Invitation to submit proposals for the NFVF/Netflix Micro Budget Films Project.
The NFVF and Netflix release the call for Micro-budget fiction and nonfiction films.
The closing date for submissions is 07 May 2021.
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport Arts and Culture and Netflix in association with Indigenous Film Distribution, are proud to announce that the call for micro-budget film proposals is officially open. This collaboration looks to create new opportunities for emerging filmmakers in the local film industry after many productions have had to cancel or postpone due to COVID-19 and the nationwide lockdown. The aim of this fund is to help alleviate the pressure filmmakers face to raise funding and will assist in the alleviation of low job creation currently faced by the sector.
This partnership will fund 6 micro-budget feature films at 100% of the production budgets. Specific attention will be paid to creatives who have at least 2 short films and venturing into their first and second time as feature writers, directors and producers. Preference will be given to compelling, character-driven narratives in genres that are original and demonstrate a filmmaker’s unique vision. Films should also be culturally-authentic with a global appeal.
All projects should be at final stages of development.
DEFINITIONS:
● Micro Budget film – A motion picture shot within tight financial parameters, usually with minimal cast, crew, and equipment.
● Fiction – An audio-visual production which places an emphasis on an imaginary account of a story. It may be based on fact or adapted from a literary or other work.
● Feature film – A motion picture with a minimum run time of 80 minutes and a maximum run time of 120 minutes.
● Emerging Filmmaker – Women and Youth filmmakers (writers, director, producers, DOPs) working on their first or second time feature films, these filmmakers must have a body of work (shorts films, 1 features) that shows their artistic style and vision.
● Tier 1 – Experienced filmmakers with a proven track record for developing and producing 3-5 theatrically-released feature films.
● Tier 2 – Filmmakers with limited experience but 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.
● Tier 3 – New entrants into the industry, particularly recent film school graduates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. This intervention is geared towards first time filmmakers having a “calling card” in the film industry.
BUDGET:
● Stream one: Films @ R4 000 000 Cap: Feature Films by emerging talent. [Tier 2 or Tier 3 talent]
● Stream two: Films @ R6 000 000 Cap: Only eligible for established filmmakers with a minimum of two features [Tier 1 or Tier 2 talent]
APPLICATIONS:
Applications must include the following Creative information:
● Brief project summary (maximum 5 pages) that includes Synopsis, Logline, Genre, Target market
● Fiction: Full Script (at final draft).
● CVs of the key creative: Producer, Director, Writer, DOP, Editor, and Leading Cast.
● Letter of intent from director
● Producer’s notes.
● Director’s Treatment (maximum 20 pages).
● Detailed budget (Amounts to be spent at pre-production, production, and post-production) and Cash Flow.
● Production schedule
● A document explaining the stage at which the project has reached as of the date of this application and identify its needs in terms of production (max 600 words).
Applications must include the following Administrative information:
● Tax Clearance
● Certified ID copy (6 months)
● Company registration / or SPV is applicable.
● BBBEE Certificate
● A list of the films/ audio-visual projects produced by company/ies.
● Links of the director’s previous work
● Chain of title documentation/ Contracts proving the acquisition of necessary rights (e.g. option contract, script writer’s contract, music etc.).
Interested parties are invited to apply online: click here or https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
DISQUALIFICATIONS
● Late submissions will not be considered.
● Projects that do not meet the criteria will not be considered.
● Projects that do not have developed scripts will not be considered.
● Companies that have been awarded NFVF production funding can not apply with the same project.
● Slate beneficiaries are not eligible.
● Budgets that are above the capped amounts will not be considered. Filmmakers must tier themselves correctly.
The parties reserve the right to require other documentation from applicants for the completion of the assessment of the project.
Applications open 1 April 2021
Applications will close on 07 May 2021.
Kindly email all application queries to Applications@nfvf.co.za and all content queries to Refiloe Hlabioa at refiloeh@nfvf.co.za or Nadine Cloete at nadinec@nfvf.co.za
DISCLAIMER
All funding is subject to the approval of all three parties (NFVF, Netflix and Indigenous Film Distribution). Selected films will be licensed exclusively to Netflix for a period to be determined by the partners.
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About NFVF
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture that was created to ensure the equitable growth of South Africa’s film and video industry. The NFVF does this by providing funding for the development, production, marketing, and distribution of films and the training and development of filmmakers. In addition, the NFVF commissions research and produces industry statistics that provide both the public and stakeholders with valuable insights into the South African film industry.
About Netflix
Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with 204 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
About Indigenous Film Distribution
Indigenous Film Distribution was established in 2009, is South Africa’s only distributor focused exclusively on the development and distribution of local content. To date IFD has released over 120 titles to various platforms. We aim to create and find audiences for South African and African audiences locally and around the world.
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