$25,000 Grant Will Be Given to Documentary Filmmakers, Honoring Film Arts Foundation's Legacy of Support for Nonfiction Filmmaking

Call for Entries for the SFFS / Film Arts Foundation Documentary Grant, the newest grant to be offered by its ever-expanding Filmmaker Services program.
The grant will award a total of $25,000 for documentary feature films in postproduction. This grant is open to filmmakers residing in the United States whose work expresses both a unique personal perspective and an artistic approach to their chosen subject. This will be a one-time grant with awards given in 2010.

The letter of inquiry period for the SFFS / Film Arts Foundation Documentary Grant opens January 6, 2010 and closes February 4. For eligibility requirements and additional information, visit sffs.org/filmmaker-services/grants-and-prizes.

 Garrett Scott Documentary Development Grant

What: This grant funds first time documentary makers for travel and accommodations at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, April 8-11, 2010. For four days, grant recipients will be given access to films, participate in master classes and be mentored by experienced filmmakers. TWO filmmakers will be chosen for the grant in its third year.

Deadline: Applications must be RECEIVED BY Friday, February 5, 2010. Applicants will be notified by email in early March.

About the Grant: Garrett Scott made a distinctive mark in documentary during his short career. Without any formal training in film, he directed Cul De Sac: A Suburban War Story, examining the case of a methamphetamine addict who stole a tank from an armory and went on a rampage through the San Diego suburbs. The film prompted Filmmaker Magazine to cite Scott as one of 25 New Faces of Independent Film. He went on to make Occupation: Dreamland, co-directed with Ian Olds, about U.S. soldiers in Falluja, Iraq. It won prizes at Full Frame and the Independent Spirit Awards. Both films were broadcast by the Sundance Channel. In 2006, Scott died of a heart attack at age 37.

Scott's work examined how the forces of state power and economics impact individuals. Stylistically, his films broke convention, giving audiences new perspectives on familiar milieus like suburbia or war torn Iraq. He was a beloved member of film communities in San Francisco and New York City and several points in between.

His friends, family and colleagues established this development grant to help other emerging filmmakers reach their potential. The grants selection committee looks especially for filmmakers who somehow fulfill Scott's example, by bringing a unique vision to the content and style of contemporary documentary making.

Previous grant recipients include Elinyisia Mosha and Cameron Yates in 2009, Rebecca Richman Cohen, Nathan Fisher and Mai Iskander in 2008 and Robin Hessman and Lee Lynch in 2007.

Criteria: Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder and live in the continental United States; any age 18 or older. By "first time filmmaker," we mean someone who is in the early stage of their documentary career and has not yet received significant recognition (such as major festival play or broadcast). All applicants should anticipate finishing their first project by March 2011. You still qualify as a "first time filmmaker" if you've made shorts or student projects, worked professionally as a crew member on other people's films, or if you've recently completed a documentary that hasn't been released yet. The grant is open to students and non-students alike.

How: Applicants should send a 2 page letter addressing these areas:

1) Project summary: Describe the documentary you're working on. It doesn't matter whether the film is a short or a feature, though the judging tends to favor more ambitious projects. Describe the characters, structure, visual approach and what stage you're at.

2) Director's statement: Describe how you came to filmmaking and how you've trained as a filmmaker. It doesn't matter whether you went to film school or are self-taught. Describe what you want audiences to take from your film.

Work sample: Applicants must send a 5-10 minute DVD sample of a work-in-progress or a past work. You may send a longer work sample, but judges may only review the opening minutes.

Submit TWO COPIES of both the letter and DVD along with your...

Name:
Address:
Phone:
E-mail:

Send to:
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
ATTN: Garrett Scott Documentary Grant
324 Blackwell Street. Suite 500
Washington Building, Bay 5
Durham, NC 27701

Question or comment? e-mail us submissions@fullframefest.org

Address: Durham, NC

Deadline: February 5, 2010

This production funding initiative is designed to showcase international documentaries with powerful global stories that inform, inspire and connect Americans to the world at large.

ITVS INTERNATIONAL CALL

International Call provides production funds for independent producers who are non-U.S. citizens, helping them create documentaries for American television. Through the ITVS International Call, storytellers from other countries introduce U.S. audiences to their global neighbors, opening a window into unfamiliar lives, experiences and perspectives.

In addition to production funding and support, ITVS International will premiere funded programs on U.S public and commercial television, engaging viewers and maximizing impact through national promotion and educational outreach campaigns.

International Call is an initiative of the International Media Development Fund-a project created by ITVS in partnership with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

APPLYING TO ITVS INTERNATIONAL

Before applying to International Call, it is important to review our Production Agreement Note to understand the terms and conditions of ITVS funding. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Joy-Marie Scott at joy_scott@itvs.org or +1-415-356-8383 x232. ITVS office hours are 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time.

