly thought out premise or controlling idea that would allow it to be packaged with other projects under the theme “BEYOND”.
  • Preference will be given to marginalized indigenous language proposals.
  • Be willing to meet the demands of the film industry and be present at every training workshop.
  • Demonstrate willingness and ability to work as a part of a team in the pursuit of the same objective.
  • Understand the value of and is able to work under pressure and tight schedules.
  • Optional: Have a portfolio of work to show their capability e.g. a show reel or, in the case of writers – script samples, that demonstrates their creative abilities.
  • Can write a script with a maximum of 2 locations, 4 cast member and 6 extras.

 

REQUIREMENTS

 All applicants are required to submit the following documents in order to be considered:

  • A one-page synopsis of their 24-minute film.
  • Motivation letter (Who you are and why you are passionate about filmmaking, how you would benefit from the programme)
  • Detailed CV of the applicant
  • Narrative treatment of the script (if available)
  • Certified copy of ID document (not older than 3 months)
  • Show reel/work portfolio (if available)

 Applicants who do not submit the above-listed mandatory documents will be automatically disqualified.

 *NB: All entries to be sent to youth@asibfilms.com and nfvfyouthproject2020@gmail.com

Please make sure that you attach all required documents because any missing documents will lead to automatic disqualification. All shortlisted candidates will be notified via email. Writers outside Johannesburg will have to find their own accommodation and transport if chosen.

 CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Tuesday, 30th June 2020 – midnight.

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