FAQ
Biennale College Cinema 13
 

What projects are eligible for the production grant?

All projects lasting at least 60’: feature films, feature animation, documentaries. Projects below 60’ will not be considered.

Who can participate?

Filmmakers from all around the world are welcome but the application must be presented in teams of director (first or second feature) and producer.

Why do we have to apply in teams of director and producer?

At the Biennale College Cinema we strongly believe that central to the successful development and production of a film project within this budget and short time frame there must be a strong team of producer and director. It is essential that the team shares the same vision of the film and respects each other’s roles and responsibilities and the programme is structured to reinforce this relationship.

What is meant by first or second feature?

The project you submit to the Biennale College Cinema call, if selected and supported by the grant and subsequently premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, must be the first or second feature length film of the director , fiction or documentary.

I have a potential second feature film in post – production but I do not have a plan for distribution or premiere, yet. Can I apply with a new project to the call?

Yes, only if the project submitted to the Biennale College Cinema call will become the second feature film.

What is the eligibility criteria for a director? 

Directors must have a minimum of experience in the field and demonstrate their skills through one or two previous works.

These audio-visual works can be: short films, music videos, commercials, features, documentaries, series.

What is the eligibility criteria for the producer?

Producers must have produced at least three audio-visual works (short films/music videos/commercials) or one feature or one documentary that has circulated in the cinema festivals. The producer must take responsibility for the project from the early submission stage until the final delivery.

Can co-directors apply?

Yes, co-directors can apply but please be aware that in case of selection you have to cover the expenses for the additional member of your team (travel, accommodation, meals and transport in Venice). Both directors have to fulfill the requirements of 1^st or 2^nd feature.

I am a director but I don’t have a producer attached to the project. Can I apply?
I am a producer/writer with a project but I don’t have a director on board. Can I apply?
Applications must be presented in teams of directors and producers. Applications presented by a director or producer alone will not be considered. The Biennale College Cinema programme is structured around the producer and director team attributing equal status to each role and encouraging mutual respect and shared responsibility.

Can the same person apply as director and producer?

The same person can’t apply as director and producer. The application must be presented in teams of producer and director.  The team is at the centre of the Biennale College Cinema programme as we strongly believe that to successfully develop and produce a film project within this budget level and short time frame there must be a strong team.  The programme is structured to around this relationship and an evaluation of the teams ability to work together is considered during the selection process.

Can an independent producer apply attached to a production company?

Yes, sure. An independent producer can apply if he/she fulfills the requirements of the call.

An association with proved experience in film production can apply?

Associations and institutions with proven experience in film production can apply to the program providing there is a dedicated producer attached to the project.

Can I apply as producer if I have worked in distribution in the past?

No, it’s mandatory to prove experience in the production field.

I am working with two producers who work as a team. Am I eligible to apply having them on board? You have to choose one producer who will lead the project through the all process.

Can writers be part of the team?

The program is dedicated to teams of director and producer. When the director and the screenwriter are not the same person, in case of selection for the first workshop, it is strongly recommended that both the director and the screenwriter participate. However, the Biennale College Cinema program will only cover the cost of board and lodging for 2 people.

I am an actor/actress: can I apply to the program?

No. Only teams of director and producer are eligible.

Can a team apply with more than one project?

No. Each team can only apply with one project.

Can a production company present more than one team?

They can, providing that the members of the team are different for each project presented.

If selected, is it possible to change the producer or the director?

Once a project has been selected to attend the Biennale College Cinema programme it is not possible to change the producer or director at any stage. The Biennale College is an intense experience for both the producer and the director therefore it is essential that the team in the application is committed to working together through this challenging time.

What’s the deadline to apply?

For Biennale College Cinema – Italia, the deadline is April 15^th 2024 (23:59 CET)

For Biennale College Cinema – International the deadline is July 4^th 2024 (23:59 CET)

How can I apply?

The application has to be presented by filling the on-line form.

Can I send my application via mail?

No. The application must be sent online only.

The application has to be presented in English?

Yes, all the documents required for the application have to be presented in English. We recommend to subtitle in English the previous works.

The workshops will be held in English.

Can an applicant who has  already been selected and participated in previous year, re-apply?

No, an applicant  who has already been selected and participated in the workshop, cannot re-apply.

Does Biennale College Cinema have a theme?

No. Participants can address whatever theme they prefer.

Can I apply with a project that has already received funds for development or production?

No. One of the goals of the program is to explore what’s possible to achieve with a limited budget of € 200,000. This budget includes also the development process.

Can I receive feedback on my project before I present the application?

No, our program doesn’t include this option.

