STEPdoc 2008
a mobility grant of GBP 1,500 for a young Romanian film-maker
New funding session for STEPdoc – applications being accepted until 1 September 2008 (postal mark).
STEPdoc is a Ratiu Foundation programme which aims to reinvigorate Romanian documentary film, stimulating contemporary relevance and artistic innovation.
STEPdoc consists of two mobility grants per year (worth £1,500 each) which will allow two Romanian film makers, at an early stage of their career, one month of immersion in the UK documentary culture, towards the development of a documentary project with international potential.
The mobility grant is to be used for the individual research of a specific project set in the UK and / or for networking with a UK-based company in view of the development of a common film project. On a broader level, STEPdoc would provide an opportunity to gain inspiration and to take part in the vibrant British documentary culture.
The first round of applications for STEPdoc was open between May and October 2007. The Foundation decided to support two applicants with one mobility grant each, which are to be used at any time between November 2007 and November 2008.
The first two STEPdoc recipients are Adina Pintilie and Corina Radu.
In both cases, the board was impressed both by the film-makers’ recently completed documentaries (Don’t Get Me Wrong by Adina Pintilie, and Bar de Zi and Other Stories by Corina Radu), and by their projects in development: namely, a project on metropolitan loneliness by Adina Pintilie, and respectively a biographical documentary on Queen Mary of Romania by Corina Radu.
Applications for STEPdoc will consist of the following documents (in English):
• Letter of intention (see details below)
• Curriculum vitae and filmography of the applicant (max. 1 page each)
• When available, evidence of previous work (DVD)
• Documentation of the proposed project in development:
a) synopsis (max. 1 page)
b) treatment (max. 2 pages)
c) argument / motivation letter (max. 1 page)
d) research / networking plan for the duration of the mobility grant (max. 2 pages) e) further funding envisaged for the production of the film (max. 1 page)
This call is open to documentary film-makers of Romanian nationality working on creative documentary projects that relate to Romania or involve Romanian subjects without necessarily being shot in Romania. Preference will be given to applications submitted by individual film-makers or independent producers. A proven commitment of the applicant to documentary form is desirable but not compulsory.
The selection of the winning project will be made by the Ratiu Foundation Board of Advisors.
The winner(s) of STEPdoc 2008 will be personally notified in writing. Whilst in the UK, the grant recipients will make their own accommodation and living arrangements. Should the grant recipients need any advice on networking with UK-based film organisations and/or professionals, the Board of Advisers will happily offer directions and suggestions.
The recipient of the grant will be expected to submit a report on the completion of the mobility grant, and to credit STEPdoc by displaying the logo of the Ratiu Foundation on the film credits.
Please send applications by post to the following address:
Nicolae Ratiu, Chairman
The Ratiu Foundation
8th floor, 54-62 Regent Street
London W1B 5RE, England, UK
IMPORTANT:
Please specify in your letter of intention the following:
• Name, Surname, Date of birth, Nationality, Address, Telephone, E-mail, Professional status, Work address (if applicable).
Also, please include the answer to the following questions:
• Have you been to the United Kingdom on a professional visit before?
If yes, please give details.
• How did you find about STEPdoc?