TFI New Media Fund Rules and Regulations

2012 submissions are closed

Overview

The TFI New Media Fund provides funding and support to non-fiction, social issue media projects that go beyond traditional screens – integrating video with content across media platforms, from video games and mobile apps to social networks and interactive websites. We’re looking for projects that activate audiences around issues of contemporary social justice and equality around the world and demonstrate the power of cross-platform storytelling and dynamic audience engagement.

Funding

Four to eight projects will be accepted, each receiving $50,000 to $100,000 in funding.

The Fund is specifically for story-driven, non-fiction, interactive projects that incorporate storytelling around a social issue. We do not fund linear film projects although we will consider interactive extensions of a standalone film.

The Fund will include peer support and expert mentorship – we will help connect grantees with the technological expertise they need to realize their projects.

Producers from the U.S. and internationally are invited to apply.

Projects

The projects must present a non-fiction story focused on social issues and include an integrated cross-platform or interactive component designed to engage and activate audiences in imaginative ways. We welcome documentary, hybrid/scripted, animation and other innovative storytelling approaches. We will only accept projects that are in an advanced development stage (ie. beyond the conceptual phase) and beyond. While we are somewhat flexible about the current stage of your project, you must submit footage, designs, wireframes or prototypes and you must demonstrate that the Fund will have a meaningful impact on the completion of your project. You do not need to have a standalone film to be eligible for the Fund, as long as storytelling is an integrated part of your project. We do not require that your project is developed across multiple platforms (a single iPad app or interactive website may suffice for example) but you do need to demonstrate why it is innovative and how it engages audiences in new ways.

Selection Process

Projects will be selected from an open call for submissions. Weight will be given to projects that best fulfill the mission of the Fund (as shown in the submitted work, the application form and the strength of the proposal) and to those where granting amounts will have significant impact. Selection will be done by Tribeca Film Institute staff and a final selection committee comprised of notable talents from interdisciplinary fields reflecting film, social change and technology.

Submission Rules and Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for the TFI New Media Fund, entrants must comply with ALL of the following Rules and Eligibility Requirements. Failure to comply with these Rules and Eligibility Requirements will render a submission ineligible.

• Submissions must be non-fiction, social issue media projects, integrating story across one or more media platforms in an innovative way.
• Submissions must be in advanced development (beyond the conceptual phase) or beyond.
• Submitted projects must show enough footage, designs, wireframes or prototypes to highlight storytelling ability.  In addition to this, the project’s cross-platform, interactive elements must be clearly described in the application form and the proposal.
• Submitted projects must not have launched publicly – although some components of the project may have received prior distribution, for example if your project involves a standalone film.
• Foreign language projects are eligible, but must be subtitled and suitable for an American audience.
• Applicants must be over 18 years old.
• Student projects are not eligible for submission.

Applicants will be notified by June 2012 whether their projects are awarded funding or not. 

All submissions must include the following:

• Applicants must complete the online application form and upload a thorough proposal. You can copy and paste elements from the online application form in your proposal where relevant but the proposal is an opportunity for you to expand on the online application form and show us the full scope of your project in as much detail as you need. Please be sure to include:
  • A project description outlining the scope of the cross-platform or interactive project. Include a description of how your project uses media in an innovative way, showing how the story, design and technology work together to create a unique user experience.
  • Images and descriptions of any project prototypes and/or design ideas if these have been created.
  • Bios of filmmaker(s) and key team members. This should include all the key team members who will be working with you to build the interactive elements of your project.
  • Contact information for key team members.
  • A concise timeline explaining the sequence of steps required for the completion of the project, across any relevant platforms/formats.
  • A budget top sheet for your project (if your project is multi-platform please include the the budget for each platform).
  • A specific request for funding. If your project involves a linear film please note that we can only support the interactive elements – for example the website, app or game. Applicants may request no less than $50,000 and no greater than $100,000 and must detail how this money will be used towards the completion of the project. The Selection Committee will determine the actual amount awarded to Fund recipients.
  • Outreach and audience engagement strategy for the project.
  • Distribution and marketing strategy for the project.
• If you are submitting footage and are not submitting it online please submit two DVD copies. If you are submitting a feature length film please submit an extended trailer as well (minimum of 7 minutes). If you do have a completed linear film as part of the overall project please do submit it. Label the DVDs with submission number, project title, running time, applicants name and contact information. DVDs must be formatted for Zone 0 and 1. Please do not send previous work with your submission.
• Submissions must be shipped pre-paid, including any duties or custom fees.
• The Tribeca Film Institute will make every effort to safe-guard the materials submitted; however TFI will not be responsible for lost or stolen submissions. Submissions will not be returned.

Entry Deadlines

Submissions open on January 9, 2012

Submission close on March 6, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST

Entry Fees

There are no entry fees.

Shipping

All materials must be sent prepaid to:

Tribeca Film Institute

Attn: TFI New Media Fund

32 Avenue of America, 27th Floor

New York, NY 10013

(212) 274-8080 x26

All mailed submissions must be postmarked by March 6^th 2011.

Questions?

Please to visit our FAQ page.  You can also contact us if you have any additional questions regarding the entry process at newmediafund@tribecafilminstitute.org or (212) 274-8080 x26.