Short Documentary Stream

The Program:

The Short Documentary Stream is a development program that includes a paid development phase and mentorship for up to 10 selected filmmakers. At the end of an approximate eight week development cycle, one short doc will be selected for production.

By the end of the program, all filmmakers will leave with practical development experience including individualized feedback on their concept and coaching on how to best develop a documentary pitch.

What We’re Looking For:

Stand-alone short digital documentaries between 5 and 15 minutes in length that are engaging, character-driven, contemporary, and focus on a single, unified, strong narrative. We want you to hear the stories that only you can tell, revealing unique perspectives and using creative methods of storytelling. The films’ subjects and themes may or may not focus on disability narratives.

Below are some examples of previously produced short docs we love that can all be viewed on CBC Gem or the CBC Docs YouTube page. We’re looking for films that:

• Feature active and unfolding stories with clear stakes and a narrative arc – like Fast Horse, Sing Me a Lullaby, Finding Fukue
• Celebrate our diversity – like Nancy’s Workshop, Take Me to Prom, The Condom King of Newfoundland, Becoming Nakuset, In the Shadow of the Pines, A Sweet & Sour Christmas
• Provoke conversation – like Headdress, Road to Roxham
• Capture an important moment in time in a unique way – like Until Further Notice, Fatima in Kabul, Inendi
• Shed light on hidden worlds – like Hollie’s Dress, Dish Pigs
• Reflect the real world in an original way – like Snowbirds, Last Night at the Strip Club
• Take joy in the little details in life – like 100 & Counting, Big Men Small Dogs, A-Yi, Nude to Me, Rockin the Coffin

Eligibility

AccessCBC is open to creatives who are:

• Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• 18 years of age or older
• Deaf and/or Disabled
• Interested in the media industry^*
• Not currently employed by the CBC

^*The eligibility criteria of “interest in the media industry” includes employment in any media industry position, internships, workshops, job shadowing, learning spaces, storytelling experience and more.

Commitment:

CBC will choose up to 10 participants who will receive a $6000 development deal that may go towards writing, research, creating a more detailed proposal, shooting script and/or accessing clips of characters, etc. During this eight week long development stage taking place between March-May 2022, participants will be paired with a CBC project mentor who will support them in creating a budget and taking their pitch to the next level. At the end of this process, one of the films will be chosen to go into production with CBC support.

CBC is committed to accessibility. Please let us know what we can do to make this program accessible to you in your application (e.g. closed captioning, ASL interpretation, alt formats and more).

Application Requirements:

1. Biography: A list of relevant credits or CV or personal bio (short paragraph that tells us about you). If there are other members of your team (ie: writer, director) already attached, please include their CVs as well.
2. Project Logline: 1-2 lines that summarize what your short documentary is about.
3. Synopsis:Maximum 1 page summary of your short documentary.
4. Submission release: This is included in the application form and is necessary for CBC to review your submission.

To learn more about writing a project logline and synopsis, check out this resource

You must satisfy all application requirements to be considered for this program. There is no fee to apply. You may submit a maximum of one project.

How to Apply: Applicants may apply online via Google Form here. Alternatively, applicants may also email their application to [email protected] in written, spoken, or signed formats. Any questions regarding this workshop may also be directed to this email address.

Audio Version

Submission Form + Release Form(PDF Version)

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the $6000 for?
The $6000 is development funding for your documentary. Successful candidates will work with their CBC mentor to determine a development plan and budget, bespoke to each documentary. This may include hiring external writers or researchers, depending on the project.

Do I need a producer attached to this project to apply?
You do not need a producer or production company attached to apply.

Will CBC own my project?
No, CBC will not own any rights to your project. For more information on how the Business & Rights process works (and some helpful links to CBC’s One Stop Business Workshops) check out their page.

I have already filmed parts of my doc, can I still apply and use that footage in my film?
Yes, as long as you have the rights to the footage.

I’ve filmed some footage or developed my project using funds or grants from another organization/agency. Does this make my project ineligible?
It’s eligible as long as there are no restrictions on our creative input and licensing of the film for digital distribution. On your proposal, indicate any funds you’ve already received so we’re aware up front.

Do I need to have confirmation from my characters/subjects before I submit a pitch about them?
Yes! Please don’t pitch us an idea that revolves around a main character if you haven’t talked to them about potentially being part of your doc.

Additional questions or concerns: Please contact [email protected]