2023 Call for Applications: DEGANZ Emerging Women Filmmakers Incubator
The Directors and Editors Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand is now accepting applications for the seventh Emerging Women Filmmakers Incubator.
In 2023, the talent-focused development programme will mentor a selection of women directors from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Background
The vision of the Incubator is to empower participating directors with confidence, knowledge and connections. The Incubator is intended for emerging debut directors of feature film (drama or documentary) and will also consider those wishing to establish careers in TV drama and scripted content.
Applicants must apply with a project; however, the Incubator will be focused primarily on filmmaker development rather than project development.
The objectives of the Incubator are:
- Increase the number of women directing features and TV drama.
- Connect producers, broadcasters, funders and other industry professionals with women directors with a view of getting stories from women’s perspectives into and through development.
- Create networking opportunities for women directors to further their projects and careers.
- Inspire and encourage directors to passionately pursue feature film and drama directing careers through interaction with successful women who serve as role models.
- Improve directors’ understanding of the business of film and television drama.
Workshops
Participants will attend five one-day workshops across 2023, the first of which is scheduled to take place in March. All workshops are intended to be held in Auckland, and a travel allowance will be available for participants based in other regions.
The workshops are individually themed to provide specific knowledge, networks, skills, and inspiration that enable participants to advance themselves and their careers. As the global screen industry continues to undergo change, DEGANZ will remain flexible as to the content of the programme and aim to incorporate information and opportunities that are relevant.
Eligibility
All applicants should have a considerable level of directing experience with scripted content, such as acclaimed web series, shorts with festival success, TV commercials, or broadcast content.
Applicants must:
- Have an active project (feature film, documentary feature, telefeature, TV/online drama or scripted series) in development that has never been presented to a broadcaster or funder. It is preferable that the project is at least at first draft script but if not available, there must be a detailed Writer’s Treatment (10 – 20 pages) for the project, if a narrative feature, or a pitch document for a documentary feature. A Director’s Treatment that includes style, tone, imagery, etc. is not requested, but can be supplied in addition to the Writer’s Treatment. For a TV or web series, a pitch deck with series outline, character descriptions and synopsis of first episode is required. The applicant does not have to be the writer on the project.
- Have experience as a director of scripted content (drama, comedy) or documentary in the form of the project they are submitting (i.e., if you are applying with a narrative drama project, you must have experience directing narrative drama, or if it’s comedy, experience directing comedy, etc.)
- Have a directing credit on one of the following:
- a short film selected for one of the NZFC’s Recommended Short Film Festivals, the New Zealand International Film Festival, Show Me Shorts Film Festival or Doc Edge Festival.
- a commissioned, scripted one-off or series by a broadcaster or digital platform.
- a self-funded web series that has won or been nominated for an award at a recognised festival.
- For feature films, applicants must be a debut director.
- Be available to participate in all workshops.
- Identify as a woman.
- Be an NZ Citizen or permanent resident.
Membership
Successful applicants must be DEGANZ Full members for at least the duration of the Incubator programme.
Selection Process
A selection panel will shortlist candidates. Shortlisted candidates must be available for a one-on-one interview via Zoom in mid-February. Getting an interview does not imply that you have been selected for the Incubator.
If shortlisted, you will be expected to immediately supply the required written documents prior to the interview.
The Incubator participants will be selected from the shortlist following the interview.
Decisions will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 10AM, Friday 27 January 2023
Application Requirements:
- A completed DEGANZ Women Filmmakers Incubator Application Cover Sheet.
- A 1-page synopsis of the project with the ending revealed.
- A maximum 2-page letter stating what your career goals are and why you want to participate in this Incubator.
- A 1-page bio (not a CV).
- A filmography and any additional links to completed work that supports your experience and the project you are including with this application.
Compile your documents into a single PDF file* in the order matching requirements 1 – 5.
Give your PDF the following naming convention:
(YourName)_DEGANZWomenFilmmakersIncubator_2023
Send your application to admin@deganz.co.nz with DEGANZWFI2023 in the subject line.
The Incubator is made possible thanks to the generous support of the New Zealand Film Commission.
Questions about the Incubator?
Tui Ruwhiu
Executive Director
tui@deganz.co.nz
+64 21 659 950
Last updated on 15 December 2022
