Calling all Alberta Peace Region filmmakers! Announcing the Youth Film Mentorship Project! Write a script, make a movie. This opportunity for youth is made possible with the support of Encana, Stanford Hotel, and the Willmore Wilderness Foundation.

In an on-going effort to push the capabilities of regional filmmaking further and to develop a local industry, the Reel Shorts Film Festival is proud to present the Youth Film Mentorship Project. This builds on a progression of filmmaking training that we’ve offered since the first festival in 2007. In addition to screenwriting, directing, and acting workshops, they were:

  • 2007 – The Filmmaking Team in Action (2 hours)
  • 2008 – Filmmaking in Action (2 hours)
  • 2009 through 2012 – Youth Filmmaking Challenge (2 1/2 days)
  • summer 2012 – Shoot for Reel (2 week internship program)

Aspiring and emerging filmmakers aged 13-25 are invited to submit production applications for a chance to win a complete production package of equipment rental valued at over $10,000 as well as professional film industry mentorship and automatic entry into the Reel Shorts Film Festival.

A selection committee will select one (1) application package to green-light. Selection will be made based on script concept practicality and detailed production plans. Production must take place in or very near Grande Prairie.

For example, if your script is about aliens on the moon, the likelihood of selection is lowered due to concept practicality. If you can clearly describe the production plan in as much detail as possible, you can greatly improve your chances of selection. Describing the way you expect to convincingly replicate the dusty lunar surface in full scale would improve your chances. The drawn costumes and makeup of the aliens, the person who would construct these elements, with what and how, and why they’re the best person to do the task would lead you closer towards a green light. Where it will take place and in how many shots is better still. Budgets, storyboards, schedules, cast and crew lists will help the committee understand your understanding of the process. Roll it all together and you’ve got yourself a great chance to be selected. Conversely, if your story takes place on earth with humans, the practicality speaks for itself. Of course, the production details are still necessary and will greatly improve your odds.

Application Packages must include:

  • Short Film Script (approximately 10 pages)
  • Production Team: Names of the Director, Writer, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor. Two titles maximum per person. If you want to write and direct, you better find an editor. Build your team wisely!
  • 2-Day (a third day is possible) Shooting Schedule and Shot List
  • Production Plan: Anything you can include to prove your capabilities, translate your film in detail, and describe the execution of the production to the selection committee. Drawings, storyboards, schedules, locked locations, casting plans, crew members, technical approach, an A-list celebrity (or not), artistic descriptions of mood and tone… Anything and everything. The more detailed you can be to describe the vision and its execution, the more likely your project will be selected.
  • Any links to previous work that can be viewed on YouTube or Vimeo (with password if password-protected)

Production Package includes:

  • Red Epic 5K Cinema Camera from FAVA
  • Full Set of Red Cinema Lenses
  • Complete Camera Support Accessories
  • Grip and Lighting Equipment from William F. White
  • $1,000 for Props and Costumes
  • Catering budget supplied for a 2-3 day shoot
  • Craft service budget for On-Set Snacks and Refreshments
  • Production Office
  • Post-Production Facility – Computer Editing Station and Software
  • Film Industry Mentorship provided by Scott Belyea, Scooter Corkle, and Michael Bourree throughout Pre-Production, Production and Post-Production. Mentorship in the fields of Writing, Directing, Editing, Cinematography, Sound Design and Producing will be provided.

Note: only the production team (Director, Writer, Producer, Cinematographer, and Editor) need to be 13-25 years old as of May 1, 2013. Crew members must be at least 13 years old but there is no upper age limit. Cast members can be whatever age is specified by the script.

Good luck!

Application Deadline is March 11, 2013. Click 2013 application form to fill out the Word document or 2013 application form to fill out a pdf.

Selection will be made March 18, 2013

Development mentorship begins March 18, 2013

Pre-Production begins April 1, 2013

Production begins April 21, 2013

Proposed shooting dates are April 23-24, 2013 (April 25 optional)

Post Production begins April 26, 2013

Screening on May 5th, 2013. The film will lead off the popular Best of the Fest film packages.