As we all know, the world is going digital.   Some of us are cheering and some of us are clenching our teeth.

Over the summer of 2009 we have seen funding opportunities to get documentaries made in Canada rapidly dry up as broadcasters struggle to deal with the economic times.  This has been a serious concern for Canadians as one of the things we are known for world-wide is our documentaries.

It is especially a concern for those trying to make their living as documentary filmmakers who have not made a lot of money following their passion to begin with.

The Canadian Media Fund is one avenue to apply for funding.  But now applications need to be more than a straight broadcast project.  A bit daunting for those long time industry professionals who’s focus has been on filmmaking, and not on digital story-telling.

Through ReBoot, the Documentary Organization of Canada is creating a great opportunity for select projects to get mentorship.  This is a great opportunity for documentary filmmakers who have had little experience creating cross-platform projects.

In addition, as part of ReBoot there will be a week long conference including caase studies and presentation in February for DOC members that the public will be able to follow via twitter and facebook for daily updates and insights.  More detail for the call for proposals below:

Deadline extended: Feb 4th

The Documentary Organization of Canada / l’Association des documentaristes du Canada (DOC) is pleased to announce a call for proposals for ReBoot, a 3 day project lab incorporating skills-based training, mentorships and presentations from leading experts in cross-platform production. DOC aims to assist its members in transitioning to digital documentary and to successfully position documentary filmmakers and producers in the rapidly changing broadcast environment spurred by the Canada Media Fund.

DOC is seeking proposals for cross-platform documentaries that are conceived for two or more media. Preference will be given to projects in the development stage incorporating an interactive, participatory methodology in additional to a linear/broadcast one-off or series. Selected projects will receive one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals over a one week period, culminating in an online pitch session during DOC’s ReBoot event in February. A jury of media professionals will select one project which will receive further mentorship for a three month period. The continued mentoring will be provided by the award winning team at EyeSteelFilm, as well as a group of industry professionals specializing in various aspects of new media production. Interested creators are invited to send proposals to info@docorg.ca.

Proposals should be a maximum of 2 pages and should include:

1. Name(s)
2. Contact Information
3. Project Title
4. Description of Project
5. Project Status
6. Short description of the platforms that will be explored.

Proposals should be for a multiplatform documentary and should describe the experience that a user would have on the website or digital platform, as well as a sense of the documentary or series that would be created in tandem. In writing the proposal, creators should address the following questions:

• Can your story be told in more than one way? Can it exist as a traditional documentary, as well as a non-linear story?
• Can your documentary have multiple versions? Can it be substantially different online, in theatres, and on television? How can you harness the strengths of each medium?
• Does your subject matter and approach lend itself to the opportunities of participatory / social media?
• Above all, how can your audience participate in the project? How is it an interactive experience that they can be an integral part of?

Please note that while we encouraging a linear component in addition to new media, we do not require a broadcaster commitment. DOC is actively encouraging members to produce for new platforms and new models of distribution.

Submissions are only open to DOC members. Without exception, selected applicants must be available for 2 hour sessions from February 16th to February 19th in order to participate.

Note: all participation will take place remotely via teleconference – selected candidates will require a web cam and high speed internet connection. Selected candidates should also be comfortable sharing their creative process and work in progress with the public.

Submission deadline is FEBRUARY 4th. Please send proposals to info@docorg.ca

For more information on the Reboot event, please visit here.

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