Submissions open for 4th Documentary Slate (South Africa)

Objectives

• Cultivating sustainable and viable production companies.
• Assisting production companies to identify and produce films that demonstrate audience awareness in the South African and international market.
• Finding original ways of reaching audiences nationwide.
• Increasing the marketing and export of South African film products to the global market.
• Promoting greater cooperation between production companies and distribution companies.

Funding Information 

• The budget is capped at R7 500 000.00 million per slate and is disbursed over 3 years as follows:
  • R2 250 000.00 – for full development of 9 concepts with a 25% cap for overheads.
  • R5 250 000.00 – to produce 3 films.

Eligibility Criteria 

• 51% black-owned and managed companies with a unique proposal.
• Preference will be given to female-owned companies.
• Producer/s must be a South African citizen or be a permanent resident of South Africa.
• Tier 1 and Tier 2 Production Companies may apply.
• Tier 1: Experienced filmmakers who have a proven track record for developing and producing 3-5 theatrically released feature films.
• Tier 2: Filmmakers with limited experience but who have developed and produced 1-2 theatrical feature films, television fiction, documentaries, 2-3 short films, and/or commercials seeking to venture into feature film development and production.
• Production companies should demonstrate an understanding of packaging and marketing of feature films.
• Production company that has a clear training and development strategy (an added advantage, not compulsory).
• Producer or production company that has an established relationship with local distributors and/or international sales agents with a letter of intent.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Previous recipients of NFVF funding in the following categories: animation slates, documentary slates, fiction slates, youth and female filmmaker projects are NOT eligible for this fund.
• Individuals and/or production companies that have 4 (four) active NFVF-funded projects across the value chain i.e. development, production, postproduction, marketing and distribution, training, and festival funding support.

Selection Criteria

• Quality of the concept proposal
• Capacity and capability of the company to deliver at accepted global standards.
• Capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Consistency of budgets and a detailed project plan (Concise plan for 3 years)
• Distribution and marketing plan
• Unique selling point in respect of sustainability and contribution to transformation in the industry.
• A finance plan and clear strategy of how funds are going to be sourced.
• Business plan and 5-year growth strategy of the production companies
• Experience of creative team: A clear 5-year business plan as well a clear revenue generation strategy for entire business not just focusing on the 9 development and 3 production projects.

For more information, visit National Film and Video Foundation.