Updated Call for Applications for DEGNZ Women Filmmakers Incubator

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Updated: 7 June 2016

Background

The overall vision of the DEGNZ Women Filmmakers Incubator is to empower the participating directors with the confidence, knowledge and connections that they can use to go on and direct a feature film, drama or scripted series.

The incubator is intended primarily for emerging debut directors of feature film (drama or documentary), but will also consider those wishing to establish careers in TV drama and scripted content.

Applicants must apply with a project, but the incubator is primarily focused on filmmaker development, not project development.

The objectives of the incubator are:

  • Educate writer/directors and directors to improve their understanding of the business of film and drama.
  • Increase the number of females directing features and TV drama by helping to get more female-centric stories into and through development.
  • Encourage producers, broadcasters and funders into closer connection with female directors.
  • Create networking opportunities that directors can use to further themselves and their projects.
  • Provide inspiration and role models to encourage women to passionately pursue feature film and drama directing careers.
  • Get those in positions of power to effect change to help women advance as feature film and drama directors.

The incubator comprises five one-day workshops across an approximately 12-month period with the first to scheduled to take place in September.

The workshops are individually themed to provide specific knowledge, networks, skills, and inspiration that filmmakers can use to advance themselves and their careers.

NZFC Talent Express

The NZ Film Commission will offer additional support to 3 narrative debut feature film directors who are selected as part of the DEGNZ Women Filmmakers Incubator.

Alongside the Incubator programme, those selected for the NZFC Talent Express will attend:

  • NZFC Gaylene Preston Female Director’s workshop – a practical one-day workshop as part of the NZFC Gender Scholarship programme (TBC between 27-29 July)
  • Accelerator Express at Melbourne International Film Festival – Four days of workshops, screenings, seminars and networking events on the business and creative aspects of the film industry by leading film practitioners.  (3-7 August)
  • International industry mentor workshop at Big Screen Symposium – Bespoke half-day workshop with an international industry mentor as part of BSS. This includes passes to attend BSS. (24-25 September)
  • Career development and guidance meetings with the NZFC Talent Development team

All costs associated with these, including travel and accommodation will be covered by the NZFC.

If you wish to be considered for The NZFC Talent Express, please indicate your interest when you apply for the DEGNZ Women Filmmakers Incubator.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Have a project (feature film, documentary feature, telefeature, TV or web drama or scripted series) in development that has NEVER been presented to a broadcaster or funder.
  • Have experience as a director of narrative drama or documentary or scripted content 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; scripted comedy project, experience directing scripted comedy; documentary feature, experience directing documentary, drama TV series or telefeature, experience directing narrative drama

  • For feature film, be a debut director.
  • Be able to participate in all workshops.

A selection panel comprising DEGNZ members and senior industry practitioners will convene to select the successful candidate. The decisions will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Every successful applicant must be a Full DEGNZ member.

The workshops will be held in Auckland. A travel and accommodation allowance will be available for those successful applicants coming from other regions.

Requirements

  1. Completed DEGNZ Women Filmmakers Incubator Application Cover Sheet. Available here on the DEGNZ website, under RESOURCES.
  2. A one-page B2B (ending revealed not left hanging for the audience) synopsis of the project.
  3. A maximum two-page letter stating what your career goal is and why you want to participate in this incubator.
  4. A one-page bio (not a CV).
  5. A filmography and links to completed work that supports the project you are including with this application.

How to Apply

Compile your documents into one single PDF in the order matching requirements 1 – 5.

Give the single PDF the following naming convention:

(YourName)_DEGNZWomenFilmmakersIncubator_2016

and send it to admin@deganz.co.nz with DEGNZWFI2016 in the Subject line.

The deadline for submissions is 9AM, Monday 27 June 2016.

This initiative has been made possible with the financial support of the New Zealand Film Commission.

Last updated on 26 February 2018

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