Gucci Documentary Fund - Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
1. What types of films are eligible for funding?
2. Can I reapply with a project that was not selected for funding in a previous round?
3. In order to be eligible, what anticipated length should my film be?
4. In order to be eligible, when should my film be ready for exhibition?
5. Are films in development or early in production eligible for the Fund?
6. Are student films eligible for the Fund?
7. What if I am turning my grad thesis into a feature?
8. If I am a first time filmmaker am I still eligible to apply?
9. Are international productions eligible for the Fund?
10. Are animated documentary films eligible to apply?
Submissions
11. How do I apply?
12. What is a proposal?
13. Why do I have to request a specific amount of money from the Fund?
14. Can I request funding to be applied towards outreach or distribution?
15. I have both a trailer and a rough cut ready- which one should I submit as a sample?
16. I do not have a 7 minute trailer completed at this time- what should I provide as a sample?
17. Can I provide a previously completed work instead of a sample from the submitted project?
18. What are your deadlines?
19. How will I know that the Fund has received my submission materials?
20. Will the Fund return my submission materials?
Selection
21. How are winning films selected?
22. How many projects will be selected to receive funding?
23. When will I be notified if my film is awarded funding?
24. When will recipients of the Fund be announced?
25. Where can I find additional answers to questions?
Eligibility
1. What types of films are eligible for funding?
The Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund will award finishing funds to those films which highlight and humanize issues of social importance from around the world through complete, thoughtful and dynamic storytelling. Films should be able to resonate with a mainstream audience, with a strong emphasis on craft and a compelling visual approach.
We are looking for films whose emphasis is on story - not lesson – which might have the ability to inspire dialogue and impact. For example, we are looking for films that examine or document:
- social issues or movements that may not be extensively covered by the mainstream media or well understood by the general public
- people who are ignored, ostracized or otherwise marginalized
- people fighting for political or social justic
2. Can I reapply with a project that was not selected for funding in a previous round?
Yes. A new application must be completed, and all materials must be submitted again. You should not assume that this year’s review committee will be familiar with your project from the previous round.
3. In order to be eligible, what anticipated length should my film be?
The Fund is designed to support feature-length films that are at least 70 minutes long.
4. In order to be eligible, when should my film be ready for exhibition?
It is our hope that a recipient of support through the 2010 round of the Fund would have their film ready for exhibition by late 2010 or early 2011.
5. Are films in development or early in production eligible for the Fund?
The Fund is designed to provide finishing funds to films that have completed a substantial amount of production and that are able to provide a suitable sample work to support their proposal.
6. Are student films eligible for the Fund?
No, unfortunately at this time we will not accept student film submissions.
7. What if I am turning my grad thesis into a feature?
Yes, grad theses being turned into feature films are eligible for the Fund.
8. If I am a first time filmmaker am I still eligible to apply?
We encourage both seasoned and first time filmmakers to apply for the Fund.
9. Are international productions eligible for the Fund?
Yes, international productions are eligible. All sample work provided must have English subtitles. The Fund will only consider proposals written in English.
10. Are animated documentary films eligible to apply?
Yes, animated documentary films are eligible, but they must be feature-length.
Submissions
11. How do I apply?
An application for the Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund consists of forms that must be completed online, as well as materials that must be delivered to the Tribeca Film Institute office. More information about the application process will be available through the Rules and Regulations, once submissions have opened in October.
12. What is a proposal?
Your written proposal is separate from your online application; both are required. While the online application provides us with a reference for your information, the proposal is your chance to fully introduce your film and yourself. Your proposal is usually read before your work sample is viewed, so it is your chance to explain context, production notes and your approach to the film. Please refer to the Rules and Regulations for further information about the necessary components that we expect from a proposal.
13. Why do I have to request a specific amount of money from the Fund?
One of our main goals is to ensure that our funding will have the best possible impact on your film. We therefore ask that you submit a short break-down of how you will use the requested money. The Selection Committee will make final decisions on all dollar amounts to funded projects.
14. Can I request funding to be applied towards outreach or distribution?
No, funds can only be applied towards the completion of a film.
15. I have both a trailer and a rough cut ready- which one should I submit as a sample?
If you have both a trailer and a rough cut, please provide both- on the same disc, marked as separate choices in the menu. Please also write/print on the disc itself to note that both trailer and rough cut are included.
16. I do not have a 7 minute trailer completed at this time- what should I provide as a sample?
We need a sample from the proposed film, so that we can understand your project and your stage of production. We ask for a trailer, at least 7 minutes long, as such a sample is usually able to convey the subject, approach and scope of the project. If you do not have a 7 minute trailer, you may also consider providing select scenes from the project. Please contact staff with further questions.
17. Can I provide a previously completed work instead of a sample from the submitted project?
No, we cannot accept a previously completed work as a work sample. You must provide a sample representative of the submitted project.
18. What are your deadlines?
Submissions for the 2010 round of the Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund will commence in October, and will remain open for approximately two months. Please check back at the Tribeca Film Institute website in September for further details.
19. How will I know that the Fund has received my submission materials?
Due to the large volume of submissions, we are not able to send confirmation at the time that your materials are received. It is recommended that you use a shipping service that provides confirmation of delivery. You are notified by email when submission materials have been processed.
20. Will the Fund return my submission materials?
No, we will be unable to return any of your submitted materials.
Selection
21. How are winning films selected?
Selections will be made by Tribeca Film Institute staff as well as by a final selection committee comprised of notable talents in the field
22. How many projects will be selected to receive funding?
No fewer than 4 films will be presented with finishing funds of $10,000 - $25,000 in 2010. The Selection Committee will determine the exact amount awarded to each recipient.
23. When will I be notified if my film is awarded funding?
You will be notified whether or not you are granted funding no later than June 1, 2010.
24. When will recipients of the Fund be announced?
Fund recipients will be announced in the spring of 2010.
25. Where can I find additional answers to questions?
You will find more information about the application process in our Rules and Regulations. Our staff will be happy to answer any other questions or concerns you may have. Please contact us at documentary@tribecafilminstitute.org or call us at 212-274-8080 x28.
