The National Film and Video Foundation (herein referred to as NFVF) is a statutory body set up by the government to grow and develop the South African Film and Video industry. The NFVF would like to invite eligible production companies to submit proposals for the 4th documentary slate funding. The slate funding will be administered over a period of three years. The call set to initially close on 14 October 2024, has now been extended to close on 28 October 2024.
BACKGROUND
Over the past years, the NFVF has awarded slate funding to production companies with the specific objective of cultivating sustainable and viable businesses. The initiative was developed out of best practice internationally and was rooted in the notion that when a small company is granted operating capital towards development and cornerstone financing for production over a predetermined period, a great deal of uncertainty is removed from running the business. In addition, the company is expected to produce cinematic films with universals themes and global reach.
SLATE FUNDING OBJECTIVES
- Cultivating sustainable and viable production companies.
- Assisting production companies to identify and produce films that demonstrate audience awareness in the South African and international market.
- Finding original ways of reaching audiences nationwide.
- Increasing the marketing and export of South African film products to the global market.
- Promoting greater cooperation between production companies and distribution companies.
BUDGET
The budget is capped at R7 500 000.00 million per slate and is disbursed over 3 years as follows:
- R2 250 000.00 – for full development of 9 concepts with a 25% cap for overheads.
- R5 250 000.00 – to produce 3 films
ELIGIBILITY
- 51% black-owned and managed companies with a unique proposal.
- Preference will be given to female-owned companies.
- Producer/s must be a South African citizen or be a permanent resident of South Africa.
- Tier 1 and Tier 2 Production Companies may apply.
- Tier 1: Experienced filmmakers who have a proven track record for developing and producing 3-5 theatrically released feature films.
- Tier 2: Filmmakers with limited experience but who have developed and produced 1-2 theatrical feature films, television fiction, documentaries, 2-3 short films, and/or commercials seeking to venture into feature film development and production.
- Production companies should demonstrate an understanding of packaging and marketing of feature films.
- Production company that has a clear training and development strategy (an added advantage, not compulsory).
- Producer or production company that has an established relationship with local distributors and/or international sales agents with a letter of intent.
WHO DOES NOT QUALIFY?
- Previous recipients of NFVF funding in the following categories: animation slates, documentary slates, fiction slates, youth and female filmmaker projects are NOT eligible for this fund.
- Individuals and/or production companies that have 4 (four) active NFVF-funded projects across the value chain i.e. development, production, postproduction, marketing and distribution, training, and festival funding support.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Quality of the concept proposal
- Capacity and capability of the company to deliver at accepted global standards.
- Capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Consistency of budgets and a detailed project plan (Concise plan for 3 years)
- Distribution and marketing plan
- Unique selling point in respect of sustainability and contribution to transformation in the industry.
- A finance plan and clear strategy of how funds are going to be sourced.
- Business plan and 5 year growth strategy of the production companies
- Experience of creative team: A clear 5-year business plan as well a clear revenue generation strategy for entire business not just focusing on the 9 development and 3 production projects.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Proposal to include a minimum of three concepts. Two of which need to be fully developed and ready to go into production:
- Business plan and five-year growth strategy plan for the production company
- 2 fully developed projects:
- Research
- Access to characters (relevant release forms may be provided)
- Creative treatment
- and 5-10 minutes teaser. (submitted content may also be a scene)
- CVs with career profiles of key creative team:
- Producer, Director, Writer/Researcher, DOP and Editor
- Directors Treatment (for the fully developed project)
- Chain of title documentation including script, music etc. (for the fully developed project)
- Link/s to previous work.
- 2-page concept document outlining: (For all 3 concepts)
- Synopsis
- Logline
- Genre
- Target market
- Summary budget with a finance and cash flow plan (3 years) including Proof of any financial commitment
- Recoupment plan
- Development and production schedule (3 years)
- Marketing and distribution strategy including distributor agreement if applicable.
- Production Company’s experience and previous productions involved in.
COMPULSORY REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid Tax Clearance Certificate or Tax Clearance Status Pin Document (must be valid for one year)
- BBBEE certificate or Signed BBBEE Affidavit with a dated stamp (not older than one year)
- Recently Certified ID copy of an applicant (dated certification stamp not older than six months)
- Company registration documents
Failure to submit the abovementioned key and compulsory documentation will render the application incomplete and therefore disqualified.
Applications must be submitted via the NFVF application portal: click here
Kindly email all content related queries to Nadine Cloete at Nadinec@nfvf.co.za
For any queries regarding technical issues with submissions please contact NFVF’s applications team: Thandekile Hlatshwayo thandekileh@nfvf.co.za or Manti Sekwakwa, mantis@nfvf.co.za, or call: 011 484 0880
OPENING DATE: 09 September 2024
CLOSING DATE: 28 October 2024. 17H00