The WIDE ANGLE PROJECT is a film and television production lab for underrepresented content creators in South Carolina, sponsored by the South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College (Sponsors). The program fosters in-state product development, boosts inclusion in the production industry, maximizes entrepreneurial and professional opportunities for participants, and creates connections between production professionals from all backgrounds.
Up to 12 film, television, and documentary projects from underrepresented filmmakers will be developed during a seven-month period, starting in November (English language only). Selected filmmakers must fully commit to the schedule and work required to develop their script, treatment, deck, business strategies, and overall Project through one-on-one sessions with Mentors, small groups, peer review, and other methods. (This is a highly immersive and interactive program; only those willing to dedicate themselves at that level should apply.)
Participants will leave with an understanding of how the international production industry works and how to best position themselves in it.
All filmmakers/Projects will also participate in monthly Zoom check-in sessions with the entire group. Each of these will focus on a topic relevant to the phase the projects are generally in, with an industry specialist presenting on that topic.
Applications for the 2024-25 lab are due Oct. 4 (11:59PM ET). Applicants are required to have a project in development to qualify. A script for narrative projects and treatment/deck for documentary projects are required, as well as resume and Personal Essay. See details at the application link below.
(Submissions go through Submittable.com and require a Submittable account to use. Setting one up is free and simple.)
SELECTED PROJECTS WILL BE INFORMED BY OCT. 31.
The program begins with an in-person launch session tentatively scheduled for Nov. 9 in Charleston, SC. Projects selected must be able to attend.
Please also note:
Only current South Carolina residents are eligible.
Participants must have NOT been paid over $20,000 for writing, directing, or other creative/development services on a production project over the last five years, whether originated by the individual submitter, a work-for-hire arrangement, or any other agreement.
Teams of up to two filmmakers collaborating on a single Project are eligible (this includes Producer/Writer partnerships).
Only one submission per applicant is allowed.
Submitted projects will be considered and selected based on the following JUDGING CRITERIA:
Condition of the script (for narratives) or treatment/deck (for documentaries). Is it a smart, fleshed out story; professionally structured; and achieves a clear and intentional vision from the writer or filmmaker?
Script and treatment/deck are formatted by industry standards and have limited errors, such as misspellings, typos, and grammatical mistakes. (It’s understood that this is sometimes used intentionally within a style and vision; those cases would not be considered errors.)
Characters: For narratives, characters in the script are presented fully, concisely, and with nuance. For documentaries, interview subjects are known and presented in a way that shows an appreciation of who they are, how they play in the story, and their nuance and complexity.
Scripted dialogue is well-written, properly rhythmic, and authentic to the characters. (If there is a language other than English used anywhere in a script, an accurate translation/subtitles must be provided.)
For documentary projects, the treatment and deck are well researched, original, and show a grasp of how to convey the story in doc form. It takes an evenhanded approach, with multiple POVs as needed to fully tell the story.
Potentially violent, sexual, language and all other types of content are treated thoughtfully and responsibly within the intention of the submission and applicant. Submissions with approaches deemed gratuitous or derogatory by Sponsor are not eligible.
Work experience of the applicant indicates an aptitude and understanding of the work ethic needed to participate in the program and content development in general.
Personal Essay is professionally structured and written, with no typos, misspelling, and other errors.
Personal Essay demonstrates how the applicant would best use Wide Angle within their professional and career development, with an understanding of the program and the production process in general.
Projects will be selected at the discretion of the South Carolina Film Commission, Trident Technical College, and their independent consultants. Please fully review the TERMS & CONDITIONS in the application for more information and Official Rules. All decisions of Sponsor(s) are final and binding in all matters relating to the Wide Angle Project, including, but not limited to, interpretation and application of the Official Rules.
Contact brad@indiegrants.org with questions.
Below is tentative schedule for the lab. Dates subject to change.
SAT., NOV. 9: In-person launch session.
Monthly Sessions
SAT., DEC. 14: Full Group Session 1
SAT., JAN. 18: Full Group Session 2
SAT., FEB. 15: Full Group Session 3
SAT., MARCH 15: Full Group Session 4
SAT., APRIL 19: Full Group Session 5
MAY 2025 – FINAL PITCH CONFERENCE. Participants will be required to attend. Details to come.
