Deadline: 5 January 2024
The Northern Heart is accepting applications for the Doc Fund to support 3 x emerging documentary filmmakers based in the North West of England.
The aim is to support those offering a voice to the working class and shedding light on their often-overlooked perspectives.
Theme
The theme for 23-24 is: Working Class.
- With the theme ‘Working Class’ they’re seeking authentic documentary projects that celebrate and explore the lives, experiences and triumphs of the working class. They’re not expecting film essay’s, the hope is that you use this theme as a loose guide to your documentary project. You could be a working class filmmaker or your idea could offer a new perspective on working class identity.
Funding Information
- Each winner will receive a £1,000 cash grant.
Benefits
- Mentoring & Masterclasses
- At least 3 mentoring sessions with Northern Heart to offer advice and guidance on making your short.
- Post Production support
- Sticks & Glass will be providing each filmmaker the opportunity to have a professional sound mix and colour grade so your films look and sound great on the big screen!
- Cinema screening
- They’ll celebrate your films by hosting a film screening in the North and South. This is the perfect chance to showcase your work on the big screen in front of industry guests and your friends and family.
- 1 x Sheffield DocFest pass
- Each filmmaker will be awarded an industry pass to Sheffield DocFest 2024. You’re welcome to soak up a week of films, industry talks and networking to help your career.
- And more!
- There are no rules here. They set this up to help support new talent locally. Each winner becomes part of the Northern Heart family. They’re here to help you, whatever you need. Whether that’s office space, kit, editing facilities. Just ask.
Who can apply?
- This is for Directors who have a vision and want the support to help bring their story to life.
- You must apply with an idea for a short documentary around the theme ‘Working Class.’
- They would encourage you to apply with a separate Producer. However, they don’t want this to be a barrier for entry, if you don’t have one please do still apply and if successful, they can help match you with a producer at a later date.
- All applicants must be based in the North West (Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cumbria).
- They’re keen to hear from new talent who’ve struggled to access funding or opportunities in the past.
- Applicants must have an interest in documentary film-making.
- Applicants must not be in education at the time of applying.
- Applicants must be over 18 years old to apply.
Terms and Conditions
- All entrants must have access to their story at the time of applying.
- The grant is a non re-payable grant that will be paid in 3 installments throughout the scheme. (£250 upon accepting the award. £500 when principal photography starts (or when they’re informed of the first shoot day) and £250 on first view of the rough cut). If this proves to be an issue and you need more money upfront then they can try and make that work for you.
- All those that wish to use Northern Heart’s equipment must ensure they take out short term equipment insurance. They can advise on this at a later date.
- All winners must include Northern Heart Doc Fund branding in their films, plus the names of all the other people/companies that have supported this scheme.
For more information, visit Northern Heart.
