TFI Sloan Filmmaker Fund: Frequently Asked Questions
Is my project eligible?
The TFI Sloan Filmmaker Fund seeks narrative features that are scientifically relevant, accurate, and exciting. Eligible films should creatively approach the role of science and technology in everyday lives, or depict the lives of scientists, engineers and mathematicians in new, but still accurate, ways.
We DO support:
- Narrative features of all genres (except sci-fi and fantasy) that involve accurate and compelling science, technology or math or feature characters of those worlds.
- Projects at any stage: treatments, scripts, works-in progress and completed films seeking distribution.
- Experienced AND up-and-coming filmmakers.
- Biopics, adaptations and original fictional stories.
- Period and contemporary pieces.
We DO NOT support:
- Documentaries, short films, student projects or science-fiction/fantasy films.
- Films based upon inaccurate or implausible science.
- Projects at the treatment stage without a screenwriter in place.
- Films completed before January 1, 2011.
- Films with domestic distribution in place.
If you are unsure about the scientific relevance of your project, send us an email at tfisloanfund@tribecafilminstitute.org. Describe your project idea with a logline and a 250-word synopsis. We can let you know if your project would qualify or not.
What are some examples of films that would qualify for funding?
These films depict math, science, technology, and their practitioners in fresh ways, and would have qualified (had they been submitted):
I’ve applied before but was not selected for funding. Can I apply again?
Absolutely! We encourage applicants to re-apply, particularly if they can demonstrate progress made with the project since the last application. Grantees in previous cycles have received funding after resubmitting further developed story and plans.
I received a Sloan award (at Tribeca, Film Independent, The Hamptons, Sundance…) – Can I apply again?
Yes. If you can demonstrate measurable progress since your project was supported, you can absolutely apply again. Several Sloan-awarded projects were supported repeatedly at various stages as they progressed towards completion.
I have two (or more) projects that I’d like to submit. Can I apply with more than one project?
Yes. However, separate applications must be filled out for each project.
Do I have to have an agent or belong to the WGA?
Nope! Applicants are not required to have an agent and while submitted screenplays must be registered with the WGA or copyright office, you are not required to be a guild member.
How detailed does my treatment need to be?
If your project is at the treatment stage, you must submit a detailed treatment 10–15 pages in length or more. Your treatment should provide a clear overview of what happens in your story from start to finish, introducing all of the major characters and covering all of the major plot points. As a blueprint for what will become your screenplay (which is itself the blueprint for your finished film!), it is important that you not only lay forth the characters and major beats, but link them together in a way that reflects the tone and style of the story you intend to tell. Treatments that are too short or are vague will not be considered strongly.
Additionally, we strongly recommend you include sample pages from the current or past projects that demonstrate your ability to craft dialogue and frame scenes if you are at the treatment stage.
When is the submission deadline? Is there a fee?
Submissions open from August 8, 2011 to October 11, 2011. All materials MUST be postmarked by the final deadline.
The application fee is $25.
How does the selection process work? How many projects will be selected?
Initial rounds of evaluation will be conducted by Tribeca Film Institute staff while final grantee selections will be made by an Awards Committee comprised of noteworthy professionals from science and cinema. The number of grantees varies year-to-year, but to give you an idea: in 2011, the Fund awarded $140,000 in grants of $10-40,000.
When will I be notified about my application status?
All applicants will be notified of their status via email no later than March 31, 2012.
Will my DVDs and/or submission materials be returned to me?
Unfortunately, we are unable to return application materials.
Do I have to live in New York City? The United States?
We are open to filmmakers from all over the world -- you do not need to be a US citizen or a New York City resident. We have grantees from different cities, states and countries and are able to work with them remotely and in-person during select events such as the Tribeca Film Festival.
Please note that all applications and materials submitted must be in English, however, and any films shot in a language other than English must subtitled for American audiences.
What is an Artistic Statement?
The Artistic Statement is your opportunity to discuss your creative vision for your project. This is where you can speak to the tone and style of the film, and to the reasoning behind your creative choices with regards to genre, medium, setting, etc. It’s also the place to touch upon your motivation for telling this story and for how you’ve decided to tell it.
Why do I need a Scientific Statement?
The scientific statement gives context to your project within the guidelines of the TFI Sloan Filmmaker Fund. This is where you can speak to the scientific content of your film, its accuracy, and to the work you’ve done to date or plan to do as your project progresses towards completion.
Do you need a budget from me? Why?
If your project has progressed to pre-production or beyond, we may request a budget, top-sheet or summary from you. An actual or estimated budget top-sheet is preferred, and the more detailed a budget you can provide, the better. These allow TFI staff and the Awards Committee to more accurately evaluate your project and the strength of your plans for seeing it realized.
Can I e-mail you my submission materials?
No. We require that you upload any documents so that they are linked with your online application. However, project footage, director’s samples, and completed films may be uploaded or sent by DVD as detailed on the application and in the Rules & Regulations.
What kind of photo do I need for my application? How can I get it to you?
You should upload a photo that is at least 1200-1500 pixels in width or height so that it’s linked to your application. While you definitely don’t need a professional headshot, you should upload a picture that you are comfortable seeing online and in print, as it may be used for promotional purposes if your project is selected. Be sure to name your photo 'firstname_lastname.jpg' before uploading it! We cannot accept photos by mail or email.
What if there are developments with my project after I submit it?
Please keep us posted about new project developments by emailing tfisloanfund@tribecafilminstitute.org with the subject “UPDATE: Project Title (Application #)”. Depending on how far along we are in the review process, we will do our best to take developments into consideration. That said, once submissions close, new screenplay drafts, additional footage or new cuts will not be reviewed until an applicant is made a finalist.
If my project is selected, do I need to attend the Tribeca Film Festival?
Yes! We ask that the qualifying writer and/or director attend key events during the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival. We will provide travel and accommodation for one primary team member (writers, directors or producers) and festival accreditation for up to three. During the festival, we host the TFI Awards honoring the year’s winners from various TFI programs, the Sloan Works-in-Progress, a showcase of grantee projects for select industry invitees, as well as other informal gatherings. It’s important that at least one team member from each project be present to accept the award, to maximize industry exposure for your project, and to celebrate selection as a TFI Sloan Filmmaker Fund grantee!
Note: Accommodation does not cover the duration of the Festival; however participants are welcome to arrange their own accommodations beyond the days covered by the TFI Sloan Filmmaker Fund and make use of their festival accreditation.
Can I apply to other TFI programs, such as Tribeca All Access?
Yes! If your project meets the criteria for another TFI program, you are welcome to apply for it.
If my project is selected to the TFI Sloan Filmmaker Fund, will it screen at the Tribeca Film Festival?
Not necessarily. Filmmakers with completed films seeking to apply to the Tribeca Film Festival should fill out a separate application by visiting TribecaFilm.com/festival. Acceptance to the one does not indicate acceptance to the other.
