dok.incubator international documentary rough-cut workshop
Last Deadline: 25 January 2024
There are many good films, but only few of them become excellent and memorable. What makes the difference? Since 2010, dok.incubator, an international documentary rough-cut workshop helps filmmakers turn good films into exceptional ones.
Every year we select 8 documentary projects represented by director, editor and producer to work with in the frame of three residential workshops (April – November). Experienced as well as first time filmmakers from all over the world are provided individual guidance through the post-production period by renowned tutors. We lead the participants to conclude strong dramaturgy of the final cut to reach a wide international audience by building a clever distribution strategy using new digital technologies and smart online marketing tools.
During the first session the participants and their tutors are looking for the “DNA” of each film. In editing rooms they focus on storytelling and start asking basic marketing questions.
Everything starts with screenings of the rough cuts, followed by discussions and in-depth analysis of the narrative structure and dramaturgy. The participants are assigned a supervising tutor and a ‘fresh eye’ consultant to work with on the editing to enhance their project’s potential for international audiences.
The producers start thinking about the best distribution and festival strategy, searching for opportunities for their films within different territories, platforms or institutions.
The first session takes place in Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia in the end of April.
How to apply:
Audiovisual materials:
- An English-subtitled rough cut of your film or a selection of edited scenes with a length of 40 – 90 minutes (you can apply with a longer version, however we cannot guarantee the selectors will watch more than 90 minutes; max. 4GB, supported formats include MP4, AVI, MOV); an additional edited pilot/trailer/teaser of the film is an advantage
- Link to director’s previous film
- Link to editor’s previous film – preferably documentary feature (only the main editor’s work will be accepted)
- Three high-resolution stills from your film
Information about the project:
- Short synopsis (max. 1600 characters)
- Film treatment based on the shot material.
- Motivation letters from all the team members: director, editor and producer
- Rough distribution strategy, including the estimated premiere time and place.
- Financing plan of the film (with specified confirmed/non-confirmed funding)
- Portrait photo of the director, editor and producer (high-resolution), their short CVs and contact details
Be aware that all three team members – director, editor and producer – must be available to participate in three one-week online/hybrid/residential sessions in April, June and September. You cannot apply without an editor. Please book your editor in advance: for an editing period between the 1st and 2nd workshop, and for another between the 2nd and 3rd workshops. Please note that all the participants must be able to work in English.
Use one of the many chances to meet us during the year! We usually attend industry events at DOK Leipzig, IDFA and other festivals where you can arrange a meeting with us and learn more about the program. Before the submission deadline (December and January) we also organize online meetings during which we answer all your questions about workshop applications.
Fees & scholarship:
We aim to make our workshop accessible to great films regardless of the size of their budget.
To include projects with a limited budget, we consider each project and its financial situation, production possibilities as well as possibility to get additional funding, individually. We offer discounts and scholarships leading to individual rates of the fee and to the majority of our participating projects not paying the full fee.
You can be in contact with us in case of submission or further questions.
You can see more calls HERE.
