Shoot it Independent! Production Fund
 

2006 SHOOT IT INDEPENDENT! PRODUCTION FUND

DEADLINE EXTENSION: SEPTEMBER 15, 2006

The award will be announced on October 25, 2006

AWARDS

The Shoot It Independent! Production Fund provides the support and services necessary to substantially aid a film project. The winning proposal will receive:

  • A $5,000 production award to aid in production of the a short screenplay
  • EP Budgeting and Scheduling software package
  • Training Courses from The Writer’s Bootcamp for the second place winner
  • Final Draft Software Packages to the second and third place winners

ELIGIBILITY

  • The applicant must be one of the key creative personnel, i.e., writer, director, producer, or director of photography.

  • The applicant is required to submit his/her original screenplay or that of another from whom the applicant has received written permission to submit the work.

  • Only narrative works with a running time of 20 minutes or less are eligible.

  • This is a production fund, not a completion grant. Therefore, principal photography on the project must not begin prior to the award being granted.

  • The winning project must be completed within one year. The deadline for delivery of the finished piece on video (Digibeta, Beta SP, HD, or DVD) or film (35mm) is July 2007.

  • The applicant may submit more than one proposal. Each proposal requires a separate entry fee and a completed application.

  • Shoot It Independent board members or advisory board members are not eligible to apply.

SCREENPLAY COMPETITION RULES & GUIDELINES

Please read prior to signing the Certification/Release section on the Entry form.
We try to cover everything that could possibly impact your participation in this film festival.

  • Entries must be postmarked by: September 15, 2006
  •  Screenplays/teleplays must be the original work of the applicants(s).
  •  All entrants must sign the applicant certification in acknowledgment of these rulesand guidelines.
  •  Screenplays already optioned are not eligible for this competition.
  •  All entries should be registered with the WGA Writers Guild of America orcopyrighted through the Library of Congress.
  • Screenplays must be formatted in the manner considered standard for the filmindustry.
  •  Author's name must not appear anywhere other than on the title page.
  • To receive verification of receipt of submission entry, include a self-addressed,stamped postcard with your submission.
  • A list of those qualifying as Quarter-Finalists, Semi-Finalists and Finalists will beposted on the festival website shortly after the festival dates or as determined.
  • If your screenplay is selected to be produced by the Shoot It Production Fund, you will have to be willing to cover your own expenses during the shoot, as the fund only covers the production team's shooting expenses up to $5,000 maximum. There is no cash exchange or redemption. It is a cooperative effort .  Participation is voluntary. Festival reserves the right to not make a selection.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

    Each application must include the following elements and materials:

  • A non-refundable $35 entry fee, payable to Shoot It Independent! Production Fund.
  • A story synopsis and the screenplay.
  • A release form from the writer, when applicable.
  • Work samples and supporting materials (including tapes, reels, writing samples, or other appropriate documentation) highlighting the previous experience of all key collaborators (writer, director, producer and director of photography).
  • Biographies and/or resumes of all key collaborators (writer, director, producer and d.p.).

BUDGET & CASH REQUIREMENTS

The Shoot It Independent! Production Fund, unfortunately, does not cover every production cost for the making of a short film. The filmmaker is free to obtain additional sponsorships on his/her own to cover additional costs. The budget submitted should include the estimated out-of-pocket expenses that the filmmaker expects to spend. Please look carefully over what the Fund provides while drafting your budget and consider what other line items you will pursue as either free or in-kind donations and what will be actual hard costs.  Your budget should reflect this fact and take into account accordingly, transportation, housing, and shipping costs. Also, do not forget to account for production insurance. It is a requirement and its cost should be reflected in your budget.

REVIEW CRITERIA

A panel of industry professionals will review all submitted project proposals and select the finalists based on the following criteria: artistic content, creativity of idea/script, demonstrable talent as shown by work samples and supporting materials, experience level of assembled team, and the feasibility of completion within the given time frame. The first review of scripts is done "blind" by the panel without the names of the recipient attached to the project.  All finalists will then be asked to submit a production schedule and itemized budget.  The panel will then select the recipient of the fund based on in depth interviews with all finalists. Shoot It Independent! reserves the right not to award the production fund.