BBC Fresh: Sheffield Doc/Fest Pitch
Secure one of three new documentary filmmaking commissions from BBC Fresh with mentoring and financial support.
PLEASE NOTE THIS COMMISSIONING OPPORTUNITY HAS NOW CLOSED. This page is retained for information only.
Watch: The video on this page explains the pitch process in 45 seconds.
A new opportunity for emerging documentary filmmakers
We're offering six new filmmakers the opportunity to pitch for £3,000 in funding for a 3-10 minute documentary on disability commissioned via a public pitch at Sheffield Doc/Fest on 11 June 2014.
Following the pitch to a specially chosen panel, three directors will each be commissioned to make a short documentary film for BBC Fresh online. Each will receive mentoring from a BBC producer and a one-day edit at MediaCity in Salford to finish their film, which will be showcased and promoted online.
Sheffield Doc/Fest is one of the world's leading festivals of documentary film. This is a new opportunity for emerging filmmakers to attend the event and get their idea in front of a panel of industry experts, including BBC producers and commissioners. To take part, you will need to submit your treatment and other requested information to us by 14 April 2014 at 2pm.
What's on offer
The three directors whose pitches are chosen by the panel will receive:
- A commission to make a short film between 3 and 10 minutes duration
- £3,000 budget (or equivalent in-kind support)
- One-day training session with the BBC Fresh producer
- Editorial support
- One-day edit at MediaCityUK with a professional editor to finish your film
- Finished films will be published on, and promoted by, BBC Fresh/BBC Three in 2015
The Brief
We are looking for ideas around the subject of Disability. What’s it like to be young and disabled in today’s Britain? Fresh is a BBC Three brand, the channel aims at a young audience (16-34) and defines itself as warm, personal and surprising.
We encourage you to research the subject of disability and to think beyond the obvious. We will be looking for strong narratives, ideas that challenge stereotypes and assumptions and that revel in humour and humanity. Authored films by filmmakers with disabilities are encouraged.
The Pitch
After a pitch training session provided by Doc/Fest, six documentary filmmakers will present their ideas live on stage to the BBC Fresh panel.
Each director will pitch their idea for a 3-10 minute documentary in front of the audience and a panel made up of established directors, executive producers, members of the BBC Documentary team and the Fresh Commissioner Elliot Reed.
Who is eligible?
This opportunity is aimed at new and emerging documentary filmmakers with stories to tell and who can demonstrate the passion and commitment to tell those stories through short films.
Applicants must be UK-based, aged 16 or over, and not directed a documentary for broadcast before.
The Entry Process
Applicants need to submit an up-to-date CV and one-page outline of their idea for Fresh.
The aim of this stage is to assess how well the ideas fit the brief and the applicants understanding of the intended BBC Three audience.
The six filmmakers selected to pitch their idea will each be given a one-day delegate pass to the Festival and a £50 contribution towards their travel costs.
To enter please send the following by email to Becky Webb by Monday 14 April 2014 at 2pm:
Your CV, including:
- full name
- postal address
- email address
- mobile phone number
- a brief outline of your education and training
- any relevant work experience
- list of previous films made (if any)
- links to any work, video or otherwise that shows your creative abilities
A one-page treatment of your idea, which should include:
- Two short opening sentences that describe your film
- A paragraph that gives more details, but is essentially an outline of what your finished film will be about
- A description of your main contributor(s), locations and visual style
- When you are planning to make your film, how long it will take and who will work on it with you. Films need to be completed by the end of 2014.
- What kit will you use to film and edit on, if you know
Answers to the following three questions:
- What is your favourite documentary film or TV series, and why?
- What inspires you?
- What are you hoping to achieve in the next five years?
Please ensure that you send us all the materials requested and send your application on time!
TO BE CONSIDERED YOU MUST BE ABLE ATTEND SHEFFIELD DOC/FEST ON WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE 2014 - THE DATE OF THIS PITCHING EVENT.
Any queries?
For any enquiries about this opportunity please email Becky Webb.
