The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is calling for proposals for an Animation Slate valued at R7.5 million over 3 years. 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.
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.
The slate is targeted at Tier 1 and Tier 2 Production Companies.
Tier 1 Production Companies are defined in the NFVF Funding Policy as Experienced filmmakers who have a proven track record for developing and producing 3-5 theatrically released feature films.
Tier 2 Production Companies are defined in the NFVF Funding Policy as Filmmakers with experience in the film industry, but who have developed and produced either 1-2 theatrical feature films, television fiction, documentaries, 2-3 short films and/or commercials seeking to venture into feature film, animation or documentary development and production .
Companies that will be considered must have a proven track record of producing animation content including but not limited to the following:
Produced an animated short film;
Produced an animated feature film;
Produced an animated series;
Produced animated television content; and/or
Produced animated commercial content, etc.
Note that the above must be completed and have verifiable distribution.
Over the period of 3 years the successful slate recipient must deliver polished pitch materials for four television series and for three feature films. The animation company may collaborate with other creatives but maintain 51% of the Intellectual Property.
Year 1:
For Television Series:
Concept 1-2:
Pitch decks which must include a compelling title page, contact details, loglines, premise, synopses, tone and style, theme, format, genre, target audience, character descriptions, episode outlines/springboards, key art, creator bios, profiles of key creatives/collaborators/partners, tentative casting and a sell sheet/leave behind
For Feature Film:
Concept 1-2:
1 pitch deck for each concept, which must include a compelling title page, contact details, loglines, premise, synopses, tone and style, theme, run-time, genre, target audience, character descriptions, key art, creator bios, profiles of key creatives/collaborators/partners, tentative casting and a sell sheet/leave behind
Complete the first draft of the script
Year 2:
For Television Series:
Concepts 1-2:
Sample scripts for each concept
Proof of market testing/engagement/interest/response from prospective buyers, financers and co-production partners (if co-production is applicable to your project)
Concept animation tests
Concepts 3-4:
Pitch decks which must include a compelling title page, contact details, loglines, premise, synopses, tone and style, theme, format, genre, target audience, character descriptions, episode outlines/springboards, key art, creator bios, profiles of key creatives/collaborators/partners, tentative casting and a sell sheet/leave behind
For Feature Film:
Concepts 1-2:
Delivery of final script. This should be crafted and polished with the inputs of an experienced story editor.
Final character designs
Proof of market testing/engagement/interest/response from prospective buyers, financers and co-production partners (if co-production is applicable to your project)
Attach producer(s)/executive producer(s) to the project (if required/applicable)
Attach a sales & distribution company to the project (if required/applicable)
Attach a South African animation studio to the project (if required/applicable)
Secure a budget and provisional production schedule
Concept 3:
1 pitch deck for 1 concept, which must include a compelling title page, contact details, loglines, premise, synopses, tone and style, theme, run-time, genre, target audience, character descriptions, key art, creator bios, profiles of key creatives/collaborators/partners, tentative casting and a sell sheet/leave behind
Complete the first draft of the script
Year 3:
For Television Series:
7 - 15 minute pilot for one concept along with a final revised deck and sell sheet/leave behind
Concepts 1-2:
Finalize a business model/finance plan for the project
Finalize the look & feel in collaboration with attached creative partners
Finalize all creative and technical contributors
Finalize all talents
Concepts 3-4:
Sample scripts for each concept
Proof of market testing/engagement/interest/response from prospective buyers, financers and co-production partners (if co-production is applicable to your project)
Concept animation tests
For Feature Film:
First draft animatic with final pitch deck, character and set design for one selected concept.
Concepts 1-2:
Finalize a business model/finance plan for the project
Finalize the look & feel in collaboration with attached production partners
Finalize all creative and technical contributors
Finalize all talents
Concept 3:
Delivery of final script. This should be crafted and polished with the inputs of an experie