Please read the following guidelines carefully and complete the application according to the instructions in How To Apply. We require a written proposal, work-in-progress reels and a copy of a previously completed work in its entirety, including credits. No demo reels, or clip reels of your previous work, will be accepted. Incomplete proposals or unsigned applications will not be processed.

English is the working language. All written materials must be in English. Video materials must also be in English, subtitled if necessary. Producers may submit only one application for one program to International Call per year. A producer can not apply as a Primary Applicant and a Co-Applicant for two separate projects.

ITVS INTERNATIONAL IS LOOKING FOR
Programs that bring international perspectives, ideas, events and people to U.S. television
Content that represents diverse communities and advances underrepresented points of view
Content that explores globally significant themes and inspires public dialogue
Single, story-driven documentaries with broadcast hour versions
Programs that have already begun production and can be realistically completed within one year of contract
Co-production projects with either international broadcast partner(s) or co-productions with producers from different countries
ITVS INTERNATIONAL IS NOT LOOKING FOR
Projects solely from American producers; U.S. producers may partner with international producers and apply as co-applicants in true co-production relationships
Subject matter based in the United States, lifestyle or children's programming
Projects in development
Completed work for acquisition or distribution
Projects not intended for television or intended solely for theatrical release
Series proposals
Fictional dramas
INDEPENDENT PRODUCER ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be "independent producers." This means that the individuals must have a) artistic, budgetary and editorial control of the project and b) the ability to grant ITVS the right to reversion for broadcast.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
The Primary Applicant must be a citizen of another country, who does not reside in the U.S. Applicants must identify their country of citizenship and legal residence.
Dual foreign/U.S. citizens are eligible if they do not reside in the U.S.
American citizens may only participate as Co-Applicants in a true co-production relationship with a non-U.S. Primary Applicant.
Applicants must have previous film or television production experience in a principal role (producer, co-producer, director or co-director) as demonstrated by credits on a sample tape of a previously completed work submitted with the application.
INELIGIBILITY
Students are not eligible.
U.S. residents, regardless of citizenship, are not eligible to apply as a Primary Applicant. (U.S. producers may partner with international producers and apply as co-applicants in true co-production relationships.)
Producers who are currently under ITVS contract are not eligible.
Organizations-NGOs, universities, foundations, nonprofit media organizations, etc.-are not eligible.
Supporting crew members-writers, production managers, production assistants, etc.-cannot submit an application on behalf of the project's director or producer.
If an individual does not possess artistic, budgetary and editorial control of the project, he/she is not eligible.
If an individual does not have the ability to grant ITVS the right to reversion the program for broadcast, he/she is not eligible.
If an individual submits an application as a Primary Applicant, he/she can not be a Co-Applicant on another project. Individuals can only submit one application per round.
FUNDING AMOUNTS

International Call funds must be used as production completion funds for the project. The range of production funds offered for each project will vary. Applicants should be realistic and request what they need to finish their programs. If a project is recommended for funding, ITVS will thoroughly review the budget and negotiate the proposal's funding request. A selected project will receive a funding offer that ITVS believes will allow the producers to complete the program for U.S. television broadcast.

ITVS FUNDING IS NOT A GRANT

Selected projects will receive funding once a Production License Agreement is executed. This is a contract that assigns ITVS International exclusive broadcast rights in the United States. Depending on the individual contract, ITVS International may participate in revenue sharing in all versions of the production. Please read the Production License Agreement note that follows the budget summary sheet.

TIMELINE

February: After the submission deadline, all applicants receive notification by mail or email within four weeks.

April: In early April, a limited number of applicants are asked to submit additional budget and production information with a narrative update.

May: A small group of finalists is given the opportunity to submit updated work-in-progress video (10 minutes maximum). This is not mandatory. Applicants receive final decisions within six to eight weeks.

Note: The entire proposal review process takes up to five months. Less than five percent of International Call applicants receive funding.

Tel: 415-356-8383 x232

KQED Public Television is pleased to announce Truly CA's Season 6 Call For Entries. The deadline to submit your feature-length documentary to KQED's offices is 5pm, February 10, 2010. This is not a postmark deadline.

Read the guidelines, frequently asked questions, and download a submission form at:

http://www.kqed.org/arts/programs/trulyca/entries.jsp

Through one call for entry each year, KQED's Truly CA: Our State, Our Stories reaches out to the independent film community throughout the state to find completed or nearly completed feature-length documentaries. Truly CA films must be about California in some way -- not just taking place in California. The films must also be primarily shot in California, and preferably made by California's talented, independent, documentary filmmakers. We look for well-crafted stories featuring compelling characters -stories that are provocative, passionate, and unforgettable. Not only do we want well-told stories, we're interested in well-made films, works that are both thought-provoking and eye-opening.

