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Request for Proposals - Someday Stories 5

  • This Request for Proposals (RFP) invites funding applications from emerging young film-makers from Aotearoa to make sustainability-focused short films
  • The deadline for applications is 5pm, Monday 30 November 2020
  • There is an Application Form, Budget Template as well as a checklist for what to submit here
  • There is a list of FAQs here

The Films

The idea is that Someday Stories are:

  • Innovative, imaginative and eclectic
  • A broad and inclusive take on the theme of sustainability which may speak to environment, society, culture, health, human rights or peace
  • A curated programme of films and film-makers that are diverse in content and in personnel

Any genre is welcome - drama, documentary, music video or whatever - and so is live action, animation or a mix of both.

The films might be edgy, enchanting, funny, inspiring, reflective...

Together they will spark ideas, stimulate debate and convey important information.

For Someday Stories 5, we will be specifically aiming to commission at least one film that conveys te ao Māori and has at least 50% te reo Māori content. We will also be aiming to commission at least one film with Pasifika content.

Eligibility

The initiative is targeted towards emerging young film-makers rather than mid stage or more experienced film-makers.

The contracted production teams will include;

  • a Director
  • a Producer

There may be variations on the above (e.g Writer/Director or Co-Producers) but the team must comprise a producer who is not the director.

Applications are therefore invited from production teams who;

  • are aged 18 - 29
    i.e born between 1 July 1991 and 1 February 2003
  • Are New Zealand citizens or resident
    Due to COVID-19 and current New Zealand government border restrictions, all applicants must be residing in New Zealand.

And additionally who's Directors;

  • have not previously received funding from NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho or the New Zealand Film Commission
    This includes either directly or via another scheme for emerging film-makers funded by either of those agencies.
    An exception to this rule is where a film-maker has received a commission to make a music video that has been funded by NZ On Air.

NB: Additional people working on the film such as key HOD’s, cast & crew members are not required to meet the above eligibility requirements.

If you have questions or you would like to discuss these eligibility requirements please email proposals@someday.co.nz

Production Budgets

Each commissioned production team will work with the Someday Stories team, who will manage and executive produce the series.

Each production will have a contracted budget of up to $10,000 for documentary, and $15,000 for a scripted drama, which will be provided to the production teams in instalments to finance their films from pre-production to final cut.

The production budget;

  • is expected to include payment for everyone involved in making the film (including those in key roles such as Producer, Director, Producer/Director, Co-Producer and/or Writer).
  • is not expected to include grading and audio mixing, which will be organised separately with the film-makers by the Someday Stories team.

Production Mentors & Script Consultancy

Each production team will also be assigned a production mentor from the New Zealand film industry. The mentors will support them as they navigate their creative and logistical journey from commissioned proposal to final cut.

The scripted drama teams will also be given the opportunity of script consultancy with a professional from the New Zealand film industry.

Selection Process

Producers for shortlisted applications will be contacted by 7 December 2020 in order to arrange meetings with members of the Someday Stories team.

The meetings will take place in person or via video call the following week (14-18 December) with each meeting lasting approximately one hour.

In those meetings the production team for each shortlisted application will have an opportunity to pitch their project face-to-face. There will also be discussion regarding any further development of the application/proposal.

Producers for shortlisted applications will need to provide any further evolved or updated documents by 11 January 2021.

The six Someday Stories will then be selected in consultation with the Screen Partners and commissioned in late January 2021.

Availability for Key Production Events

Production teams will need to be able to commit sufficient time and availability to complete their productions in accordance with the Someday Stories 2020 series production schedule. In addition to being available to meet the needs of their own productions, this will also mean being available for:

  • Shortlisted application meetings
  • A Someday Stories 5 Gathering/hui
  • Colour Grading and Sound Mixing sessions
  • A Premiere screening event in Auckland

Timeline

30 November 2020
Application Deadline

7 December 2020
Shortlisted applications contacted

14-18 December 2020
Meetings with Shortlisted Production Teams

11 January 2021
Deadline for evolved or updated application documents from Shortlisted Production Teams

Late January 2021
Commissioning and Contracting

29 January 2021
Someday Stories Gathering

February - May 2021
Production to Rough Cut stage

Late-May - Mid-June 2021
Sign off of Final Cuts

Late June / Early July 2021
Grading and Audio Post-Production

July 2021
Completion of Delivery Requirements

August - September 2021
Premiere and Release

Production & Content Requirements

Each commissioned film-maker / team will be contracted to produce and deliver their film on schedule and in line with industry standards.

They will confirm that:

  • They are entitled to use all material in their film for it to be screened throughout the world in/on any media as well as in advertising, promotion and publicity of the film and of Someday Stories - and that they will provide all necessary licenses and releases to that effect.
  • All personnel involved in making their film (including themselves) will be paid, credited and contracted under the relevant industry body approved contract (which are available from each relevant union or guild).
  • They will produce their film on an equal opportunities basis (to the extent possible).
  • They will produce their film in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the NZ Screen Sector Health & Safety Guidelines at http://screensafe.co.nz
  • Their film will be of a technical quality that is appropriate for it to be screened online, broadcast on television and shown at film festivals.
  • Their film will
    • meet the standards in section 4(1) of the Broadcasting Act 1989 (including as those standards can be modified to apply to content that is not a "programme" under the Act).
    • meet YouTube's Community Guidelines.
    • be consistent with legislated standards for content intended for audiences of young people aged at least 15, including under the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993.
    • be able to receive an unrestricted rating from New Zealand's Film and Video Labelling Body.

Enquiries

Please email any enquiries about this Request for Proposals to proposals@someday.co.nz