We are looking for Scottish-based filmmakers to make 10 minute documentaries. No imposed theme this year… You can give free rein to your creativity but we would of course encourage you to explore Scottish stories.

10 projects will be short-listed on the basis of the submitted proposal and supporting material. In the following weeks they will be developed through weekend workshops so that they can be pitched to a panel of experts who will commission the final 4 projects in February 2012. The films, to be delivered by May 2012, are intended for distribution in cinemas and festivals.

This initiative is open to all filmmakers based in Scotland, and particularly aims to bridge the gap between training/graduation and a first commission. We cannot accept applications from students in full time education.

DEADLINE: 14 November 2011 midnight GMT

To apply and for more information, please check www.scottishdocinstitute.com/apply/bridging-the-gap 

submitted by the Scottish Documentary Institute

Observer passes for the The Edinburgh Pitch: 14 June – 9:30-17:30 are now available!  

Entering its 5th year and running alongside the Edinburgh International Film Festival (15-26 June), the Edinburgh Pitch is the only international documentary pitching forum in Scotland. Independent filmmakers and companies developing and raising finance for creative feature documentaries will pitch their project in front of an international panel.

So join us to meet our decision makers in a relaxed atmosphere and support independent creative documentaries and the people who make them!

Panellists
Leslie Finlay (Creative Scotland), Flora Gregory (Al Jazeera), Charlotte Gry Madsen (DR Sales), Doris Hepp (Arte/ZDF), Andrea Hock (Autlook Film Sales), Simon Kilmurry (POV), Jamie King (VODO), Jo Lapping (BBC Storyville), Catherine Le Clef (Cat & Docs), Anna Miralis (C4/More4), Catherine Olsen (CBC), Wim van Rompaey (Lichtpunt), Jo Roe (BBC Scotland), Jenny Westergard (YLE)

Submissions are now open for The Edinburgh Pitch 2011!

The Edinburgh Pitch is the only international documentary pitching forum in Scotland, now entering its 5th year and running alongside the Edinburgh International Film Festival (15-26 June). It’s aimed at independent filmmakers and companies developing and raising finance for creative feature documentaries (52′-90′) and considering international co-productions. Applications are now open and the deadline is 15 April 2011 (midnight).

12 participants will be selected and given the opportunity to pitch their project in front of a carefully selected panel of international and UK commissioning editors, sales agents and producers, followed by individual meetings. The Pitch is also open to Observers.

In addition to The Pitch, up to 6 UK and international documentaries at a rough cut stage will be selected to be screened to financiers and observers, allowing filmmakers to receive constructive feedback with focus on creative decision making and editing. Docs in Progress will take place from 15-16 June 2011.

Fore more information and to apply, please check www.scottishdocinstitute.com/apply/edinburgh-pitch

After the sold-out premier workshop in London, Sheffield Doc/Fest and the Scottish Documentary Institute are bringing Seize the Future to Edinburgh.

Sheffield Doc/Fest is now inviting applications for this special 2 -day Master Workshop on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th March 2011.

This course is designed for independent filmmakers and artists determined to get their work seen widely, create social impact, and earn a living in the digital age. 

Leading distribution strategist and President of Paradigm Consulting Peter Broderick, and Sandi DuBowski of Trembling Before G-d, A Jihad for Love, and Budrus and Outreach Director for The Good Pitch, will co-present this workshop.

The workshop will feature multi-media presentations, breakout groups, and interactive sessions. There will be networking opportunities during coffee breaks, lunch, and throughout the workshop. Everyone will have a chance to connect and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.

Friday 10 December 2010
14:00 - 17:30
Venue: Hunter Lecture Theatre (O17) - eca - 74 Lauriston Place - EH3 9DF

Don't miss our final masterclass in 2010 including the Scottish premiere of the award winning October Country by Mike Palmieri & Donal Mosher.

 We are delighted to welcome Mike and Donal to winterly Edinburgh. We saw this film at Sheffield last year and it blew us away!

Scottish Documentary Institute is pleased to announce that Bridging the Gap 8 is now open for applications!

We are looking for Scottish-based filmmakers to make ten minute documentaries on the theme of SHIFT. We want films to be told in the first person – either by the filmmaker or the main character.

12 ideas will be short-listed on the basis of the proposal and supporting materials. In the following weeks they will be developed and honed further through weekend workshops so that they can be pitched to a panel of experts who will commission the final 5 projects in December 2010. The films are intended for distribution in cinemas and festivals and to be delivered by April 2011.

Who can apply?
This scheme is open to all filmmakers based in Scotland, and particularly aims to bridge the gap between training/graduation and a first commission, and those filmmakers who have not made films for the big screen. We are especially interested in filmmakers from diverse and under-represented backgrounds. We cannot accept applications from students in full time education.