What items have to be included in the budget?

In the application form you’ll find a model budget.

Is VAT included in the € 200,000?

Yes, if the VAT is a cost.

Can I raise additional production funding? Can I receive additional funding from other institutions/companies?

No. Each selected project has to be made within the budget of € 200,000. The goal of the program is to explore the micro-budget productions.

Can I send a script?

No. You have to present a synopsis and a treatment.

Does the Biennale College Cinema invite teams to apply to the program?

Biennale College Cinema can invite teams to apply in order to reach its goals. These application will be treated as the others.

Can I send additional documentation?

No, please send the requested materials only.

Am I allowed to present a project for a budget less than € 200,000?

Yes.

What’s the “rights disclosure”?

By ticking the box “I accept” in the “Rights Disclosure” field, you confirm to La Biennale di Venezia that you own the rights of the project and you’re entitled to use the script to produce the audiovisual work. You also confirm that the payment of possible rights for third parties, have already been processed (or are in process) and are included in the € 200,000 budget. The final selected teams accessing the production grant will sign an agreement with La Biennale di Venezia.

What is the “Video Presentation” of the director? Is there specific criteria to follow?

It is a video message from the director presenting himself/herself and his/her work. Each director is free to choose the best way to realize it. The video must be presented in English.

What is the “Director’s Vision”?

The director’s vision is the description of the visual and artistic aspect of the project.

It can be presented in different ways: as a mood board, as a project book (pages of story board, colour script, drawings or photos), as a video (max. 3 minutes).It’s the visual complement to the concept.

What is  the “Audience Engagement Plan”?

It is a document that describes the strategies planned to engage an audience,  even if it’s a niche one.

What is the “Casting Idea”?

This document describes  the cast you want to involve in your project; it is  not necessary to draft a list of actors or send letters of intent received from actors; you can send photo references to support the document.

What  elements should be included in the treatment/Micro budget concept?

The treatment is generally a longer and more detailed text than a synopsis. It can include information on the directorial style. Often the treatment is written as the whole story in its simplest form, without dialogue.

Is there a particular location where the project has to be shot?

No. There are no limitations. You can shoot all around the world.

It is possible to present a budget in a different currency rather than Euros if the total amount corresponds to € 200,000?

No. The budget must be presented in Euros.

If I am not able to upload the files, what shall I do?

The first option is to try the upload using a different browser or more than one, if necessary.

Secondly, please remind that the total weight of the application has to be max 3 MB.

If you still face problems with the upload please send an e-mail to: college-cinema@labiennale.org

Can I send a DVD of my previous works?

No, it’s mandatory to receive the complete application through our web-form.

What is the selection criteria?

The most important aspects for the selection committee are the artistic value and the feasibility of the project this includes an evaluation of the strength of the producer and the director team to work together. Biennale College Cinema doesn’t apply strict rules and every application will be valued for its specific qualities.

When will the selected projects be announced?

For Biennale College Cinema – Italia, the selection will be notified approximately at the end of May 2024 .

For Biennale College Cinema – International, the selection will be announced in the course of a dedicated press conference during the 81^st Venice International Film Festival.

If my application is selected, do I have to participate in the workshop? How long is the whole process?

Yes, teams selected for BCC – Italia have to attend a workshop in Venice  July, 2^nd -6^th ; arrival day: July, 1^st , departure day: July 7^th)

Teams selected for BCC – International have to participate in a workshop taking place in Venice from October 8^th until the 17^th 2023. (arrival day 7^th– departure day 18^th).

The up to four  final projects will participate in two additional workshops scheduled for December 2024 and January 2025.

Does the film have to be ready for the 82^nd Venice International Film Festival in 2025?

Yes, the selected projects have to be ready for the 82^nd Venice International Film Festival in September 2025.

Does La Biennale di Venezia acquire the rights of the projects? What’s the agreement with Biennale College Cinema?

Director and producer own the complete rights of the film that will be world premiered in Venice. Once the final selection is made, the teams will sign an agreement with La Biennale di Venezia, defining all the details.

If my project is selected for the grant is it possible to change the producer or the director?

If at any point during the team’s participation in the Biennale College Cinema the director and producer can no longer work together the project will not proceed any further with the support of the Biennale.

If my project is selected, how will the grant be distributed?

The grant will be paid in three installments according to the different production schedules agreed during the last workshop in January.

What’s the minimum length of the project?

Each project has to last at least 60 minutes.

How will the project be presented at the film festival?

The audio visual projects have to be presented in DCP format.

Will I receive feedback if my application  is not selected?

No, Biennale College Cinema does not discuss or give specific feedback on the non-selected projects.