The deadline for Filmbase and RTÉ’s short film scheme Short Shots is Thursday, January 28th at 5pm.
This unique scheme doesn't just fund films, it offers the next generation of filmmakers a programme of development and production support.
Championing Ireland’s diverse and dynamic emerging filmmakers, the scheme offers development support for shortlisted projects, as well as production and distribution support to the eventual greenlit films. People with good ideas should be encouraged to apply regardless of their creative backgrounds. A wide net will be cast to find new writers, producers and directors with a clear sense of visual storytelling and an original voice.
The purpose of Short Shots is to stimulate a truly independent and unique approach to creative filmmaking. Through this scheme, Filmbase and RTÉ are looking for ambitious films and authentic stories that will excite and resonate with audiences.
The culmination of the programme will be the opportunity of producing a short film with a production budget of €10,000 in a stimulating and supportive environment.
The Short Shots Programme
This scheme will cast a net looking for filmmakers with exciting ideas for film, television and media projects. We are searching for those who have ambitious films and honest stories that will excite and engage their audiences. Ideas should be tailor-made for the short film format, but demonstrate the fundamentals of good storytelling.
The goal of this project is to open the door to new and emerging Irish film talent. Development seminars, workshops, networking sessions and mentoring will be provided to assist aspiring filmmakers, ensuring that their ideas are film-suitable while making the most of their existing creative skills. This will nurture the fresh perspective they may bring to the filmmaking process.
The programme will include a number of formal and informal networking events added for the specific purposes of allowing filmmakers to meet each other and to form creative partnerships. It is hoped that the scheme will cultivate new project teams who will collaborate together to develop the strongest possible projects.
The basic shape of the development programme will take the following form, although it is important to maintain a flexible approach when applying this in order to encourage organic developments from the participants.
Initial Application
Applications to participate will be accepted from Writers, Producers and Directors in those defined roles. Applicants may only apply in one category of role as the intention is to have project teams form from within the shortlisted applicants.
Writers will apply with a biography and a short one-page outline for a film project.
Producers and directors must apply with biographies and showreels/samples of previous work.
Directors will need to ensure that they provide at least one full sample scene that shows their ability to work with actors.
Each category will be shortlisted to 25 participants to proceed through to the story development phase of the scheme.
Stage 1: Story and Film Development Workshops
This initial phase of the programme will be about stimulating ideas, challenging preconceptions and preparing participants to submit projects for development and mentoring.
Workshop panels will be designed to both inform participants about the possibilities available to them as storytellers, and to motivate them to create and develop compelling and original projects. They should offer examples of how to work within the genre of the short film format, and how to engage with audiences for the completed films.
Opportunities for networking between participants will be encouraged and facilitated as part of this phase of the programme.
Following the initial stage of workshops, participants will be invited to apply for the second phase of the programme.
Applications for phase two of the programme will include a full script, but will need to come from creative teams made up of a writer, a producer and a director. Applications without a full team in place will not be accepted.
Stage 2 – Script and Project Development Workshops
The scheme will allow approximately 12 - 15 projects through to the second phase of development. Each project will be given individual time with a script editor to develop their project ideas.
The shortlisted group will also be given time with Development Executives from RTÉ, Filmbase and short film distributors to outline the importance of good storytelling, realistic project development within the budgets available and the market for short films once completed, both domestic and international.
By the end of the process the project teams should have completed an intense, but rounded, series of workshops covering all major aspects of the film creation process, ones in which the emphasis is on storytelling and reaching audiences.
Following this phase, the programme teams will be invited to apply for the production finance phase of the programme.
In order to apply, teams will need to supply a full shooting script and production package.
Stage 3 – Final Selection and Production
The applications will be shortlisted to a final 8 – 10, who will be brought through to interview stage. From these, 4 films will be selected for production. Each film will receive a combination of production funding, equipment facilities and a production mentor.
Films will need to be completed within a tight deadline from selection, with the goal of securing a platform screening for the films at the Cork Film Festival.
The Deadline for applications to participate is Thursday, 28th January at 5pm.
More information can be found on the Filmbase website.
