Reposted from AmmaAsante.com
Are you serious and dedicated to making a career track in directing?
Award-winning director Amma Asante is offering an amazing opportunity for two female aspiring directors to shadow her on the set of her next film. Announcing the news on her website, the director of Belle said:
I have spend the last 3 years sharing the ups and downs of my journey as a writer and director – from the highs of our BELLE World Premier at the Toronto Film Festival, to how I became uncredited for all of my writing for that project, in spite of several years of writing the words that you heard in the film, per my writing contract.
I hope I am a small reminder for you that despite the inequalities in our industry, the goal of bringing your voice to the screen is one you have every right to pursue and to believe can be brought to fruition.
In that spirit, and in the spirit of pursuing change, a celebration of sisterhood and, in particular, a special thanks to YOU – those who engage with me daily on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, I am proud to offer two female aspiring directors the opportunity to shadow me on the set of my next film for a few days.
Who can apply:
- You should be over 18 and there is no age limit.
- You should be able to demonstrate through references (see reference section), that you are dedicated and serious about following a directing career path in film and/or TV.
- Professional experience will not be the key. Determination, focus and the creative initiative that you have so far shown, to apply your voice to storytelling through images, will be.
- The opportunity will be in Europe but an applicant can be based anywhere in the world, as long as she is able to be in the European country where the shoot will take place, when we are filming.
- We are not able to cover travel expenses for successful applicants or pay any fee for this opportunity. Accommodation costs may be covered, however, this will be dependent on the financial capabilities of the applicant and will be decided on a case by case basis.
What to think about when you are applying:
Asante wrote: This is an informal opportunity to observe me at work. To be clear: there will be no formal structure. As directors, we have very few opportunities to see other directors at work. Yet it can be invaluable in determining our own unique strategy for how we communicate our vision on set. You may watch me work and find that it reassures and confirms your techniques. Or you may reject a certain aspect of what I do, and in doing so become clearer about your own method.
This is not training. Therefore no ‘training time’ will be set. This will be about the successful applicant using their initiative to watch, learn, and ask questions at appropriate times.
This is not an assistant role and the successful shadow applicants will not be assisting on the film in any way. This is a great opportunity to hone in on the areas of filmmaking on set, that you really feel you want to know about and strengthen. I would suggest assessing your strengths and areas in which you feel you can build and really use the shadowing days to concentrate questions on those areas that you want to develop. I will find out through your application what you hope to gain from the process of shadowing and answering this question alone, should help me with understanding the areas that I can especially illuminate for you.
I will make sure that my crew and heads of department are also available to answer your questions and discuss processes with you, when possible.
How to apply:
Send the following to: Kenny@ammaasante.com
- Your CV/Resume.
- Up to 400 words on the film/s that inspired you to become a film director.
- Up to 300 words on what you hope to gain from the shadowing process.
- Up to 300 words on what you have done so far to tell your stories through directing.
- 2 written references (see below)
(The word limit is strict and we will be unable to make exceptions.)
Reference 1: must be a character reference from any of the following:
- Reacher, lecturer or faculty member.
- Registered professional from any industry, or a community representative.
- Mentor, a coach or advisor.
Reference 2: must be from a representative at any of the following, who can validate your dedication to this specific process and career goal:
- Registered organisation
- Charity
- Registered current or previous employer
- Reacher or lecturer
- Work experience employer
- Producer
Each reference must include, both an email and phone number for the referee.
Please note:
You must provide two references in total – one from each section, in order to be considered for this process. For those still in education only, you may (if you wish) use 2 separate teachers or lecturers – one to cover your Character reference, the other to cover your Dedication reference. Please do not use a relative, personal friend, partner or spouse as a reference.
Deadline for applications:
Applications with close after the first 200 are received or at the deadling of 31st July 2016, whichever arrives first. A shortlist of applicants will be contacted by August 31st 2016. They will then be interviewed before the final decision and successful applicants will be announced on September 13th 2016.
Good luck!
