ANNOUNCING THE NEW FRESH FILMMAKER + SCRIPT-TO-SCREEN COMBO GRANT!

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2012

IFP MN has teamed up with MCTC and the Screenwriters’ Workshop to offer an updated Fresh Filmmakers Production Grant. Aspiring directors can bid to direct one of the three winning scripts from the Script to Screen competition, with production expenses covered by MCTC, Screenwriters' Workshop, and IFP!

IF YOU’RE AN EMERGING DIRECTOR WHO HAS BEEN MAKING FILMS FOR NO MORE THAN FIVE YEARS, THIS GRANT IS FOR YOU!

Here’s how it works.

Screenwriters’ Workshop sponsored a series of short script competitions between October and January. Three scripts rose to the top as the winners. They are:

AND THE WINNER IS…, by May Chaplin

THE LAST BUS RIDE, by Deanna Perchyshyn

WHAT YOU CAN SEE WITH THE NAKED EYE, by David Erickson

Congratulations to the winning screenwriters!

These three scripts are now posted for all you directors out there to evaluate. Click on the titles to download them. Which one would you most like to direct?

If you decide to apply, and you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll need a production plan for the script you choose from the three candidates, as well as other application materials.

• The winner will receive mentorship, a $2000 stipend, and logistical support (camera, lights, edit facilities, etc.) necessary to direct and produce the 10-minute film. Production mentors will work in tandem with the grant recipient to manage the project.
• Production will take place through the auspices of MCTC, which will provide camera equipment and edit facilities. Students who have graduated from the MCTC Cinema Division will will be selected to participate in the production process.
• IFP will connect the winning director with mentors from the film community, as well as vendors who can provide additional equipment.
• All production must be completed by July 31, and the film must be completed by September 30. The finished film will be presented at the Screenwriters' Workshop annual meeting on October 15, 2012, and at the November members’ photo show at IFP.
• Please note that this new grant is replacing the previous format for the Fresh Filmmakers Production Grant, in which directors could submit their original scripts.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must have no more than five years of experience in directing narrative films.
• You cannot be a full-time student at the time of the application deadline and cannot attend school full time during the project cycle.
• Part-time students are eligible.
• You must be a member of IFP Minnesota. Membership information is here.
• You must be a current resident of Minnesota or western Wisconsin (St. Croix, Pepin, Pierce, Eau Claire, Dunn, Chippewa, Buffalo, or Trempeleau counties).

******************************** HOW TO APPLY ******************************

PART I: WRITTEN MATERIALS

Submit all materials, except for the online Application Cover Sheet, as email attachments to grants@ifpmn.org.

• Fill out the online Application Cover Sheet here.

• Send as email attachments:
  

1. One-Page Resume

2. Director's Statement (one page)
Describe how you came to filmmaking, your artistic vision, and how you've trained as a filmmaker. It doesn't matter whether you went to film school or are self-taught.

3. Budget for producing the screenplay

• Although most items will be provided in-kind by MCTC and the participating vendors, your budget should include the actual costs of all items (camera, lights, etc.).
• Please be aware that this grant may not cover all expenses.

4. Production plan

• PRODUCTION MUST BE COMPLETED BY JULY 31, AND POST PRODUCTION MUST BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 30. Please provide a detailed breakdown of how your production will take place.

5. Photocopy of MN or WI driver’s license or state-issued picture ID (for proof of residence). If you applied last year and haven’t changed residence, you don’t need to send another one.

PART II: DVD OR URL OF YOUR FILM/VIDEO WORK

• Film/Video Sample DVD(s) (10 minutes maximum). You may submit complete works or a clip reel. Label the DVD(s) with your name and the titles and lengths of the works.

• If you are submitting your video reel as a URL, include the link on your application cover sheet. You do not need to submit a DVD if your work is available online.
  

• If you are submitting a DVD, mail or bring it to IFP Minnesota – FRESH FILMMAKERS, 2446 University Avenue West, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55114

*** DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 ***

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Production and post-production will be subject to the following limitations:

• MCTC will provide the equipment, facilities, and insurance coverage to produce the film.
• IFP/Fresh Filmmakers and Screenwriters' Workshop will contribute $2000 toward the award money for the winning filmmaker.
• The grant recipient will have to pay for expendable items (gels, gaff tape, location costs, etc.); project mentors will work with the filmmaker to contain these costs.
• Production must take place in Minnesota or western Wisconsin.
• Workers Compensation for union actors is the responsibility of the grant recipient.
• The grant recipient and the screenwriter of the selected script will share ownership of the completed film.
• The screenwriter and director of the winning project will discuss what role the screenwriter will play during production; the director will make the final decision.

 

Fresh Filmmakers is sponsored by IFP Minnesota, in partnership with Screenwriters’ Workshop, MCTC, ETS Pictures, and the Twin Cities-based production community. The grant is intended to honor the memory of Dennis O'Rourke, who was a friend to the regional production community and owner of Cine Sound 2 for over thirty years.

For info on 2011 Fresh Filmmaker Alexander Cooney, click here. Follow his blog! He's now in production.

For info on 2010 Fresh Filmmaker Amanda Becker, click here. Follow her blog for a play-by-play of what it's like to make a highly polished, professional-looking short film!

 

Attachment	Size
And the Winner is....pdf	10.34 KB
The Last Bus Ride.pdf	37.6 KB
WHAT YOU CAN SEE.pdf	37.28 KB