Sheffield Doc/Fest's New York Times Op-Docs Pitch has extended their deadline for the chance to win a $5,000 budget to make an online short for nytimes.com. Entries will be accepted until Friday May 2nd - if you'd like to be considered, read on to find out what's involved...
Op-Docs is The New York Times editorial department’s forum for short, opinionated documentaries, produced with wide creative latitude and a range of artistic styles, covering current affairs, contemporary life and historical subjects. Contributors range from Oscar winners (Errol Morris, Alex Gibney, Roger Ross Williams, Jessica Yu) to emerging filmmakers and artists.
If you have an idea for a short that you think could fit the editorial and creative scope of Op-Docs, this is your opportunity to pitch it on stage at Doc/Fest to The New York Times. The jurors will include the Op-Docs commissioning editor and veteran Op-Docs filmmakers. Five projects will be selected to pitch.
To enter, please fill in this form
WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?
Your proposed Op-Doc:
- Should be under 10 minutes in length (most are 3 – 5 minutes)
- Has to present a distinctive opinion or perspective (directors may express their views in the first person, through their choice of interview subjects, or more subtly through an artistic approach to a topic).
- Should fit the tone of Op-Docs so check out the other work on the website
- Can be an original short film or an adaptation of an existing film, but must function as a standalone piece (no trailers or direct lifts from longer works).
- The strongest proposals will already be in pre-production or production and be able to show examples of footage, though we will also consider pitches at the concept stage.
- This pitching opportunity is open to anyone from anywhere in the world and NYT welcomes proposals on international topics.
- Finalists will need to pitch in person at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2014 and cover their own travel expenses.
WHAT CAN YOU WIN?
The winning pitch gets an opportunity to produce an Op-Doc for The New York Times with a budget of $5,000 (USD). Payment and publication will be subject to The New York Times editorial department’s editorial review and approval of the film.
The New York Times will have an exclusive première window to present the winning film on all its platforms and will share non-exclusive rights in perpetuity. Prior to pitching at Sheffield/Doc Fest, all finalists will need to sign an Op-Docs editorial agreement with The New York Times. Read the full terms and conditions by downloading the document on the left hand side of this page.
If you have any queries about this pitch please email charlie at sidf.co.uk
