Deadline: 30 October 2023
The Digital Storytellers Lab is a yearlong fellowship that gives digital-first storytellers the opportunity to develop, launch and grow original audio/visual media exploring Jewish themes for new media platforms.
The program provides fellows with production funds, mentorship, and technical and subject-matter expertise to support the development and production of their projects.
The Lab seeks to elevate untold and lesser-known Jewish stories, or retell familiar stories in innovative ways and for new audiences. Working with each other, and with support from accomplished mentors from multiple media, the fellows participate in professional workshops, consultancies and Jewish educational experiences which together elevate the material.
Up to 15 storytellers will be selected for this (the second) cohort of the Digital Storytellers Lab.
Project Subjects
- Projects developed in this program should explore Jewish themes, such as Jewish identity, culture, values, heritage, religion, spirituality, or history.
- Stories may be fictional or non-fictional in nature, and must be written and designed for new media platforms.
- Priority will be given to projects that investigate lesser-known aspects of the Jewish story, or that reimagine well-known stories for new audiences and new platforms.
Funding Information
- Up to $25,000
What they’re looking for?
- Fellows may work in short and very-short form live action, animation, comics, games, podcast and other serialized or episodic audio and/or visual media that are made to be shared online through a variety of platforms.
- They are not interested in pitches for full-length TV shows or feature-length films even if you intend to put them on a digital platform. Pitches should not mention Netflix, Hulu and so on, and they will not read applications of this nature.
- Projects may be designed for any demographic, including children of all ages. The primary language for projects should be English, although they welcome creative bilingual approaches. They hope to include creators who want to tell stories on Youtube, IG Reels, TikTok, Webtoon, independent game platforms, and so on.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be:
- Based in North America.
- At least 21 years of age.
- Have a track record creating and/or producing in the medium of their choice (you will be asked to provide a work sample in the application).
- Exceptions may be made for accomplished storytellers who want to explore a new format. Keep in mind that the Lab staff will offer guidance and connect fellows with helpful professionals who have relevant expertise, but will not provide basic instruction in technical production skills.
For more information, visit Jewish Writers Initiative.
