Sandbox Films Request For Proposal: Laboratory of Laughter

A Sandbox Films development initiative aimed at discovering and funding feature science documentary projects in the comedy genre.

Project Background

The mission of Sandbox Films is to illuminate the art and beauty of scientific inquiry through documentary film. This mission is animated by the belief that science documentaries are more than audiovisual information guides. They possess the power to tug at our heartstrings, inflame our passions, and leave us holding onto the edge of our seats. But in order for them to do so, the rigor and veracity of the scientific realm must be brought into concert with the uncertainty and imprecision of the human.

One effective means of creating engrossing science documentaries is by employing the strategies and motifs found in other familiar and beloved genres. Having long persisted due to their emotional and cross-cultural resonance, genres such as action, mystery, and tragedy offer a narrative framework audiences can latch onto. From the sweeping romance of Fire of Love to the darkly comedic romp through cancer and death in Andre Is An Idiot, our own past films illustrate that certain narrative frameworks make otherwise information-rich and unpalatable stories impossible to look away from.

Project Summary

In an effort to continue supporting the synthesis of science documentary and other popular genres, this request for proposals seeks to fund the development of feature-length science documentaries within the comedy genre.

“Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.” – Stephen Hawking

As Professor Hawking alludes, humor helps us come to terms with a world far beyond our control and often completely indifferent to our plight. It also reminds us that we live in a world full of amusing oddities and coincidences, and that levity is as genuine a part of life as its weightier aspects. And laughter, humor’s wonderful byproduct, is not just an individualized phenomenon. Like a meal it can be shared and savored collectively. It can satiate crowds.

Examples of comedy documentaries we’ve found to be well-executed include American Movie, Super Size Me, Hands on a Hardbody, Whistle, Grizzly Man, Listening to Kenny G, and Sandbox’s own Andre Is An Idiot. We also admire the humorous tone found in the work of directors like John Wilson and Nathan Fielder.

We are not seeking imitations of the above, but we are seeking projects grounded in a science story that wield comedy to tickle hearts and minds. The film could follow a cheeky scientist, a quixotic research quest, or spotlight an intriguing natural oddity. The film could showcase a storytelling voice able to find the comedy in the strange, tragic, or even the everyday aspects of a science-related story. There is no prescription for what the film has to be about. Ultimately, we invite proposals of any sort with narratives connected to science that you think will hit an audience’s funny bone.

Please note that the comedy we are looking for is not mean-spirited, and we will not move forward with projects that make fun of any particular individual or group. We want to laugh with people and not at them!

Project Goals & Process Overview

We are seeking development proposals for feature-length, artistically unique, narratively compelling science documentaries situated within the comedy genre.

Upon submission of required proposal materials outlined in Proposal Requirements below, Sandbox Films will make a decision on whether or not to fund the project’s development.

Proposals selected for funding will be required to provide Sandbox Films a substantial work sample (5-20 minutes introducing participants, themes, and stakes on which the full film would focus), a line-item budget and finance plan, a treatment or deck, as well as a shooting schedule and timeline for the full film upon completion of their development period.

For responses to commonly asked questions, please review the ELIGIBILITY/FAQ section below.

Proposal Requirements

A written treatment including: a description of the project and how it fits into the comedy genre, the artistic approach, why the project speaks to you, how the film would appeal to a general audience, and (optional) any secured access.
A brief statement of your past work and how it connects to your work on this project.
Links to relevant past work.
Development budget estimate (does not need to be line item budget) for completing the deliverables mentioned above. A line item budget will be requested should the project advance to the finalist stage.

Development Budget

We encourage proposals to seek a development budget around $50,000 USD. However, we will evaluate all budgets in relation to the aims of the proposal.

Key Dates

Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026.

Filmmakers will receive notification of their project status by June 30, 2026.

Eligibility/FAQ:

This RFP is for development proposals for feature documentaries. We will not accept short documentaries, series/episodic, or fiction film proposals.
This is an invitation-only RFP. However, if you know of a filmmaker who is working on a relevant project, please share their contact information with marcus@sandboxfilms.org so we can extend an invitation.
Hybrid films are welcome to apply as long as the scientific and comedic merits of the concept are sound.
This opportunity is open to filmmakers internationally and at any career stage.
No sample footage is required for this application but we are happy to review should you have materials to share.
Should you have a relevant feature science documentary in the comedy genre that has advanced beyond the development stage, please be in touch! While not a fit for this particular development initiative, we are open to reviewing projects in a more advanced stage if they align with the goals of this RFP.

For any additional questions, or if you require additional support or accessibility accommodations to complete this application, please direct inquiries to Marcus Wright – marcus@sandboxfilms.org