Published: 24 Aug 2016
Scottish Documentary Institute (SDI)’s acclaimed training initiative Bridging the Gap will this year be open to early-career filmmakers across the UK, thanks to support from Creative Skillset and Creative Scotland.
The call for applications will open on Tuesday 23 August and close five weeks later on Monday 26 September with the commissioned films premiering at Edinburgh International Film Festival next June. This year the filmmakers are invited to respond to the theme of REBELLION.
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 the filmmakers to develop their 10-minute documentary projects and allows them the chance to work closely with industry professionals (previous tutors include Jennifer Fox, Margarida Cardoso, Nicolas Phillibert, Nick Broomfield, Phie Ambo, Thierry Garrel) and SDI over a period of nine months.
Up to seven projects will then be commissioned with the possibility of a cash budget of £8K 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.
Now in its 14th year, the programme has enabled the filmmakers to take successful first steps in the industry, picking up awards, BAFTAs, special mentions and festival screenings in 60 countries worldwide. Edinburgh International Film Festival, Sundance, Sheffield Doc/Fest, SXSW, IDFA and many other first class international film festivals regularly select Bridging the Gap films and recent productions went on being short-listed for an Oscar (The Perfect Fit) and a BAFTA (Mining Poems Or Odes).
Noé Mendelle said “We are looking to be surprised, challenged and inspired by ideas as to what ‘rebellion’ can mean to us today. We are asking filmmakers to embrace the scope the theme affords to subvert expectation both formally and in terms of content to present powerful stories of rebellion that speak to where we are in 2016.
“We're very proud to have seen so many Bridging the Gap filmmakers continue their careers on the international scene and we are thrilled about Creative Skillset’s support which allows us to open this training opportunity to the whole of the UK. Post Brexit, we all need collaborations and networks more than ever.”
Bridging the Gap is supported by Creative Scotland, which cites SDI as their principal partner in delivering talent development for documentary.
Leslie Finlay, Screen Officer at Creative Scotland, said: “Creative Scotland is delighted to continue its support of Bridging the Gap and its theme of ‘Rebellion’ to excite and challenge filmmakers. Scottish Documentary Institute is a world leader in discovering and nurturing outstanding Scottish based documentary talent and showcasing their films internationally.”
The programme is also supported by Creative Skillset’s Film Skills Fund, with BFI’s Film Forever National Lottery funds.
Lisa Howe, Industry Delivery Manager at Creative Skillset said: “Scottish Documentary Institute have been successfully nurturing and training new Scottish documentary talent for 13 years, helping to propel their careers into the international scene. Creative Skillset’s funding will now allow non-Scottish documentary directors to participate in this competitive world-class training.”
Bridging the Gap training is hosted at Edinburgh College of Art / University of Edinburgh, home and supporter of SDI.
The call is now open, with a deadline for applications of 26 September 2016
The initiative will also present inspiration workshopsacross the UK in September to encourage applications to Bridging the Gap and meet new talents, as well as a series ofpublic documentary masterclasses in Edinburgh, highlights of which will be available online (www.scottishdocinstitute.com) for the benefit of the wider filmmaking community.
Bridging the Gap
Flore Cosquer
T: +44 (0) 131 651
5874
bridgingthegap@scotdoc.com
Scottish
Documentary Institute
eca – 78 West Port |
Edinburgh | EH1 2LE | Scotland UK
T: +44 (0) 131 651
5871
info@scottishdocinstitute.com
| www.scottishdocinstitute.com
1. Filmmakers interested in the initiative can fill in an application form at www.scottishdocinstitute.com/opportunities/bridging-the-gap
For more information: 0131 651 5874 / bridgingthegap@scotdoc.com / #docrebellion
2. The application deadline is 26th September 2016 and up to 14 projects will be selected by the 4th October 2016.
Commissioned projects should to be completed by the third quarter 2017.
3. For further information on Scottish Documentary Institute’s activities, please go to www.scottishdocinstitute.com
4. About Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com.
Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland
5. About Creative Skillset
Creative Skillset empowers the Creative Industries to develop skills and talent; we do this by influencing and shaping policy, ensuring quality and by securing the vital investment for individuals to become the best in their field and for businesses to grow. As the industry skills body for the Creative Industries, we work across film, television, radio, animation, visual effects, games, fashion, textiles, advertising, marketing communications and publishing. www.creativeskillset.org
6. About the Film Skills Fund
Creative Skillset’s Film Skills Fund invests in the skills and training of the UK film industry to secure its growth and sustainability ensuring UK film remains world-class. The Film Skills Fund is backed by the British Film Institute (BFI) with the National Lottery funds.
7. Bridging the Gap - Past Successes (selection):
Annual Bridging the Gap World Premieres at Edinburgh International Film Festival
Mining Poems or Odes – Callum Rice
Winner of Best
Short Film (BAFTA Scotland 2015)
Nominated for
Best British Short Film (BAFTA 2016)
Winner of Open
City Best Short Documentary (London Short Film Festival 2016)
Winner of Best
Short Short (Aspen ShortsFest 2016) (Oscar qualifying)
Official
Selection Sundance 2016, Hot Docs 2016
The Third Dad – Theresa Moerman Ib
Winner
of Best Factual (BAFTA Scotland New Talent 2016)
Winner
of Best UK Short (East End Film Festival 2016)
Cailleach – Rosie Etherington
Winner of Golden
Gate Award (San Francisco Int. Film Festival 2014)
Winner of Best
Short Short (Big Sky Festival 2014)
Special Mention
(Glasgow Short Film Festival 2015)
Directed By Tweedie – Duncan Cowles
Winner of the Scottish Short Film Award 2013 (Glasgow Short FF 2015)
Pouters – Paul Fegan
Official Selection
IDFA 2012
Winner of the C4
/ Sheffield Doc/Fest documentary (London Short Film Festival 2013)
Winner of the
Scottish Short Film Award 2013 (Glasgow Short FF 2013)
The Perfect Fit – Tali Yankelevich
Winner of
SXGLOBAL SHORTS 2012
Selected for
Docuweeks, NY, 2011 (Oscar qualifying)
Shortlisted
for the Oscars 2012
