Sandbox Films Request For Proposal: True Crime Storytelling in Science and the Natural World

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

Project Background

At Sandbox Films, we aim to push science documentaries beyond merely conveying scientific information, and into the realm of cinematically compelling, narrative-driven films. This is achieved through a variety of ways, but one of the primary ways is by employing genre conventions in our films. Genres provide audiences a sense of familiarity and orientation when engaging with subject matter they may be less familiar with or have historically shied away from.

Examples of our films employing genre conventions to enrich science stories include the romance Fire of Love, the dark comedy André Is an Idiot, Penny Lane’s urban wildlife fairytale Wild Inside, and the political eco-thriller The Lake. Whether dealing with the complexities of volcanology or terminal lake desiccation, the narrative and stylistic conventions of genres in our films make the stories inviting and entertaining to audiences. As such, we are continuing to expand the range of genres explored in our films.

Project Summary

With this RFP we seek to provide equity financing for the development of feature-length science documentaries operating within the conventions of the true crime/investigative genre.

Whether exploring an actual or potentially criminal scenario, or a mysterious event, this RFP is most interested in projects that present science stories in the thrillingly investigative mode of true crime. One of true crime’s hallmarks is the structured and logical way in which the details of a story are presented. Enveloping audiences in atmospheres full of misdeeds and unknowns, true crime gradually and measuredly sheds more and more light on the circumstances at hand in a way that keeps people in constant anticipation of what’s to come next. The questioning and unravelling nature of the genre is also very similar to the process of scientific inquiry, making it a uniquely fitting storytelling mode for science stories. And just like true crime, sometimes scientific inquiry can be wrapped up with firm answers, and other times the mystery remains.

While true crime often operates on the grizzlier side of human experience, we are more interested in the storytelling elements of the genre that make it so engaging for so many people. These elements include unsolved mysteries, shocking surprises, puzzling circumstances, questions of justice, and conflicting narratives that leave the audience unsure who or what to believe. Whether taking a journalistic approach on an unfurling case or a speculative approach on a more expansive question, there are many cases in the realm of science where the elements of true crime storytelling are particularly fitting. These include instances of dubious research coming under questioning, researchers whose work is met with antagonism or suppressed for non-scientific reasons, and scientists investigating natural phenomena that elude understanding. Whether as immediately apparent as the instances just provided, or more unique and unexpected, there are a myriad of ways stories of science and the natural world can be told in true crime fashion.

Though not all exclusively related to science, examples of true crime documentaries we feel have been executed successfully include Capturing the Friedmans, Dear Zachary, Black Box Diaries, Paradise Lost, Icarus, Tabloid, Three Identical Strangers, The Thief Collector, Baby God, and Take the Money and Run. All of these films build a captivating narrative around misdeeds ranging from the humorous and head-scratchingly bizarre to the incredibly serious. We greatly encourage submissions that aim to push the true crime genre in new and interesting ways, and beyond what can often feel like exploitation of those who have been wronged. We will be absolutely unable to move forward with anything that appears more exploitative than investigative.

Lastly, as with all Sandbox films, science is woven into the fabric of the narrative and is not explored simply as a topic or mentioned sparingly in reference to a scientific technique that may be relevant to the story. While forensic science is a tool often used to solve crimes, it is more of a science technique adjacent to a story, and not necessarily the basis for a story about science. Therefore, we discourage submissions whose primary or exclusive science connection is the use of forensic science. However, a film that investigates the field of forensic science itself, for example, would be acceptable.

Project Goals & Process Overview

We are seeking development proposals for feature-length, artistically unique, narratively compelling science documentaries situated within the true crime 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 true crime/investigative 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 or an optional current work sample.
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.

Projects will be funded via equity financing.

Key Dates

Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until July 31, 2026.

Filmmakers will receive notification of their project status by October 31, 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 merits and genre elements 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 true crime 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