ABOUT THE INITIATIVE
Sky Documentaries, the home of world-class, real-life stories from award-winning and emerging film makers, has launched its first documentary shorts fund in partnership with APEX to inspire filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds.
The Sky Documentaries Shorts Initiative will provide up to £500,000 to fund several documentary shorts throughout the year, with a runtime of 10-30 minutes. The initiative will support creative talent from underrepresented minorities who face barriers to opportunities, due to mental health or disability, and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic or traveller communities. This new program will invest in and spotlight a new wave of UK filmmaking talent, ensuring a clear and accessible pathway for filmmakers interested in creating distinctive and quality shorts, as a stepping-stone to longer form content for Sky Documentaries and beyond.
ELIGABILITY
Do you have a passion and determination to tell fresh and thought-provoking stories? Do you have industry experience as a producer, assistant producer, development exec, editor or director, but have not yet directed a terrestrial or SVOD hour? Are you a UK resident? If so, we want you to apply! We will partner chosen talent with experienced factual producers who will provide mentorship and production support throughout the process.
THE BRIEF
The brief is simple – bring us your best story. The short should be artistically ambitious, whether an intimate biography, intriguing sporting history, jaw-dropping crime mystery or something else. Your film may reflect on major global events that resonate universally or be inspired by something altogether different and extraordinary.
We are looking for filmmakers who will craft shorts that prioritise the story, are specific, engaging and driven by a clear original vision. We are not looking for anything hosted by a presenter.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should apply with a CV and a written treatment of their idea with a creative outline no longer than two pages. Submitting a tape is not required but will be considered if sent.
Applicants must be a UK resident to apply and only one application per person will be accepted.
The Sky Documentaries Shorts Initiative will be accessible throughout the year and further opportunities to apply for the fund will be announced in Autumn. If you have any queries, please contact SkyDocsShorts@sky.uk
Sign in to take part HERE.
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