What's New
Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA)/Disney/ABC Summer
Television & Film Workshop Writers' Track
A collaboration among The Disney/ABC Television Group Talent
Development Programs, The Walt Disney Studios and the Institute
of American Indian Arts. This six-week intensive workshop develops
scriptwriting skills for American Indians preparing for a career
as a professional writer in television and film.
For more information go to www.iaia.edu/newmedia/tvfilm_application.html
5/6/08
New Public Television Opportunity
Submission deadlines: January 31, 2008; April 30, 2008; July
31, 2008; October 31, 2008
Reel 13 Shorts
Reel 13 Shorts is an interactive on-line film competition
that celebrates the best in independent short films. The public
will rate their favorite films on-line and the winning films
will receive an award of $500 and be broadcast on Reel 13, the
new weekly Saturday night programming block of classic and independent
cinema being broadcast by the New York City's public television
station WNET-Thirteen.
To submit short works go to www.thirteen.org/reel13
12/30/07
In Bolivia, Buena Onda Americas and the Teatro de los Andes
have announced that the Artes Andes Americas workshop
will become an annual event. Participants in the inaugural workshop,
held August 19 - 24, 2007, in Santa Cruz and Yotala, attended
panels and production workshops, and made 3-minute videos. The
organizers have also announced their intention to create a non-profit
foundation and institute to offer year-round opportunities for
film and theater professionals, with a focus on writing, directing,
and performance. The institute will be an extension of La Fábrica,
an existing film school in Yotala, Bolivia. For more information
go to www.buenaondaamericas.com/artesandes.
12/14/07
Opportunities
Independent Television Service (ITVS)
ITVS offers support for a wide range of independent productions
under four initiatives and additional opportunities. See below
for brief descriptions. Go to the ITVS site for fuller information
and background for each initiative. ITVS encourages all applications
be made on-line. The online application will be available two
months prior to each funding deadline.
- Deadline: May 30, 2008
Online application available: March 1, 2008
LINCS
LINKING INDEPENDENTS AND CO-PRODUCING STATIONS (LINCS) provides
matching funds (up to $100,000) to partnerships between public
television stations and independent producers. To apply for
LINCS funds, independents must first approach a public television
station and establish a partnership. Single shows in any genre
will be considered. Non-fiction projects must have begun production
as evidenced by a work-in-progress tape.
For more information on LINCS e-mail programming@itvs.org
or call 415-356-8383 x284.
- Deadline: July 18, 2008
Online application available: May 1, 2008
OPEN CALL
Open Call provides finishing funds for single non-fiction
or Animation public television programs on any subject, and
from any viewpoint. Projects must have begun production as
evidenced by a work-in-progress video.
For more information about Open Call e-mail Karim_Ahmad@itvs.org
or call 415-356-8383 x259.
- Deadline: September 26, 2008
Online application available: June 1, 2008
DIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Diversity Development Fund seeks talented minority producers
to develop projects for public television. We want to support
minority artists to tell their stories and reach audiences
often overlooked by conventional programming. Projects must
be in the research or development phase, and cannot have begun
production.
For more information about the Diversity Development Fund
e-mail Kathryn_Washington@itvs.org
or call 415-356-8383 x258.
- Next deadline: To be announced
INTERNATIONAL CALL
The ITVS International Call enables independent producers
from outside of the United States to create documentaries
for U.S. television. Through the International Call, storytellers
from other countries introduce U.S. audiences to their global
neighbors, opening a window into unfamiliar lives, experiences
and perspectives.
For more information about the International Media Development
Fund e-mail Joy_Scott@itvs.org
or call 415-356-8383 x232.
- COMMISSIONED R&D/PRODUCTION FUNDING
ITVS accepts proposals on an ongoing basis for projects in
all genres that fall outside of the parameters of the standing
initiatives (DDF, LINCS, OPEN CALL). Producers should note
that ITVS's capacity to fund projects outside of its standing
initiatives is extremely limited and highly competitive, but
will consider programs for special support and funding on
a case-by-case basis. Requirements for applying are explained
in greater detail on-line at the ITVS website.
Research & Development funds may be requested for early
phase activities. Examples of requests include travel, research,
script development or the production of a fundraising reel.
Production funds are available for limited documentary
series. Single or one-off programs are not eligible. Producers
should apply to Open Call, LINCS or International Call for
production funds for single programs.
All U.S. production funding requests must be submitted in accordance
with ITVS Funding Guidelines. For ITVS International funding
see Key Guidellines. Please note: You may apply to only one
ITVS funding initiative per round. Application due dates are
not postmark deadlines. All materials must arrive at ITVS by
5:00 p.m. on the date indicated.
