Agentic Communications, the National Film Board, and the SFU Praxis Centre for Screenwriters are launching the "Melting Silos" concept development with the participation of Telefilm's Canada New Media Fund - Sectoral Assistance.
The goal of the Melting Silos Program is to connect local filmmakers and new media talent in a way that educates both parties and facilitates the development of project materials to be ready for production.
We're now seeking a small group of accomplished filmmakers who would like to produce narrative web-based work with technical and creative support from a group of accomplished new media professionals. Filmmakers need not have new media skills, but a curiosity and desire to dive into this world with a creative idea. The end product of the Melting Silos program will be a developed online concept with a pitch package complete with a functional demo or prototype ready for Production Assistance.
This concept development process will involve 4 days of workshops in November and December. In addition to time from industry mentors you will receive during the workshop, you will get up to 20 hours of consultation from the accomplished interactive media firm that is matched to your project.
We're inviting you to submit a one-page proposal of your project to be considered for development by October 19th, 2009
Here are some key points of the Melting Silos Program:
° You must have a narrative based project you feel could benefit from trans-media delivery. It can be an extension of an existing or proposed film; a game with narrative content; a stand-alone dramatic, fictional or experimental piece using live action, animation, text, stills, etc. We are looking for ideas that are meaningful and creatively exciting, whether they are commercial, socially committed, wildly experimental or all three.
° At this stage we are making an open invitation to BC based filmmakers; ultimately up to 6 will be chosen to participate in the project.
° This funding will not cover significant shooting costs as it is intended for concept development. We encourage you to use material that has already been shot or can be shot with a very small crew.
° At present there is an honorarium available to cover your time commitment during the 4 days of workshops (2 two day sessions) in November and December, a key component of the program, but your commitment to your project beyond that is your own time. Attendance at the workshops is mandatory.
° You do not need to have sophisticated design skills in new media; we will provide technical and creative advice to support your project.
° You will have ownership of your own project, subject to your negotiation with the new media developers. However, the new media companies you are matched with will have first right of refusal (for the period of one year) to produce with you the new media components of the project should it move beyond the development stage.
* Lastly, the NFB will also retain first right of refusal but no obligation to move the project forward into production or co-production.
Please let us know ASAP if you are interested in participating in this initiative. We see it as a great opportunity for filmmakers to bring their creative skills into a new medium with the support of the interactive community.
For more information, contact:
Sue Biely, Agentic Communications,
sue@agentic.ca
Idea briefs need to be submitted to
sue@agentic.ca
by October 19th, 2009
Briefs must include:
•Project description, including any examples of footage shot to date
•Past Projects / Experience
•Names of parties/partners involved to date