South Africa’s National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is calling for proposals for its Documentary Slate which proposes to allocate a sum of R1.5m per annum to the successful applicant or production company. The closing date for applications is 31 July 2013.
This slate will allow the producer to concentrate on developing a number of projects simultaneously over a period and then selecting the best project to take into production. Not having to go through an application process for each project means more time and resources can be channeled into developing content as well as planning the future of the company.
Instead, the producer simply needs to gather the talent he / she wishes to work with and then pitch the most exciting projects to the production and development department for approval. Finally, the slate means that the producer is enabled to develop a business plan that is designed to ensure the sustainability of his / her company and a number of projects developed over the three years of the slate that can be pitched to broadcasters and / or international co-production partners.
The R1.5m grant would be split along the following lines: R500,000 towards the development of at least three projects per annum and R1m towards the production of two documentaries per annum. Up to 25% of development and production funds may be allocated to overhead and other costs directly per annum, based on a concise budget over the period.
The films which emerge from this process need to meet the NFVF’s desire for content that moves beyond information and education to the presentation of unique perspectives on South Africa’s realities, utilising engaging characters and exploring original points of view.
The production company is also expected to develop business plan through several drafts over the three years to be consolidated into a document that can be presented to a financier or institution with a high probability of success at the conclusion of the slate contract.
Budget
The budget for this project is R1.5m per annum for three years.
Timelines and Deliverables
The project must be completed within three years.
Nationality
- Producer/s to be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Producer/s to be from a Previously Disadvantaged background i.e. black/female.
- Production Company to be at least 51% owned and managed by applicant.
Experience as a Producer / Production Company
- Production Company should have completed at least 3 (three) documentary films which have been broadcast on television or exhibited in a cinema.
- Production Company should have at least 3 (three) projects identified for development.
- Producer demonstrates some knowledge with packaging and marketing of documentary films
- Producer and Production Company to have clean industry record.
- Production Company to have clear training and development strategy in place.
- Production Company must provide evidence of business ideas that demonstrate the potential of the enterprise to grow towards sustainability.
Local Distribution agreement/s
- Production Company must have an ongoing positive relationship with at least one South African broadcaster and or distributor.
- Production Company must have at least one clear and unique idea for ongoing partnerships to allow for the co-financing of the projects developed under the slate.
- Production Company must demonstrate an understanding of developing work for both a local and international audience for their work.
Criteria Assessment
The following elements will be utilised in assessing the applications:
- Production Company status and experience
- Capability to raise additional funding
- Potential projects and signed Letters of Intent / Option Agreements
- Minimum number of films in the agreed Slate period
- Budget model
- Recoupment model
- Finance Plan
- Marketing and Distribution strategy
- Development of talent strategy
Criteria for Applicant
- Capacity of company to develop and produce at accepted global standards.
- A well thought out development, financing, marketing and distribution strategy.
- Consistency of budgets that are realistic for the South African film industry.
- Unique selling point in respect of sustainability and contribution to transformation in the industry.
- Dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate enough to do groundwork that a slate commitment would require.
- The company should have a number of projects in development and at least one in production.
- The producers should have production experience and knowledge on the local distribution landscape.
- The company should be able to provide a turnaround time on at least one project from conception to distribution.
Criteria for Projects
- Quality of story
- Knowledge of target audience
- Distribution potential
- Solid finance and recoupment plan
- At least 2 projects in early development
- At least 1 project with the commercial quality to launch the slate
Applications
All applications should be able to provide the following documentation in hard copy (in triplicate) for consideration:
1. Treatment/ Outlines for a maximum of 3 projects in development and at least 1 in production including character bibles, detailed synopsis, proof of access to characters.
- Budget model
- Finance Plan
- Marketing and Distribution strategy
2. CV and copy of ID document.
3. Showreel/portfolio of work
- Previous recipients of slate funding from the NFVF are ineligible.
- Fiction slate funding proposals are ineligible.
For more information contact: Neiloe Khunyeli
