FAQ

Q: What makes Emerging Narrative different?
A: Emerging Narrative is a small, specialized section of IFP’s Independent Film Week Project Forum focused on exposing emerging writers and writer/directors to producers, executives, and agents who can help take their projects – and careers – to the next level. This is done through one-to-one meetings, networking and screening opportunities, as well as access to top festival programmers and innovators on the independent scene at the Filmmaker Conference. Priority is given to material with little to no prior industry exposure (contests, competitions, festivals or script programs, or been circulated amongst the traditional agent/development pools) and all projects much have been written after September 2011.

Q. What is the Project Forum?
A: The Project Forum is part of Independent Film Week comprised of the selected projects in one of four sections: Emerging Narrative, Independent Filmmaker Labs, No Borders International Co-Production Market, and Spotlight on Documentaries. It also refers to all of the activities related to these sections, primarily one-on-one “buyer request” meetings, screenings of documentary work, and roundtables, info sessions, and networking events designed specifically for the filmmakers of the selected projects.

Q: What is Independent Film Week? Is it the same as the IFP Market?
A: Yes. Independent Film Week is produced by IFP and encompasses many events previously presented annually at what was called the IFP Market. Taking place the week following the Toronto Film Festival, the 2011 Independent Film Week is held September 18-23. Independent Film Week includes the Independent Filmmaker Conference, the Project Forum, Festival Forum and Sneak Preview Screenings – some of which are open to the public and others by accreditation or selection only.

Q: Do I have to be a member of the IFP to submit a project?
A: Yes, but you can join at any level. The lowest cost membership is the Community Membership for $35. Join here: http://www.ifp.org/membership/member-benefits/

Q: Why so many questions? Do I have to fill out the entire form?
A: Yes and no. Many fields are mandatory (indicated in red) but not all. We ask for more information than most. Here’s why: The primary purpose is to present your work to an industry audience interested in financing, acquiring for distribution or broadcast material that is right for them. The detailed information you provide will mean that the most accurate picture of your project is presented to them. Your responses in the long summary, Artistic Statement and Financing and Rights also help us evaluate your project during the selection process.

Q: What should the “Artistic Statement” (on the application) include?
A: The Artistic Statement is where you should explain your vision of the film. You should include the reason you are making the film, why it is important, and how you will achieve what you intend to achieve.

Q. My feature is in production or post, can I participate in Emerging Narratives?
A: The Emerging Narrative open call for submissions is only for script projects completed after September 2010.
IFP has other programs for narrative features in production, such as the Independent Filmmaker Labs. See www.ifp.org for details.

Q: Does IFP do anything to promote my project once it has been accepted?
A: Yes – in fact, one of our primary goals as advocates for all projects – and participants – is to ensure that our registered Industry are aware of you and your work both during Independent Film Week and throughout your career. In early August, we send a detailed dossier on all projects (using the info you have provided in the application) to all Industry who are in a position to develop, finance or acquire at an uncompleted stage. They use this to set up (through IFP) their “Industry request” meetings for projects they wish to meet. Once accepted, you will receive more information on the timetable for additional material that we will need to arrange these meetings.

Q. How do the meetings actually work?
A. As outlined above, IFP disseminates information on all selected projects to the industry who then select the projects/filmmakers that are of greatest interest to them to meet with.

Q: Can I submit my on-line application now?
A: Yes. All applications must be COMPLETE in order to meet deadlines and be processed. You will have the option to pay by credit card via secure server.

Q: If I am selected, how do I prepare?
A: If you are selected, we will email you a “Welcome Guide” in the weeks leading up to the event which explains in detail the best way to prepare and what to expect.

Q: Can I get an extension on the submission date?
A: No. All deadlines are final.

If you have additional questions, please e-mail FilmmakerReg@ifp.org.