Filmmakers in Residence

Call for Entries: This year's filmmakers have already been selected, but check
back in the spring of 2007!

WGBH invites independent filmmakers and innovators from related industries to produce or post-produce an independently funded film for a six- to nine-month residency at WGBH from September to May. The Filmmaker-in-Residence grants WGBH a right of first refusal on new proposals, finished programs and/or program concepts for local or national broadcast or development. The Filmmaker-in-Residence will curate or participate in screenings and portfolio sessions with WGBH colleagues.

Current Filmmakers-in-Residence

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Eligibility

The Filmmaker-in-Residence program is open to independent filmmakers and producers from related industries such as commercial television, feature films, advertising, Web, or animation. New England area residents are given priority. The successful applicant will have a body of creative work and a proven commitment to innovation. Applicants must regularly conduct business as an independent contractor. Employees of WGBH are not eligible to enter. All entries submitted become the property of WGBH and will not be returned or acknowledged.

If selected into the program, you must:

• complete, sign, and return the Filmmaker-in-Residence Agreement
• comply with all independent contractor criteria of WGBH including completing all independent contractor status verification paperwork required by WGBH (e.g. Taxpayer I.D. Number for business). Failure to do so will disqualify you from participating in the program
• not become an employee of or provide other services to WGBH during your residency
• if deemed necessary by WGBH, obtain a fiscal agen

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How to Apply

1. Provide all information requested on the online application.
2. Print a copy of the online application and mail it with the requested documentation. Your completed application will include a hard copy of the online application you submitted, along with the submission release form, written description of project, project proposal, current bio, sample of previous work and letter of recommendation.

Mail to:

WGBH
125 Western Avenue
Boston, MA 02134
Attention: Filmmaker-in-Residence

Please submit only the requested items. Mailed submissions must be postmarked no later than July 7, 2006. Please remember to include a paper copy of your online application. All entry materials become the property of WGBH and will not be returned or acknowledged. WGBH is not responsible for entries that are lost, damaged, mutilated or misdirected. By submitting an entry, applicant represents and warrants that s/he has all necessary rights to the material submitted. Note: Only one submission will be accepted per person.

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What to Submit

Applications will only be considered if they are complete. Completed applications include the following requirements:

• Filmmaker in Residence
• Submission Release Form
• Written description of project to be undertaken, 500 words or less (3 copies)
• Project proposal (include funding plans) for ongoing productions (3 copies)
• Current bio highlighting related experience (3 copies)
• Sample of previous work or trailer of proposed production (DV, VHS, DVD)
• Letter of recommendation (3 copies)
• Applicants will not be notified if incomplete applications are submitted.
  
  

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Guidelines

All applications will be judged by a panel whose decisions are final and not subject to review or appeal. Evaluation criteria may include, but not be limited to, whether the project:

• explores new genres, inventive approaches to content, and/or alternative narrative voices;
• reflects a cost effective production model
• is appropriate for broadcast on public television.

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Facilities and Funding

Up to three applicants will be selected into the Filmmaker-in-Residence program. The Filmmaker-in-Residence is provided with an office or editing room and receives administrative support, including a computer, phone, and access to meeting and screening facilities. WGBH staff is available to provide editorial guidance and support. The Filmmaker-in-Residence also receives a small honorarium. The honorarium is made possible by the generous support of the LEF Foundation.

In exchange for the above mentioned support, in the event that the Filmmaker-in-Residence decides to grant or assign co-production, television, home video, audiovisual and/or any other distribution rights in the program or program concept, WGBH shall have an exclusive right of first negotiation to acquire such right(s) in the program, as follows: the Filmmaker-in-Residence agrees not to engage in negotiations with any third party for any co-production, television, home video, audiovisual and/or other distribution rights in the United States, before engaging in exclusive good faith negotiations with WGBH for a period of ninety (90) calendar days to acquire such additional rights in the program. If no agreement is reached between the Filmmaker and WGBH within such ninety (90) calendar day period, then the Filmmaker will have the right to enter into negotiations with any third party for such rights; provided, however, that the Filmmaker will be obligated to provide WGBH credit on the program as set forth below.

In addition, all versions of the program and all advertising, promotional, print and web materials related to the program will carry an approved WGBH credit.

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