We are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2011 funding cycle. Grants will be announced in July 2011.
Eligibility:
The Sundance Documentary Fund supports cinematic feature documentaries about pressing Human Rights, social justice, civil liberties and related topics from the US and internationally. Proposals to the Documentary Fund are evaluated on effective storytelling, global relevance, originality, artistic innovation and potential for social engagement. If your film is within our mandate but with a softer approach to the a contemporary social issue, please consider applying only in the production-post/production category when you have a solid rough cut for consideration. Please note we do not fund shorts, webisodes, online series, or strictly historical, biographical, NGO, or educational films.
Important!
Please prepare a written proposal that includes the following elements. Your proposal should be in electronic format and ready to upload before you begin completing the online application. The upload is limited to .PDFs or Word-compatible documents. All parts of your proposal, including budget, must be combined into one file. Only one file can be uploaded per application and its file size must be less than 3Mb.
Proposal must contain the following:
PROJECT SUMMARY
Briefly provide contextual information necessary to acquaint the reader to the subject, advising why the topic is interesting and why such a film is needed now. Explain any global relevance for the contemporary social issues addressed. Describe why you are pursuing this project and why you are the best person to tell this story.
NARRATIVE SYNOPSIS
Clearly communicate how the film is intended to unfold from beginning to end. Who are the characters and what is their journey? Consider story structure, point-of-view, scope, artistic approach, stylistic innovation, and the length and format of the project. Both Development and Production/Post-production proposals must convey some vision for a finished film.
DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING STRATEGY
Characterize the intended distribution life for your film, including relevant broadcast, festival, theatrical, or home video markets intended.
COMPREHENSIVE LINE ITEM BUDGET
Please list all a line item breakdown of all expenses from development through distribution in U. S. dollars, including a grand budget total, i.e: $250,750.
ABOUT THE SAMPLE WORK
DIRECTOR'S PRIOR WORK (1 PARAGRAPH)
For all proposals, submit at least one of the director's prior films. Briefly highlight its narrative, aesthetic or communication intentions. Articulate the relevance to current proposal, if any. If the current proposal is a departure, how will the film differ.
CURRENT ROUGH CUT OR SAMPLE (1 PARAGRAPH)
If the film is already underway, please submit the rough cut, teaser or clip (1 minute - 75 minutes). Explain concisely what is present or absent on the sample, and how it will differ as a finished film. How does it reflect the intended story, style, subject, etc.
KEY CREATIVE PERSONNEL (1-2 PARAGRAPHS EACH)
Provide BRIEF biographies (50-150 words) for the director, and if attached, the producer, cinematographer, or editor. DO NOT send resumes, CVs or extensive filmographies. Bullet list any other advisors or consultants, if applicable.
OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
For audience engagement with the issues, explain how you would motivate viewers beyond the screening. Characterize collaboration with organization as well as outside partners (educational, cultural, governmental or NGO) intended or secured. What action would you hope viewers will take after the screening?
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)
If applicable, explain how you would enhance your project through multi-platform and ancillary elements. How might these elements be interactive or generate social engagement? Feel free to list technological innovations you might creatively harness.
FUNDRAISING STRATEGY
Indicate relevant sources you will pursue to meet unmet budget requirements.
Attach a complete proposal. PDF and Word formats acceptable. Please name the file in the format: Project Name - DirectorLastName.doc FILES LARGER THAN 3 MB CANNOT BE UPLOADED.
All application elements must be included at time of submission. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or pursued. Application materials cannot be kept on file in between rounds. If you are re-applying, you must re-submit the entire application online and resend DVD samples by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do I apply?
A: Complete the required fields. Then mail one (1) copy of your project cover sheet, and DVDs and applicable DVDs to the LA office. Please do not mail the written proposal. Please avoid excessive packaging, and do not submit multiple copies of DVD samples. Paper or plastic DVD sleeves are preferable.
Q: Do you have deadlines?
A: Yes. We have two deadlines per year, generally the first week of February and July. Award decisions take approximately six months. Proposals must be submitted online and DVDs mailed by the upcoming deadline of February 9, 2011. Sundance reserves the right to solicit film projects at its sole discretion at any time related to Institute or Documentary Program priorities.
Q: Do you fund projects by filmmakers based outside of the U.S.?
A: Yes, there are no geographical restrictions on who can apply to the Fund.
About the Sundance Documentary Film Program
The Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program provides year-round support to contemporary- issue nonfiction filmmakers worldwide in the production of cinematic documentaries with human rights themes. Services include the Sundance Documentary Fund, three Creative Documentary Labs for directors and producers held at the Sundance Resort every summer, work-in-progress screenings held globally, discussions and presentations by invitation worldwide, documentary support at the Sundance Film Festival and the Sundance Independent Producers Conference, and a variety of convenings and partnerships designed to amplify the use of film as a tool for increasing awareness of key global challenges, and motivate change towards more open and equitable societies.
About the Fund
The Sundance Documentary Fund is a core program of the Documentary Film Program. It is dedicated to supporting U.S. and international documentary films that focus on current human rights issues, freedom of expression, social justice, civil liberties, and exploring critical issues of our time. The Documentary Fund was established at Sundance Institute in 2002 with a gift from the Open Society Institute and is supported by a grant from the Ford Foundation among others.
Application Process
Sundance Documentary Fund grants are announced twice a year and since its inception at the Institute in 2002, the Fund has disbursed almost $6 million to over 450 films. The Fund provides grants in two categories, Development and Production/Post-Production. A committee of human rights experts and film professionals make recommendations from projects submitted by filmmakers from around the world.
The Fund reviews 2,000 proposals annually, choosing up to 50 for support each year. In funding such work, the Sundance Institute Documentary Fund encourages the diverse exchange of ideas crucial to developing an open society, raising public consciousness about human rights campaigns and restrictions of civil liberties, and fostering an ongoing dialogue about these and other pressing social issues.
To apply, you are required to submit an online application form, plus a full written proposal as well as supporting visual materials. The postmark deadline for all application materials is February 9, 2011. Incomplete proposals will not be reviewed.
Apply online here.
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