HBOAccess is a new four-week program created by HBO to provide project development, master classes and mentoring opportunities to emerging, diverse filmmakers, and it’s accepting applications starting today.
The intent of the program to “identify diverse talent, provide development and mentorship, and afford participants opportunity to create short-form content for HBO,” per the premium network’s announcement. Filmmakers equipped with knowledge of cameras and scripts (and the ability to be in Los Angeles for the production period in June — housing and travel are not included) are allowed to submit one narrative directing sample (either a full-length feature, short or webisode).
Four filmmakers will be chosen from the submissions, and each will be paired with a mentor (an HBO development executive), provided with creative master classes and given a budget to create short-form content for HBO. At the end of the four-week process, each project will be considered for production as a 10-15 minute film or webisode series to air on various HBO platforms including, but not limited to, HBO Go, HBO, HBO’s YouTube channel, HBO.com film festivals, charity screenings and other outlets.
“We are thrilled to present this opportunity to filmmakers who might not otherwise find their way through our doors,” said Michael Lombardo, president of HBO Programming. “I believe this undertaking will serve as a valuable experience not only for those who are chosen to participate, but for us at HBO as well.”
The timeline for submissions is as follows:
Feb. 3, 2014 – Application process opens at withoutabox.com.
March 3, 2014 – Application process closes (or on the date upon which submissions reach the cap of 500 applicants, whichever comes first).
March 2014 – 20 candidates will be chosen to advance to second-round interviews (conducted in person or via Skype). Candidates will be expected to discuss their project in detail. Additionally, candidates must own and assign to HBO all rights necessary to develop and produce their idea.
May 8, 2014 – Four finalists are notified.
June 3, 2014 to June 26, 2014 – HBOAccess™ program is held in Los Angeles.
HBO’s definition of “diverse” includes those who identify as Asian Pacific American, Sub-Continent Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans and women.
Source: Indiewire
