The deadline for young filmmakers to apply for the Youth Filmmaker Project 2016 has been extended. Aspiring filmmakers interested in taking part are asked to submit a strong written synopsis for a short (around 24 minutes) fiction film.
The deadline for young filmmakers to apply for the Youth Filmmaker Project 2016 has been extended. Aspiring filmmakers interested in taking part are asked to submit a strong written synopsis for a short (around 24 minutes) fiction film.
This year's theme is "South Africa 2030".
The project is an initiative by National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), KZN Film Commission and Natives at Large in association with Jungle Works and aims to provide recent graduates of film schools – particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds – with an opportunity to make their first professional fiction film in collaboration with mentor/producers Ramadan Suleman, Neville Josie and Bhekizizwe Peterson.
Based on the strength of their synopses, short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview. After the interview process fifteen participants will be selected to join five, three-day mandatory residential workshops between the months of February 2016 and June 2016 with facilitators and mentors who will help develop the participants' scripts. Finally ten of the strongest scripts will be selected to go into production in 2016. The successful projects and teams will then be provided with a directing mentor and a professional production crew to shoot their film.
The process encourages writers to hone their approach to their story and, eventually, to direct their films themselves or partner with a first time director/graduate. During the pre-production process, each director will also be provided with the necessary tools to break down scripts for camera as well as detailed strategies for extracting the best performances from the actors.
Natives At Large in association with Jungle Works will produce the films. The mentoring process will continue during production, editing, post production to final delivery of the film.
THEME
"SA 2030"
The series of films that will be produced need to be packaged as a cohesive series, and in order to achieve this, say organisers, the overall theme for this submission speaks to the future: SA 2030. The synopsis of the story that you submit must give a strong sense that it is unfolding in South Africa 2030. The story can be hopeful or pessimistic but should be driven by strong characters with clear needs and wants. The synopsis of your story and the ideas you present should also indicate that you have thought about and researched the subject matter.
There are many issues and concerns related to the cultural, social, political, economic, gender, technology and environment among others that could be a starting point for your story but organisers say they are interested in how you imaginatively and creatively explore these concerns through a characters journey in a 24 minutes fictional story located in South Africa 2030.
ELIGIBILITY
In order for a filmmaker to be considered for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
1. Have graduated from university, film school or a tertiary institution no more than five years ago.
2. Have studied in – or have direct experience of – one or more of these disciplines: writing, directing, editing, cinematography, producing, performance, visual art, photography or any other relevant subject.
3. Be a historically disadvantaged individual as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
4. Be able to set aside the requisite time over a period of 14 months to complete the programme.
5. Not older than 35 years.
6. Should not have made a professional narrative/fiction film.
7. This is a funded project so no payment is required.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Eligible candidates for the project must:
* Submit a strong written synopsis for a short (approx. 24 minutes) fiction film with a clearly thought-out premise or controlling idea.
* Demonstrate a familiarity with cinema, story telling, literature, performing and visual arts. Familiarity with the tools of scriptwriting including software will be an advantage.
* Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work with others in pursuit of the same objective.
* Understand the value of and is able to work under pressure and tight schedules.
Short-listed submissions will be invited to present their proposal in person.
APPLICATIONS
All applications should be able to provide the following documentation for consideration:
1. Not more than a two to three pages detailed synopsis for one 24 minutes film. DO NOT SUBMIT SCRIPTS
2. A covering letter with a strong motivation stating why you want to participate in the project.
3. CV and certified copy of ID document.
CLOSING DATE EXTENDED
The extended closing date is the 26 January 2016. All applications must be submitted electronically to yfilmproject2016@gmail.com by the extended closing date. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
All enquiries must be directed to:
Natives At Large : Nonkululeko Dube: 011 782 1552 /1453
NFVF : Xolelwa Mayatula (Production & Development Co-ordinator): 011483 0880
