Sandbox Films x Gamechanger Films: Creative Science Nonfiction Accelerator

Welcome to the application for the Creative Science Nonfiction Accelerator, designed to jumpstart your science-based documentary idea, and dedicated to amplifying diversity, equity, and inclusion in the documentary space. 

 

Recipients receive a $50,000 award and a full spectrum of creative and practical support for developing, packaging, and transforming a science-based, feature-length documentary idea into a production-ready project, poised to attract financiers, distributors, and other production partners. 

The Accelerator Award is a collaboration between Sandbox Films (a documentary studio that illuminates the art and beauty of scientific inquiry in collaboration) and Gamechanger Films (a production company committed to amplifying the voices of underserved communities).

Winning projects will also get a “first-look” opportunity for further production and financing support from Sandbox Films and Gamechanger Films. For any project greenlit for full production, the $50,000 award converts into an equity investment.

We appreciate your time and effort toward the application process, and we salute you on your independent filmmaking journey.

We are accepting applications NOW. The deadline is Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 4 p.m. PST.  All filmmakers who submit applications by this deadline will be notified regarding the status of their application by the end of mid-March 2022.

>>> APPLY HERE <<<

Recipients receive:

  • $50,000 for the creation of Development Materials (see below)
  • Development of your project with Sandbox and Gamechanger Films (Producer Effie T. Brown)
  • Other opportunities for independent artists seeking to explore the intrinsic link between science and culture through innovative storytelling. 

The Award is offered to independent artists who are working at the intersection of science and nonfiction storytelling. The partnership identifies and supports nonfiction projects that inspire a deeper interest in science, especially among those who don’t think of themselves as science enthusiasts.

Submissions are accepted for projects in the development phase. 

All proposals must convey some vision for a finished film. Projects that have not yet secured characters or subjects, are unable to articulate a story or structure, or are unable to explain the project’s driving central question are discouraged. We are unable to consider proposals for story research. 

You do not need any prior funding or a fiscal sponsor in order to apply.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED IN ORDER TO APPLY?

  • Visual proposal – Pitch us your project in a pre-recorded video! The video should be maximum 3 minutes.  Please include:
    • Logline
    • Story summary
    • Artistic approach
    • Director statement
    • Stage of the project currently
    • Intended audience
  • Written Pitch Deck
  • Financial Packet (only if available, not required) (sample budget: PDF) 
  • Previous work samples (if available)

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU APPLY?

Applications go through a multi-stage review. 

Applications are evaluated on their use of artful, innovative film language, clear storytelling, originality, feasibility, contemporary cultural relevance, and the potential to reach and connect with the intended audience. Additionally, science-related considerations are evaluated to ensure the projects selected reflect the intended purpose of this opportunity. Incomplete applications will be reviewed as received. 

We will not accept updated applications or supplemental material after the deadline. 

Please do not contact us to inquire about your status, as we cannot provide status updates. You will be notified by us directly by email once a decision has been made. 

WHAT IF YOU WIN?

The winning project could use the $50,000 to create the following materials, for example:

  • Teaser or footage sample 
  • Treatment/Deck that outlines the film’s story
  • Full film budget and schedule
  • Payments/stipend for filmmaking team
  • Obtaining access to main subjects
  • More research 

>>> APPLY HERE  <<<

QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS?

If you have additional questions, please send an e-mail to science@gamechanger-films.com