The TFI Documentary Fund offers grants and guidance to outstanding filmmakers with character-driven, non-fiction works-in-progress which does not fall in the social issue landscape. The TFI Documentary Fund aims to take audiences into someone others environment as well as spotlight the journey of an individual by engaging in unexplored perspectives. Grants of at least $10, 000 will be awarded in 2013.
A new extension of the Fund, the TFI/ESPN PRIZE, will award one annual grant of $30,000 to a feature-length documentary work-in-progress (in development or production stage) that captures the human element of the sports world – and brings the dramatic stakes of competitiveness to vivid life. In short, the TFI/ESPN Prize-winning project will strive to change the way people perceive sports.
In order to qualify for the TFI Documentary Fund, entrants must comply with ALL of the following Rules and Eligibility Requirements. Failure to comply with these rules will render a submission ineligible:
- Submissions must be feature-length documentaries with an intended length of at least 70 minutes and should creatively document unique character(s)
- Submissions can be in the advanced stages of development, production or post-production (TFI/ESPN Prize projects excluded), but must not have aired on any form of television, been screened publicly or have been distributed in theatres or via the Internet prior to February 2013
- Submitted films must show enough footage to highlight character, unique access and storytelling ability
- Foreign language documentaries are eligible, but must be subtitled and suitable for an American audience
- Applicants must be over 18-years old
- Student films and documentary short films are not eligible for submission
- Applicants will be notified by February 2013 whether their films are awarded funding or not
Applicants must complete the online application form and upload a thorough proposal to include:
- A project description outlining the form and style of the film
- Bios of filmmaker(s) and key crew members
- Contact information for key crew members
- A concise timeline explaining the sequence of steps required for the completion of the eligible film
Applicants must either submit two (2) DVD copies or provide an online link of an extended trailer (no shorter than 7 minutes), scene assemblage and/or a rough cut of the project that showcases ample footage that identifies the character(s) and, if possible, a suggestive storyline. If DVD’s are mailed, they should be labeled with submission number, project title, running time, applicants name and contact information. DVDs must be in NTSC format for Zone 0 and 1
If DVD copies are mailed, the submissions must be shipped pre-paid, including any duties or customs fees. Tribeca Film Institute will make every effort to safe-guard the materials submitted; however TFI will not be responsible for lost or stolen submissions. Submissions will not be returned.
SUBMISSION DATES:
- September 5, 2012 – Submissions Open
- November 5, 2012 – Submissions Close
For further information, visit the link.
