Deadline:
October 14, 2017
The concept for the Female Only Filmmaker
Project is to provide ten females, particularly those from historically
disadvantaged backgrounds, with an opportunity to make a film in collaboration
with other women. Successful writer-directors will be guided in the development
and production of their stories into 24 minute scripts over a period of eight
months.
The filmmakers will be guided through the
process by the team at Zinc Pictures, helmed by Tshego Molete who will, in
collaboration with the National Film and Video Foundation, select 10 filmmakers
to go through the process with the aim of nurturing the successful filmmakers
to creating a calling card that will help them in their efforts to break into
the competitive film industry.
Scripts will be workshopped for camera in
preparation for the production of the films over a dedicated development
period, followed by practical workshopping with a director and key technical
crews, with the aim of the films being completed by May 2018. During this
process, each director will 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.
The successful projects and teams will be
provided with a professional production crew to shoot their film. A
post-production supervisor will be appointed to assist them in the editing and
final delivery of the film.
The theme is Becoming is transformation, change, a break down and growth. It is
becoming different from or perhaps more of yourself. It can speak of a moment
that changes your life forever, or a slow movement towards more of the same. It
speaks of endings and beginnings, revolutions and evolutions, losses and gains,
and sometimes, all or one of these through life or death.
“We are bringing together a series of short
films that explore the notion of Becoming.
We are interested in stories that explore change, alienation and belonging,
growth or degeneration, life and death, in whatever way you choose. These are
stories that each reveal something about the contradictions, incompleteness,
imperfection, beauty and constant promise of becoming in the lives of, or
touched by women in past, present and future South Africa,” say the organisers.
The NFVF in association with Zinc Pictures
has chosen this as the theme for the films to be produced. The films will be
packaged and screened for television audiences, as well as entered into
international film festivals.
Applicants are asked to submit scripts
pertaining to the theme. At a time in history when change seems to happen in
quick and unpredictable ways, when the experiences of women are characterized
by tumultuous and sometimes terrific transformations, how do we take charge of
our own becoming? How do we balance becoming with belonging? And how do we
answer questions of identity when we exist at the intersection of so many
forces?
In order for a filmmaker to be considered
for this opportunity, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
-Have worked in the industry for at least
two years.
-Be a historically disadvantaged individual
as defined in the constitution of South Africa.
-Be able to set aside the requisite time
over a period of 8 months to complete the programme.
NB:
This program is aimed at female filmmakers only and only fictional narratives
will be accepted.
Eligible candidates for the project must:
-Have a strong written concept for a
24-minute standalone film with a clearly thought out premise or controlling
idea that would allow it to be packaged with other projects under the theme of
“Becoming”.
-Preference will be given to marginalized indigenous
language proposals.
-Demonstrate familiarity with the tools of
scriptwriting including taking feedback.
-Be willing to meet the demands of the film
industry and be present at every training and workshop.
-Demonstrate a 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.
-Have a portfolio of work to show their
capability eg. a showreel or, in the case of writers – a script, that demonstrates
their creative abilities. Preference will be given to applicants who are
willing to work as writer/director on their project.
NB:
Writers will be expected to pitch at production stage to assess capability to
direct their films. If a writer is not able to show directorial ability, a
director may be assigned to their script.
All applications should be able to provide
the following documentation in for consideration:
-Narrative treatment and/or script for
24-minute film including character bible, detailed synopsis, major turning
point document.
-Cover letter containing the following:
---Who you are and why you are passionate
about filmmaking
---Provide 3 images, one taken by yourself,
and provide a short reflection on the imagery (no more than 100 words).
---CV and certified copy of ID document (no
older than 3 months).
---Showreel/portfolio of work
---Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
All entries to be sent to
womensproject@zincpictures.com
NB: Make sure that all required documents
are attached as any missing documents will lead to automatic disqualification.
The closing date is October 14, 2017.