Established in 2005 to support the development of screenplays with science or technology themes, Sundance Institute and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation provides two different opportunities for screenwriters through a Commissioning Grant or a Fellowship. Both provide a cash award to support further development of a screenplay and to retain science advisors, along with overall creative and strategic feedback throughout development. Only one of each is awarded per year.
Eligibility
Through this commissioning grant we are able to support filmmakers with a wider range of experience than in our Screenwriting and Directing Labs, including writers and directors who have made several features as well as those at an earlier stage in their careers. For this grant, we are seeking a science or technology related narrative, English-language project that is in early draft stage or full treatment.
Grant & Support
The Commissioning Grant recipient will receive the following:
- A cash grant of up to $20,000 to provide support during the writing period
- A stipend of up to $5,000 for a science advisor and research
- Creative support during the writing process from a Creative Advisor
- The possibility of a Fellowship to a Lab
- Creative and strategic support from the Feature Film Program staff
The Fellowship recipient will receive the following:
- Attendance as a Fellow at a Screenwriters Lab, Directors Lab, Creative Producing Lab, Creative Producing Summit, or Sundance Film Festival
- A stipend of up to $5,000 for a science advisor
- A cash grant of up to $10,000 to provide support during the development of the project
- Creative and strategic support from the Feature Film Program staff
Projects must have science or technology as a major theme or scientists as major characters. We cannot consider science fiction or projects that stray too far from a base of scientific reality. We also cannot consider projects that are already being developed within the studio system (including the mini-majors); it is fine, of course, if they are later made at the studios.
The deadline for applications for the Sloan Commissioning Grant is September 7, 2012. Please feel free to pass this information on to anyone you feel might fit the criteria and benefit from this grant. The online application and further information can be found at: http://www.sundance.org/programs/sloan-grant/
