Apply for Tokyo Docs to support the Overseas Expansion of Documentaries

Tokyo Docs will provide the producers of the selected Japanese projects with a reserve fund for trailer production. In addition, for those projects that the decision makers highly evaluate, a development fee will be provided for international development.

Main Pitch

• “The Main Pitch” is an opportunity for you to pitch your project for overseas expansion, including international co-productions, to decision makers (people involved in broadcasting and distribution) in Japan and overseas. They hope you will use this as an opportunity to secure funding for your production and support for overseas broadcasting, distribution, screening, and sales. Proposals should be documentaries on various issues facing Japan and the world, people’s diverse ways of life, social problems, history, natural science, culture, travelogues, etc. (Commercial travelogues are excluded.)　Along with new projects, projects to produce an international version of a broadcast program or develop a short film into a feature film also fall under this category. However, projects with a universal appeal are required. For Japanese filmmakers selected for the Pitch in advance, there will be development support funds for trailer production. Pitchers must prepare a 7 minute pitch video that combines a description of the project and a trailer. The creation of the video will be done with the advice of tutors from overseas. Tokyo Docs will also provide subtitles and other support. This video will be used to present to the international decision makers.

Short Documentary Showcase

• Tokyo Docs’ “Short Documentary Showcase”, launched in 2017, nominates 6 to 8 films each year from completed submissions (10 minutes or less in length) from Japan and abroad. As the younger generation receives information through digital means, the content is required to depict themes they are interested in with various works. Directors will be asked to make a one-minute presentation to the broadcasting and distribution professionals and pitch it along with a 10-minute film. In addition, they will provide a one-on-one opportunity to conduct business negotiations during the event, so please make use of this opportunity to develop your work further.

Colors of Asia

• “Colors of Asia” is a scheme in which Asian filmmakers and Japanese producers will work together. They are looking for projects that will be broadcast on NHK and subsequently co-produced internationally for a feature-length production. The theme should reflect the diverse world of Asia today. In the shadow of Asia’s prosperity, there are many realities: the gap between rich and poor, poverty in education, loss of identity, and the generation gap. So they are looking for human-interest stories of individuals and groups trying to “challenge” these issues and barriers. Once NHK’s 30-minute broadcast slot is secured, a certain amount of the production cost will be guaranteed. For more information on the Colors of Asia scheme, check the guidelines below. They are still examining the outline for this year’s Colors of Asia. As soon as the details are finalized, they will make an announcement here on the website.

Topics

• Entries of one-off films or series on any valid topic are accepted, including current affairs, social issues, history, natural science, and travelogues.
• However, travelogues for tourism promotion are not permitted.

Scope of Entries

• They are seeking proposals for new documentaries aiming for international co-production. As a basic rule, proposed projects should be at the pre-production stage. However, it is also possible to submit projects that combine new material with footage already broadcast domestically in the filmmakers’ own country or a rework of such films.
• Entries consisting of completed films or the sale of format rights will not be accepted.
• However, Colors of Asia applications are not accepted for remake projects.

Eligibility Criteria

• Producers or individuals affiliated with a film production company. In principle, producers residing in Japan and other Asian countries or producers who propose projects related to Japan and other Asian countries are eligible. If applying as a private individual, please attach a history of your previous works.
• Producers affiliated with a broadcasting company should, in principle, apply in cooperation with their production company.
• To submit your project, fill out the online application form with the required details released by April 1st on the website. Applications by email or post will not be accepted.
• Entries without all of the necessary information, entries exceeding the word count, and entries without the required photographic data will also not be accepted. Please submit your entry in Japanese, English, or both Japanese and English.

Selection Criteria

• The Selection Committee, consisting of Tokyo Docs Executing Committee members, will make the selections after conferring with overseas producers.
• The most important criterion is “a high-quality documentary that deserves international distribution.” Selectors will also consider whether the documentary is “a project appropriate for realization through international co-production.”
• The selected filmmakers will be requested to create a “trailer” before the event. It should be a 3-minute video explaining what your project is about. After the selection process, you will work with your Tokyo Docs tutor to refine the content of your video.

For more information, visit Tokyo Docs.