Call for submissions: Shaw Media Diverse Voices Program for emerging documentary filmmakers

Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and Shaw Media are pleased to announce the Shaw Media Diverse Voices Program, which will provide six to eight emerging Canadian filmmakers of diverse backgrounds with training in documentary and factual television production. Taking place during the 2015 Hot Docs Festival, the program will guide participants through an intensive training module and seminar series, career management workshops, and networking events with industry professionals. The Shaw Media Diverse Voices Program will focus on documentary and factual television production and show running, including proposal preparation, the production cycle, financing, co-production, and access to broadcasters.

“Representation of diverse voices in the documentary and television production industries is a vitally important issue for Hot Docs and our community,” said Elizabeth Radshaw, Hot Docs Industry Programs Director. “With Shaw Media’s generous support, this program will help develop core skills of producing and filmmaking.”

“We are very pleased to be partnering with Hot Docs this year, and excited to launch a brand new training program for emerging filmmakers across Canada aimed at truly making a difference in our industry,” said Christine Shipton, Senior Vice President of Content at Shaw Media. “The goal is to foster a new generation of diverse Canadian documentary and factual filmmakers, and we believe the Shaw Media Diverse Voices Program will do just that.”

Applications for the Shaw Media Diverse Voices Program will open December 19, 2014, with a final deadline of January 26, 2015. Applicants must reside in Canada on a full-time basis, be between the ages of 22 and 34, and a member of an under-represented group: visible minority, person with a disability or a member of the aboriginal community. For full eligibility and application information, please visit www.hotdocs.ca.


Benefits

During the Hot Docs Festival, participate in a bespoke lab and private intensive professional development, career planning, skill development sessions

Hot Docs All-Access Pass ($800 value). Pass holders have access to the renowned Hot Docs Forum and Hot Docs Close Up With… sessions, all Festival screenings, Hot Docs parties and social events, and Hot Docs conference sessions, programs and services.

Festival workshops on fundamentals, including show running, storytelling, funding and producing, the art of pitching, and promotion and distribution.

A customized Hot Docs conference itinerary

Access to the Hot Docs Online Community for one year

One Hot Docs Program Guide, Industry Guide and delegate bag

Free travel and accommodation while in Toronto

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a member of an under-represented group: visible minority, person with a disability or a member of the aboriginal community

Must reside in Canada on a full-time basis

Must be an emerging filmmaker with a demonstrated commitment to their profession (e.g. education and/or work experience in the field of documentary or factual television production)

Must demonstrate financial need

Must be between the ages of 22 and 34

Must be able to attend the Hot Docs Festival, April 23 – May 3, 2015

Selection Process

Applications open December 19, 2014, with a final deadline of January 26, 2015.

Applicants will be notified of the jury’s decision by March 6, 2015.

http://www.hotdocs.ca/conference/training_programs/shaw_media_diverse_voices_program