For information about all ITVS programs and about the funding
initiatives go to www.itvs.org
2/18/08
IFP Rough Cut Lab-Documentary application deadline: March
7, 2008
IFP Rough Cut Lab-Narrative application deadline:
April 11, 2008
Independent Feature Project Labs
New York, New York
The IFP Rough Cut Labs are a national program of the
Independent Feature Project designed to connect mentors with
selected first-time film directors and their projects before
the films are submitted to festivals. The Labs have been developed
with the understanding that festivals can play a pivotal role
in launching emerging filmmakers. Led by experienced producers,
the Labs provide 4 days of professional guidance with top editors,
composers, festival strategists, sound designers, distributors,
marketing and publicity experts. After the Labs, IFP offers
year-round promotional support, funding opportunities, and showcases.
The Rough Cut Labs program is open to all first-time, narrative
and documentary feature filmmakers in the later stage of post-production
who have completed the majority of principal photography. As
a commitment to diversity, IFP seeks to ensure that at least
50% of participating projects have an inclusive range of races,
genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities and physical abilities
in key creative positions. The Documentary Rough Cut Lab (May
6 - 9, 2008) and Narrative Rough Cut Lab (June 10-13, 2008)
are held in New York City.
For more information and an on-line application go to www.ifp.org/labs
2/18/08
New Expressive Arts Grant Opportunity
Awards announced: March 15, 2008
Grant period: May 1, 2008 - April 30, 2009
The new National Museum of the American Visual and Expressive
Arts Grants program is calling for submissions. The purpose
of the grants is to support a wide range of arts activities
with the goal of increasing the knowledge, understanding, and
appreciation of contemporary Native American arts. The NMAI
considers the recognition of living artists of the Western Hemisphere
to be of primary importance, and will direct support to projects
that strengthen scholarship in this underserved field, and create
opportunities for new and innovative work. Grant amounts will
be from $7,500 to $15,000. This program has been made possible
with generous support from The Ford Foundation's IllumiNations
grant program.
NMAI is accepting applications in two funding areas, and the
links below will provide additional information:
Visual Arts Program: exhibition and installations/publications
and critical writing www.nmai.si.edu/vaeag/visual.html
Expressive Arts Program: expressive and performing arts, including
film and media www.nmai.si.edu/vaeag/expressive.html
12/25/07
Initial letter of inquiry: Due ASAP
Application deadline: March 4, 2008
Grant period: February 4 - March 4, 2009
Creative Capital Grants in Emerging Fields, Innovative Literature,
and Performing Arts
Creative Capital Foundation is soliciting applications
for its current cycle of grants for artists working on innovative
projects in emerging arts fields, literature, or performing
arts. To apply for a Creative Capital grant, you must first
submit an Inquiry Form regarding your project. Tell about your
project and how, in conjunction with a Creative Capital grant,
it will be catalytic for your artistic and professional growth.
In addition, you will need to describe the influences that inform
your work and how your work takes an inventive and original
approach to form and content. Be prepared to present a basic
budget and to identify the audience(s) for your project and
any possible presenting venues. The Guidelines and Inquiry Form
for this cycle of grants are available on the Creative Capital
website from February 4 - March 4, 2008. Grants for other art
fields, including media arts, will be considered in future cycles.
For information about how to apply, go to http://creative-capital.org/application/
2/15/08
Early submission deadline: January 28, 2008 ($35 Film Independent
members/$55 non-members)
Final submission deadline: April 18, 2008 ($55 Film Independent
members/$75 non-members)
Fellowship period: October 2008 - June 2009
Project: Involve
Los Angeles, California
Among its numerous programs the professional membership organization
Film Independent produces Project: Involve to support
filmmakers from under-represented communities, including Native
American filmmakers. This is a mentorship, education, screening
and job placement program, with the mission of increasing cultural
diversity in the film industry. Selected fellows develop a one-on-one
relationship with an established member of the filmmaking community,
and attend a series of workshops during the time of the fellowship
that provide an overview of the filmmaking process.
To apply go to www.filmindependent.org/pdf/PI_onlineapp.pdf.
1/06/08
Awards
For a list of individual awards and honors enter
here.
The National Screen Institute-Canada announces the participants
selected for its Summer 2007 NSI New Voices, a training
program in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for Aboriginal media makers,
18 - 35 years of age, who are interested in a career in film
and television. Although the program selects the majority of
its participants from Winnipeg, other Aboriginal Canadians are
invited to apply. This year's participants are Roger Boyer,
Clarence Fisher, Chris Gabb, Sheldon Greene,
Craig Guiboche, Amanda Smart, Brian Tuesday,
Sam Vint, and Angela Wandering Spirit from Winnipeg;
Candace Back Fat and Susan Solway from Siksika
Nation in Alberta, and Kerry Barber from Dawson City,
Yukon. A first person account of this year's program by Sheldon
Greene is linked to the program's website.
