official rules and regulations:
Please submit all entries to incubator@driff.ca with the heading Emerging Filmmaker Incubator Contest
Please read carefully as ALL REQUIREMENTS MUST BE FULFILLED in order for applications to be considered (only PDFs or Word documents accepted):
Verification of Durham residency or long-term connection to the Region (ie born and raised in Durham or attending a post-secondary institution in the Durham). Proof may be requested.
Synopsis of the project (max 250 words) which includes the main story developments, and tells the basic story from beginning to end.
Director’s vision (max to one page in length).
1- to 2-page resume for each member of your creative team (producer, writer and director) which will indicate training, education, experience, accolades, outline past projects and history of team collaboration.
A preliminary production schedule (from pre-production to final edit) that builds to completed film by August 16, 2024.
Preliminary film budget & finance plan (if production costs exceed $10,000) - Including location and equipment rental, crew costs, actors fees (max 4), and post production expenses.
A completed screenplay or treatment.
A password protected Vimeo link to previous work.
Up to one-page detailing any other information that sets this project apart (eg: personal connection to the story material, successful crowdfunding campaign, confirmed cameo by a well-known actor, established fan base on social media).
SELECTION PROCESS:
Following the end of the submission deadline on February 16, 2024, the DRIFF Selection Committee will choose up to 6 applicants to advance to a second phase for additional consideration. Those candidates will be interviewed by the DRIFF Committee to ensure quality and professionalism.
The Judging Panel will then choose 3 finalists for final interviews. The finalists must be prepared to answer questions from the judges and to demonstrate a viable production strategy.
Following the final interviews, the judging panel will select 1 filmmaker (or filmmaking team) as the winner. The winner will be awarded the PRIZE of $10,000 paid by e-transfer according to a defined schedule of dates and deliverables.
By accepting the Incubator prize package, the winner releases and discharges DRIFF and our partners, participating sponsors, information providers, content providers, advertisers, advertising agencies, promotional and marketing agencies, and any other legal entity involved with or otherwise providing services related to this competition and all their respective employees, officers, directors, representatives and agents from any liability or damage due in whole or in part to the award, acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the Grand Prize or from participation in this competition.
Information regarding the winner will be posted on www.driff.ca website and will be released to the public through media alerts and other written and oral venues.
The winner will be supported by up to 2 consultations with industry mentors to be provided by DRIFF according to area(s) of need stated by the GPW
The winning film will be screened at the DRIFF 2024, exact dates to be confirmed later.
WINNER’S OBLIGATION:
Complete application form, including all 9 submission requirements (see above). Incomplete submission will NOT be considered.
Finished product: 4-12 minute screen-ready film
Principle photography must begin by May 15, 2024
Deadline for completed film – August 16, 2024
The winner cannot utilize the $10,000 prize and in-kind services awarded by DRIFF towards any expense other than the creation of this film
