Documentary Lab
The Documentary Lab is a program where filmmakers work with Studio Blackline’s experts to learn hands-on and one-on-one how to make and broadcast a documentary.
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BLACKLINE
CREATION LABS
About The Lab
Objectives
The Documentary Lab is a program where filmmakers work with Studio Blackline’s experts to learn hands-on and one-on-one how to make and broadcast a documentary.
The aim of the Lab is to help fellows identify what makes a good documentary in the current international documentary landscape. During the lab, fellows will research, write, shoot and edit the project with the Studio Blackline team. Finally, Studio Blackline would put in its expertise to ensure the widest possible distribution of the documentary produced.
Five (5) fellows will be chosen for each Documentary Lab, with expertise in the following department and roles: Direction, Production Management, Cinematography, Editing and Distribution.
This is an intensive program where the aim is to enable promising documentary talent from India and support them through skill-building, industry insights, resources and global exposure.
Practical Details
Location
Mumbai
Dates
All year round
No. of Participants
Max 5 per year
Mode of Attendance
Online and In-Person
Creative Theme
This year’s theme is “Surviving Mumbai”, an ode to the hustle culture of the city. The creative theme is intentionally vague at this stage as the fellows would be required to choose a character-led story that reflects the said theme.
Deliverables
The fellows, along with Studio Blackline experts, will together be responsible for producing the complete package for a documentary film, as follows:
1. A 52 minute release-ready documentary film
2. Documentary Trailer
3. Written Material for Distribution
Timelines
The Lab is divided into 5 phases over the course of 11 months as follows:
Phase 1 (2 months) : Research and Story Selection
Phase 2 (2 months) : Preliminary Interviews and Writing
Phase 3 (5 months) : Main shoot and First Cut
Phase 4 (2 months) : Final Cut, Distribution and Marketing
Creative Guidelines
Lab Inclusions
Fees
Rs. 60,000 per year (Fee Waivers available for exceptional talent)
Majority of the funding is borne by Studio Blackline and its partners. The Lab Fees we charge the participants go towards funding a small part of the cost of the program. Studio Blackline provides the following facilities to the fellows:
1. Expert guidance and hand-holding throughout all phases of the Lab.
2. Industry standard shooting equipment for the documentary shoot.
3. Industry-standard editing equipment and software for edits.
4. Film festival application guidance and fees.
5. Distribution and marketing costs.
Studio Blackline makes no profit from these Fees. The experts and the Studio earn their fees from sales of the novels afterwards, sharing part of the profits with the fellows.
Costs Included
The Fees does not include the following costs:
1. Any living or accommodation costs.
2. Any travel costs within the city or outside the city.
3. Any personal technology (computers, laptops, mobile phones, etc).
4. Anything else not expressly mentioned in the Cost Inclusions
Not Included in the Costs
Next Deadline
Midnight, 30th June 2024
What will I need in order to apply?
Applicants should prepare the following documents for a successful application:
1. Resume with work experience, educational qualifications and interests.
2. Cover Letter (up to 2000 words) describing (a) why the Creative Theme interests them, (b) how this Lab would help their career ambitions , and (c) why they should be selected for this Lab over other applicants.
3. Previous Documentaries in which the fellows played an important role.
4. Fee Waiver application outlining why you should be given a fee waiver. Please note, these are merit based Fee Waivers and the applicants should highlight only their merit in the field of documentary filmmaking to avail these.
What happens after I apply?
Our team will go through the applications and schedule a call with shortlisted participants for a video interview. After that, the chosen participants will be given 15 days to make the payment. The Lab starts on the Start Date mentioned.
Eligibility
1. Proven track record in documentary filmmaking, with at least 2 documentaries in their portfolio OR
2. Proven track record in their chosen specialisation (Direction, Production Management, Cinematography, Editing or Distribution) with at least 5 industry level projects under their belt.
3. Genuine interest in the Creative Theme for the Lab they are applying to.
4. Fellows joining the programme should be able to commit to the Lab for 11 months in-person.
5. Ability to pay the Fees before the start of the program.
FAQs
For further questions, please go to the FAQs page.
