Submissions Open
March 21, 2022
Submissions Close
September 21, 2022
Grants Awarded
December 22, 2022
For the first time Ripple Effect Artists is offering independent filmmakers the opportunity for a unique launchpad. We are opening our doors to independent filmmakers of feature, short, and documentary films of any skill level to engage us with their stories steeped in social commentary to win cash grants, discounts on production and post-production services, and consultations with industry professionals.
Filmmakers are invited to submit proposals detailing their film’s storyline, budget, key personnel, and how their film addresses important social issues. The grant competition opens in the spring of 2022, with the Call for Submissions closing in the autumn. Seven cash grants will be awarded, including a $4,000 grand prize, two $1,000 second prizes, and four $500 third prizes.
Additionally, winners will receive post-production discounts from top-notch professional providers for services such as color correction or sound design.
Four judges, each having invaluable industry experience and know-how, will preside over our grant competition. They will evaluate all final round submissions and determine the winner of the first annual Ripple Effect Artists Filmmakers Launchpad.
The types of films we are
looking for
The Ripple Effect Artists Filmmakers Launchpad is open to films of any format or genre – documentaries, comedies, dramas, you name it – of either short or feature length.
The grant competition is open to filmmakers of every level – from budding student filmmakers to seasoned film veterans.
Our primary requirement is that each project submission address a social or cultural issue that is important to you, and to explain (in the submission form) how your film addresses that issue.
The submission fee of the Ripple Effect Artists Filmmakers Launchpad is $40 USD.
The submission process
Participants will be asked to submit a detailed project description, including the film’s synopsis, budget, bios of key personnel, and how the film addresses the social issue of your choosing.
Additionally, participants will be required to submit the first ten pages of their screenplay, or a two-page treatment if the film is a documentary.
All entries will be reviewed by Ripple Effect Artists as they cull down the initial number of submissions to 50 finalists. Then our four experienced film and TV industry judges will evaluate the 50 finalists to determine the winners.
Submissions open March 21, 2022 and close September 21, 2022.
Finalists will be announced on October 12, 2022, and the grants will be awarded on December 22, 2022.
About the grants…
The prizes
The grand prize winner will receive a $4,000 cash grant to be used for the development, production or post-production of their film.
Two second prize winners will each receive $1,000.
And four third prize winners will each receive $500.
Additionally, the grand prize winner and the two second prize winners will receive 20% discounts on post-production services by:
• The End Audio Productions for sound design and sound mixing.
• (Company name to come) for color grading services.
All fifty finalists are entitled to a free 15 minute consultation with an industry professional regarding film production, post-production, or distribution.
The judges
All submissions to the Ripple Effect Artists Filmmakers Launchpad are assessed by a team of reviewers from Ripple Effect Artists – scoring each submitted project based on the craft of its screenplay/treatment, originality, social import, and the make-up of the filmmaking team.
Based on those assessments, fifty finalists will be selected, which in turn will be reviewed by a panel of four judges – each possessing extensive experience in the film and television industry – to determine the winners. All judges are offered honoraria for their time and expertise.
Ripple Effect Artists’
filmography
Founded initially as a theater company, Ripple Effect Artists has expanded into new art forms and media in recent years, including radio plays, podcasting
and film.
Ripple Effect Artists’ first film is a science fiction short titled HERE COMES FRIEDA, which has screened at a dozen US and international film festivals, and can currently be seen on the DUST YouTube channel, where it has been screened over 100,000 times.
Ripple Effect Artists’ second film is a psychological horror film titled SIN FONDO, which is currently beginning its film festival run.
And in late 2021, Ripple Effect Artists awarded its first film grant to TOMMY AND THE GURU, a short film written by Mike Boland and directed by Brian Russell, which is also embarking on its film festival run.
How to enter
Click on THIS LINK to submit your information, upload your film’s elements, and pay the $40 submission fee.
Contact
Questions or Support: reafilmlaunchpad@gmail.com