FAQ

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 2012 Independent Film Week is held September 16-20.

Q. If I am an international filmmaker, do I have to be sponsored by a No Borders partner organization to submit?
A: If you are an international producer (non-American, not working currently in America), you may only submit through our international presenting partners. If you are an experienced independent American producer, you can apply directly to the program.

Q: Do I have to be a member of the IFP to submit a project?
A: Producers submitting through No Borders Partner Organizations do not have to join IFP (but we welcome you to!) U.S. Independent Producers must be IFP members, at any membership level, to apply to No Borders. 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 makes No Borders different?

A: No Borders is a specialized section of the Independent Film Week focused on U.S. and international film financing and co-production for producers who have a script in development. Specific criteria must be met to be considered for this program:
• Submitting producer must have had major festival recognition or one feature film distributed theatrically
• Project submitted must have 20% or more of their financing secured and in place; additional packaging and casting strong plus.
• Priority will be given to projects that are fresh to the marketplace.

Q: Who reads the scripts up for selection?
A: Submissions are read by professional readers and senior members of the IFP programming team. Scripts are not made available to anyone outside the Committee.

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: 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: 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 email FilmmakerReg@ifp.org.