DFG are looking for:
- strong, contemporary domestic story-lines, from all
over the UK, with emphasis on the cultural richness and diversity of
Britain;
- filmmakers from a range of ethnic
backgrounds who have their own take on life in the UK.
Experience of
shooting and/or directing documentary material is necessary, for
example to AP level or beyond; however DFG will provide camera and
sound crew, and close support throughout the project.
There will be a short intensive training and research programme
attached to the scheme. It is obligatory that all selected filmmakers
take part in this programme.
5 films will be commissioned. Applications deadline: 5pm, Thursday 26th October 2006
We are looking for directors to make well-structured and crafted 3
minute films with an emphasis on current affairs and creative
storytelling; however they don’t have to be hard news and can be quirky
and individual in style and content. These will be innovative films
made with limited resources on a tight schedule; a basic level of
research and access is essential. We expect that the directors who
complete these films will progress to directing other films for UK
broadcasters and for other platforms.
ABOUT YOUR IDEA
The ideas must be topical and domestic but does not have to be immediate
news. There are no set themes for the commissions. We will be looking
for authored work by emerging documentary directors who are interested
in news.
Below are some pointers to help you put together your application.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it will give you an idea of
the kind of things we may be looking for:
- Authored pieces about a subject close to the filmmaker but which impacts on Britain as a nation, or a particular community
- Films
about extraordinary or unique individuals or circumstances; narratives
that, by looking at the extraordinary, tell us more about the ordinary;
- Films about people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances;
- Films that look at national trends, institutions or stories from a fresh perspective
- Films that cover previously unpublicised issues
We welcome the use of humour and irreverence in your film, within the parameters of a primetime pre-watershed slot.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU
Support and training throughout your project, including mentoring from Five News
A director’s fee, for the shoot period only
DFG Films will be producing the films and will be responsible for
providing crew, kit, training, DV stock, editing facilities, and
support throughout the project.
You will be given a one day online at the SKY offices with a news editor
The opportunity to showcase your film on a primetime slot for Five
News, and gain valuable experience of the news production process
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU
People with experience of the documentary medium will have an
advantage, as the selected filmmakers will be expected to be ready to
direct, although hands-on support will be available throughout. You
will have to be 100% committed to the project and be flexible in your
approach - if this is your first encounter with broadcast television
you will find that some of the decisions affecting the film are
influenced by the constraints of broadcast compliance.
SELECTION CRITERIA
A panel comprised of representatives from DFG Films and Five News will make their decision on the basis of the following criteria:
- One-off news documentary projects, i.e. no series
- Experience of the production process
- Final duration 3 min.
- Originality of the proposal
- The ability of the applicant to deliver the proposal
- The likelihood that the proposal can be realised within the schedule (1 to 2 days of shooting, 2 days editing)
- Suitability for Five News transmission
- The film cannot be dependent on excessive use of archive or lengthy and expensive shoots
- Films should be researched to at least a basic level before application, including access to main subjects/characters
- Filmmaker
must be able to make themselves available to work on the project from
the second week of November up to completion on first week of January
2007, and MUST be available to attend the pitching session at Sheffield
Documentary Festival on Thursday 2nd November
- Individual applications only, i.e. no production companies, no joint applications
- Student projects will not be considered
- All rights must be cleared for UK broadcast transmission
The decision of the panel is final. DFG Films cannot enter into any communication regarding unsuccessful applications.
HOW TO APPLY
Send 2 copies of the following:
- Your CV
- A 1 page proposal
- A 1
page letter of intent – this will be on one side of A4, and will say
why it is important for you to make this film and why you should be
selected.
- The completed application form attached to this pack.
Short-listed applicants will be asked to provide show-reels, please do not send a show-reel unless contacted by DFG Films
Send to:
Five Films
Lucy Baxter
DFG Films
225A Brecknock Road,
London N19 5AA
If you have any queries, please contact DFG on 020 7428 0882 or lucy[at]dfgdocs[dot]com
The Proposal:
On one side of A4 with the following information:
- Proposed title
- Story and contents of the film: what, who, where, when
- Structure and form: how will you tell the story
- Visual and aural style
- Any other relevant information about the context of the story
Applications by email will not be accepted, please send only hard copies.
IMPORTANT DATES
Applications deadline: 5pm, 26th October 2006
Pitching for short-listed applicants: 2nd November 2006
Training / Production starts: 2nd Week November 2006
Shooting: 20th November to 1st December 2006
Postproduction: 4th December to 15th December 2006
Delivery: 15th December 2006
IMPORTANT NOTES TO APPLICANTS
Provide TWO copies of your application. Copies will go to
representatives from DFG Films and Five News for decision-making.
Mark everything you send with your name and the title of your proposal.
Please complete the application form in type or hand write in block capitals on one side of the paper.
Tapes and other material will only be returned if a stamped SAE is included.
do not send originals - DFG takes care to safeguard materials submitted but will not be held responsible for any loss or damage.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email. The Panel’s decisions are final.
Any queries not covered in this information pack, please contact Lucy Baxter on 020 7428 0882 or email lucy@dfgdocs.com
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