The Call is Open for Bridging the Gap: RED!
Date Posted: August 17, 2018
This year’s call for Bridging the Gap is now open, inviting emerging filmmakers to propose their short documentaries responding to the theme ‘RED’.
Now in its 16th year, with support from Creative Scotland and Northern Ireland Screen, The Scottish Institute’s acclaimed initiative is open to early-career filmmakers across Scotland and Northern Ireland. The call for applications closes on Sunday 23rd September with the commissioned films premiering at Edinburgh International Film Festival next June.
Bridging the Gap is, as ever, an opportunity to be bold, ambitious and provocative. The Scottish Institute wants to discover stories and characters that demand commissioners and audiences to take notice. There is no right and wrong! Red relates to so many things, it has more personal associations than any other colour. Physically it increases enthusiasm, stimulates energy, encourages confidence, and is inherently exciting. Ideas should be expansive and original rather than reductive and stereotypical. Applicants are asked for strong narrative/stories led by characters able to awake our curiosity of the world, able to bring new understanding of whom we are as human beings.
While the call is live, a workshop in Belfast will take place to explain the aims of the scheme and provide tips on how to improve your chances of being selected. You will also get the opportunity to pitch your short documentary idea informally and receive feedback.
Belfast Workshop
Thursday 6th September:
HUB, the Mac, Belfast
Inspiration Workshop – 4pm
Bridging the Gap Screening – 5.30pm
In collaboration with Northern Ireland screen
Up to five projects will be commissioned with the possibility of a cash budget of £8000 each (plus in-kind production and distribution support) and further hands-on training, right the way through the editing period. The films are geared for distribution in cinemas and festivals.
Full details on the initiative and how to apply can be found at Bridging the Gap.
Earlier this year Northern Ireland filmmaker Dianne Lucille Campbell was one of five filmmakers from across the UK selected for the Bridging the Gap programme for her short film El Hor.
About Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap is one of the leading documentary new talent initiatives in the UK, offering intensive training and commission opportunities to emerging UK-based filmmakers. The programme helps filmmakers to develop their 10-minute documentary projects and allows them the chance to work closely with industry professionals.
The films produced to date have enabled the filmmakers to take successful first steps in the industry, picking up awards, BAFTAs, special mentions and festival screenings in 60 countries worldwide.
