Bridging the Gap returns seeking emerging documentary talent
Date Posted: August 31, 2022
Bridging the Gap is one of the leading documentary new talent initiatives in the UK, offering development training, a cash budget, and one year of international festival distribution to emerging filmmakers based in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Bridging the Gap was designed 20 years ago to offer emerging filmmakers a stimulating, supportive, and collaborative space to explore the medium of creative documentary and get the opportunity to have their idea commissioned for the big screen. Offering such a space felt much needed at the time. It feels urgent and indispensable today, in the dizzying times we found ourselves in.
There’s no specific theme for this year’s open call. But we expect to be surprised, challenged, and moved by submissions that embrace the creativity of the documentary genre, and subvert expectations in terms of form and content. We will welcome your film ideas with an open mind, as long as you are being driven by a compelling vision and an urgent need to tell stories.
Up to 12 ideas will be short-listed based on the proposal and supporting visual materials submitted. The projects will be developed and honed further through workshops run online by international filmmakers and leading industry professionals. The 12 filmmakers will then pitch to a panel of experts, who will commission up to 6 films in January 2023.
As well as a cash budget of £8,500 (plus in-kind production and distribution support) the selected filmmakers will receive further mentoring over six months to create vibrant and thought-provoking contemporary stories.
The films will be delivered by June 2023 and are intended for distribution in cinemas and at festivals.
Application and participation to Bridging the Gap are free.
Scotland and Northern Ireland-based filmmakers are welcome to apply. And we are particularly interested in filmmakers from diverse and under-represented backgrounds.
Please read the guidance for more information, including how to make your application.
Deadline for applications: Sunday 25th September
Click HERE for more information and to apply.
