Emerging Storytellers FAQ

Q: What makes Emerging Storytellers different?
A: Emerging Storytellers is a small, specialized section of IFP’s Independent Film Week Project Forum focused on exposing emerging storytellers 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 2012.

Q. What is the Project Forum?
A: The Project Forum is part of Independent Film Week, which is comprised of selected projects in five sections: Emerging Storytellers, Independent Filmmaker Labs, No Borders International Co-Production Market, Trans Atlantic Partners, and Spotlight on Documentaries. It also refers to all of the activities related to these sections, primarily one-on-one industry 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 2013 Independent Film Week is held September 15-19. Independent Film Week includes the Independent Filmmaker Conference, the Project Forum, IFP 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.

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 or 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 for 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 Storytellers?
A: The Emerging Storytellers open call for submissions is only for script projects completed after September 2012.
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 pay by credit card via secure server.

Q: If I am selected, how do I prepare?
A: If you are selected, we will grant you access to a private online portal where you will be able to complete deadlines and stay up to date about the best way to prepare for Film Week and what to expect. All Emerging Storytellers fellows also have the opportunity to take part in a screenplay consultation with IFP staff, during which questions about the program can be addressed.

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