The Durban Film
Office has announced the launch of an annual grant-funding programme which
endeavours to assist established film professionals and their locally produced
film projects.
The programme,
which kicks off in 2014 and has committed to support two film projects per
annum, is now accepting submissions for the first round of grant funding – two
Durban film projects will receive a maximum of R250,000 towards the development
of their prospective films.
"The programme
aims to assist local producers to further projects in development and enable
these producers to access broader National and international funding
opportunities.” said Durban Film Office Head, Toni Monty.
The programme will
accept project proposals that display commercial viability, prospective
investment and collaboration opportunities as well as local and global
competitiveness.
Said Monty;
“Raising capital and applying for funding is both a difficult and competitive
process – the Durban Film Office aims to provide support to projects to fast
track the development process and enable capacity to get these projects to
market.”
The programme
targets experienced writers, producers, directors based in Durban who need to
develop projects for local and international investors, markets and audiences.
Applicants must be Durban
based production companies. The project must have a minimum total production budget
of R2.5 million. At least 50% of the team must fall within the definition of
being historically disadvantaged individuals as defined in the constitution of
South Africa. Requirements include a CV/company profile which demonstrates
proven industry experience as a writer, director or producer as well as a project
plan detailing how the funds will be used over the next eight months with clear
objectives, outcomes and deliverables.
Also needed is a
motivation letter (maximum two pages), expressing why the project should be
selected. Principal photography of the planned project must be located in
Ethekwini Municipality. Examples / showreels of previous works may be requested
but should not be submitted with your proposal.
Application must
include a completed application form; Business Registration documents and
original tax clearance certificate; a completed script; one page synopsis; treatment
or project outline; project development plan; development budget and schedule,
and Professional Profiles of key creatives.
The selection criteria
will focus on a Durban based legal entity with proven track record as a
financially sound, operational business; experience and capacity of key
applicant / company to implement the project plan and complete the project; a project
/ development plan which can be realistically realized within the next eight
months and demonstration effective and strategic use of funds. Also required is
a realistic business plan for the project, which includes a budget; finance
plan, marketing and distribution plans.
Submission deadline
of project proposals to the Durban Film Office is January 13, 2014. The
programme will commence from April 1, 2014
An evaluation panel
of industry professionals will be convened to evaluate and select the top five
submissions, who will be invited to an interview with the panel. The panel will
select the top two projects to be accepted into the programme.
Successful
applicants will receive letters of intent by February 14, 2014, and will be
required to sign a grant agreement with the EThekwini Municipality.
To receive an
application form, contact Development Fund Programme Project Manager,
Fezile Peko; on 031 311 4788 or email: Fezile.peko@durban.gov.za For more information on the Durban Film Office visit www.durbanfilmoffice.co.za
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