NSI New Voices program is divided into two phases, for a total
of 14 weeks. Phase I lasts 6 weeks and is devoted to workshops
and creative and business skills development training. Phase
II offers internships in industry settings for 8 weeks. Participants
earn minimum wage salaries; travel from outside Winnipeg is
not subsidized.
For additional information about the program and to register
to receive application information for 2008, go to www.nsi-canada.ca/newvoices/index.shtml
1/07/08
The 2008 Sundance Institute/Ford Foundation Fellows
have been announced by the Sundance's Native Initiatives programs.
These fellowships bring emerging filmmakers to the Sundance
Film Festival to work with mentors in their professional areas
and to participate in the Native Forum programs during the Festival.
The fellows are:
- Short Film: Migizi Pensoneau (Ponca/Red Lake Chippewa)
- Short Film: Sonya Oberly (Nez Perce)
- Experimental Film: Sherwin Bitsui (Navajo)
- Emerging Producer: Beau Basset (Native Hawaiian)
For more information about this year's Native Forum go to www.sundance.org/festival/film_events/native_forum.asp
12/17/07
In 2007 the Canadian Independent Film & Video Fund awarded
$1,500,004 in production and development grants to various film
and video producers. Ten grants were awarded to First Nations
production companies and projects that have an indigenous focus.
- Aness. K8ek8e Productions
A documentary on the life and work of the Innu painter Ernest
Dominique
- Hiro. Films de l'Oeil
Through the work of Tahitian filmmaker Henri Hiro, this documentary
examines the way the Polynesion nation looks at its past and
future in the face of political change
- Ispikison/Cree Speak. Mama-oo Pictures
A live-action, on-location series that follows Aboriginal
children (ages 5-7) in the city as they learn Cree
- James Houston: The Most Interesting Group of People
You'll Ever Meet. Drumsong Communications
The story of James Houston and his historic collaboration
with the Inuit of Cape Dorset
- Mathieu Da Costa. Anthony Sherwood Productions
About the first black man to step foot on Canadian soil in
1605, who developed a unique bond with the Aboriginal peoples
and who may have changed the course of history for the French
in the New World
- Tagaq. Les Productions des Films de l'Autre
A film on Tanya Gillis, whose unique throat singing led to
her being sought out by various world-renowned musical groups
- The Lost Boy: Tracking Stories, Dreams and Ancestors
with Jim Settee. Inner Nature Productions
The story of the life of Elder Jim Settee—minister, community
builder, and renowned tracker—explores Metis and First
Nations heritage from 1840 to the present
- The Meaning of Life. HR Brody Ltd.
An examination of incarceration and rehabilitation across
cultures in Canada, which looks at the collaboratively-run
prison in British Columbia called Kwikweselhp
- The Sharing Circle. Meeches Video Production
A weekly series that shares fascinating, poignant, and educational
stories about Aborigial people
- UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
First Voice Multimedia
Examines the role played by Canadian First Nations and other
indigenous people in the creation of the declaration to affirm
their individual and collective rights in their respective
homelands.
CIFVF is a national Canadian non-profit organization dedicated
to supporting the development of the non-theatrical industry
through the creation of film and video projects which promote
lifelong learning and are produced by Canadian independent producers.
11/13/07
All Roads Film Project
In 2004 National Geographic launched new initiatives: All Roads
Film Project, All Roads Film Festival and All Roads Indigenous
Photographers Program. The All Roads Film Project offers seed
grants of up to US$10,000 to support film or video production
by indigenous and minority-culture filmmakers. Supported films
are also considered for inclusion in the All Roads Film Festival
and for broadcast on the National Geographic Channel.
2007 Recipients
- Julianna Brannum (Comanche) for LaDonna Harris,
Indian 101
- Chris Eyre (Cheyenne/Arapaho)
for Lazarus Rises
- Bennie Klain (Navajo)
for Lost Tribes
- Marcelo Martinessi for Po/Hands
- Lurline Wailana McGregor
(Native Hawaiian) for Between the Deep Blue Sea and Me
- Timothy Andrew Ramos (Pomo) for California Indian
- Suzi Yoonessi (Yu'pik) for Dear Lemon Lima
2006 Recipients
- Blackhorse Lowe
(Navajo) for 5th World,
a first feature tracing a romance between two young adults
whose tribal culture shapes their bond in powerful and unexpected
ways
- Sandra Hoffman Morales (Mapuche) for Dawn of
Light
- Dan Bigbee
(Comanche) and Lily
Shangreaux (Oglala Lakota) for The Osage Murders,
which takes place during the 1920s oil boom in Oklahoma
- Leslie Mackenzie for The Tallest Story Competition,
a folkloric animation series presented by Gaelic comedian
Norman Maclean
- Aleksie Vakrushev (Yup'ik) for Two Oceans
12/29/07
Image credit:
Carlos Efraín Pérez being interviewed by Marcelino
Pinto, 2000 Native American Film and Video Festival - Photograph
by Amalia Cordova, NMAI
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