Deadline: 23 February 2009

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

The application is in PDF format and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open it. Click here for a free download of Adobe Reader.

WHAT IS PROJECT:INVOLVE?

Project:Involve is Film Independent's signature diversity program, dedicated to increasing cultural diversity in the film industry by cultivating the careers of under-represented filmmakers. The program, which runs from October through June, selects filmmakers from culturally diverse backgrounds and filmmaking tracks. The Fellows are paired one-on-one with a mentor from the film industry. In addition to the mentorship, the Fellows also attend filmmaking workshops, community screenings, and receive career development assistance.

During the nine-month program, the Fellows are assigned a 3-minute short film project. They work in a group to develop and shoot a short film.

40 Fellows are selected for the program each year.
Project:Involve Fellows receive:

• A one-year membership with Film Independent
• A pass to the Los Angeles Film Festival (Westwood Pass)
• Alumni support

Past Project:Involve Fellows include:

Effie T. Brown (P:I 1993) – Real Women Have Curves
Jon M. Chu (P:I 2002) – Step Up 2 the Streets
Jennifer Phang (P:I 2000) – Half-Life

Past mentors include:
Stephanie Allain (producer, Hustle and Flow)
Gregg Araki (director, Mysterious Skin)
Patricia Cardoso (director, Real Women Have Curves)
Richard Chew (editor, Star Wars)
Kasi Lemmons (writer/director, Talk to Me)
Christopher Nolan (director, Batman Begins)
Alexander Payne (writer/director, Sideways)
John Toll (cinematographer, The Last Samurai)
Jessica Yu (documentarian, In the Realms of the Unreal)

HOW TO APPLY

To be eligible, applicants must submit a completed application form, a statement of interest, a resume, two (2) letters of recommendations, and an application fee (checks should be made payable to Film Independent).
Project:Involve is made possible by the support of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Kodak, HBO, Sony Pictures, Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and James Irvine Foundation.

WHAT SELECTION CRITERIA ARE USED IN EVALUATING PROJECT:INVOLVE SUBMISSION?

Applicants must meet Project:Involve's goals of increasing cultural diversity in the film industry. Strong consideration will be given to the following:

• Individuals who come from communities severely under-represented in the film industry
• Quality of their projects
• Individuals who demonstrate passion, vision, talent, and commitment to pursuing a career in filmmaking
• Individuals who demonstrate a high level of responsibility and professionalism
• Individuals who are just starting out in their careers 



WHAT DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM?

Aside from the application fee, there is no tuition to attend Film Independent's Talent Development programs.
Film Independent offers Project:Involve as a mentorship opportunity where filmmakers in all capacities can develop their craft and/or projects.

DEADLINES AND FEES

Early Deadline: 28 January 2008 (postmarked)
$35 Film Independent members
$55 Non-members

Final Deadline: 28 April 2008 (postmarked)

$55 Film Independent members
$75 Non-members

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

The application is in PDF format and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open it. Click here for a free download of Adobe Reader.
For more information, please contact Project:Involve at 310.432.1280 or ProjectInv@FilmIndependent.org.

2008 Project:Involve Fellows

Got questions? We've got answers.

Click here for Project:Involve FAQs.