Scottish Documentary Institute

From 4docs

The Scottish Documentary Institute have a great scheme called Bridging the Gap.

They have an annual themed call for entries from which they select 12 project ideas for a development period in which filmmakers attend a series of training workshops and masterclasses based in Edinburgh. 7 ten-minute documentaries are then commissioned at a pitching session with a budget of 16K (8K cash, 8K in kind), intended for distribution in cinemas and international Festivals.

Bridging the Gap aims to be a safe and experimental space to ease filmmakers into producing films that push the traditional boundaries of documentary. Filmmakers work within a professional context with the support of individual mentors but free of the restrictions of a TV strand.

The 2008-09 application deadline is closed, but keep your eye of the website for next years application.

Past Films

2004-05 the theme was Silence

2005-06 the theme was Lies

2006-07 the theme was White

2007-08 the theme was Home

Eligibility

This scheme is open to all filmmakers based in the UK, and particularly aims to bridge the gap between training/graduation and a first broadcast, but is not open to people who are still studying. They are especially interested in film-makers from diverse and under-represented backgrounds.

They are also happy to welcome applications from producers without a project. Selected producers will be able to attend selected workshops in the development period and are free to network with the directors for possible collaboration.