If you have any questions about Truly CA, please contact Elizabeth Pepin, epepin@kqed.org

CELEBRATE THE AMERICAN CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE
Accepting Entries Jan 11 - Jun 16, 2010

ACEFEST has quickly become one of the most anticipated film festivals on the industry calendar and this is YOUR chance to be part of the excitement! The 2010 event is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever with 8 full days of screenings, panels, workshops & parties in the media capital of the world, New York City. ACEFEST is now accepting short and feature-length documentaries so be sure to submit your work today for the opportunity of a lifetime!

Why Submit?
- Get valuable perks just for entering your film
- Gain extra exposure in our annual Film Market
- Selected works build buzz by screening at our Press & Industry Night
- Picture it: Your film, sold out audience, in Manhattan!

Submit Now
www.acefest.com/submit

Call for Entries

Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers

Southern Circuit provides independent filmmakers with the opportunity to tour throughout the Southeastern United States, screen their work for new audiences, and engage those audiences in discussions about the work and its creation. Filmmakers selected for the 2010-2011 Southern Circuit will receive a $300 fee for each screening on the tour, paid travel expenses (domestic airfare and car rental) for the tour, and per diem for meals and lodging expenses. In return, selected filmmakers will travel to 8-10 designated venues throughout the Southeastern United States over a 10-12 day period, screen the selected feature-length project, engage audiences in a post-screening discussion, participate in program-related events coordinated by the host venues on the tour, and participate in the Southern Circuit blog and podcast interview to further promote the tour. For more information, go to www.southarts.org/southerncircuit or submit through www.withoutabox.com. Standard deadline is February 5; late deadline is February 12; WAB extended deadline is February 19. Southern Circuit is a program of the Southern Arts Federation.

 

The Banff World Television Awards call for entries is open, and they are currently accepting submissions into each of their 28 awards categories, which include multiple documentary categories.

Programs for the 2010 season of the competition can now be sent using an online video link, powered by Calamares. Please note that this is the preferred method to submit your program into the competition. The system accepts video files up to 1.5 GB in size, of the following file formats: AVI, MOV, MPG (MPEG, MP4, M2V, M4V), 3GP (3G2), WMV (ASF), FLV, or VOB.

If you have any questions regarding the entry form, please contact programcomp@banff2010.com.

Enter now and save with the early bird rate until February 1, 2010! (Final deadline for entries: February 15, 2010).

Contact:  programcomp@banff2010.com

2010 CLARION AWARDS COMPETITION NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES
The 38th year of the prestigious competition presented by the Association for Women in Communications

The Association for Women in Communications (AWC) announced that its prestigious 2010 Clarion Awards competition is now open for entries. In its 38th year, the Clarion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in all communications fields and are highly sought after by broadcast, print, marketing and communications professionals both nationally and internationally.

Named for the medieval clarion trumpet known for its clarity, the Clarion Awards honor excellence in clear, concise communications. They encompass more than 130 categories, including advertising, books, education, fund raising, graphic design, internal communications, magazines, marketing, newspapers, online journalism, public relations, radio, television and special events. Clarion winners represent individual practitioners, media companies of all sizes, leading corporations, small businesses, and nonprofit associations and institutions.

Winners of past Clarion Awards include Newsweek, CNN, Vanguard Communications, Pierson Grant Public Relations, Massachusetts School of Law, InterContinental Hotels Group, Parade Publications, Philadelphia magazine, American Journal of Nursing, Angie's List magazine, The Wall Street Journal and many more.

To qualify, more than half of an entry must have been published, broadcast, or implemented between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009. Early-bird savings ends on Feb. 27, 2010, and the final deadline is March 31, 2010. To register online, or for further details on how to apply, please visit www.womcom.org/clarion.

Founded in 1909, the Association for Women in Communications has more than 2,600 members nationwide. AWC champions the advancement of women across all communications disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership, and positioning its members at the forefront of the evolving communications era.

Pulitzer Center - Project: Report 2010 CONTEST AND CALL FOR ENTRIES - deadline Feb 28, 2010

The contest invites non-professional, aspiring reporters to share their stories with the world.
With two rounds over three months, short documentary assignments will be judged on the quality of the stories reported and the production value of the videos. An expert panel led by the Pulitzer Center will choose ten finalists from the first round to receive technology prizes from Sony and Intel. The ten finalists will compete to receive one of five $10,000 grants to work with the Pulitzer Center on an under-reported international story.
Round 1 launches today
The assignment:
Document a single day in the life of a compelling person the world should meet and showcase how that person is making a positive impact in his or her community.
All videos must be three minutes or less. Submissions will be open through February 28, to see submission requirements, check out the official rules.
The Pulitzer Center has provided over one hundred grants for reporting projects that spotlight critical international issues. Watch the video below to see what we are looking for in a video submission to Project: Report.

For more info: http://www.pulitzercenter.org/open.cfm?id=984