Editors blog
-
Loading Docs 2015 - What are we looking for?
With less than two weeks to go until the deadline for proposals for Loading Docs 2015 now is the time to put the finishing touches on your proposal and get it in!
If you're wondering what it takes to get to the top of the submission pile, here are some notes on what made the 2014 cohort stand out for us.
Baba - We were really excited by the idea of an animated Loading Docs film, and though Joel had never made a documentary before, he had a very strong track record as a filmmaker, a commitment to documentary and the support of a terrific producer. Three minutes of animation required a great deal of work, but Joel was clearly passionate about making this very personal film and was very committed to making it.
Homing - The proposal for this film focused on the use of sound to tell a story, which was a unique approach that was both original and ambitious and a great interpretation of the theme of Home.
Living Like Kings - Zoe's proposal had a very clear creative vision and offered an insight into life in post-quake Christchurch that had never been seen before. Zoe had already done a lot of research and submitted some great images to support her proposal.
Queer Selfies - The concept for Queer Selfies fitted really well with the three-minute format and Robyn and Paula had a very sound production plan based on a single day's shooting at The Big Gay Out and demonstrated an excellent understanding of their target audience.
Stop/Go - this film promised to show a side of New Zealand most people only catch a glimpse of. The proposal fitted well with our theme of Home and Greg and Jack provided a very compelling visual treatment to support their proposal that assured us that this film would be stunning.
The Jump - a never-before-told story about the origins of bungy featuring mullets, stubby and some serious can-do Kiwi attitude, with reels of incredible archive footage and a solid filmmaking team. The proposal had a clear plan of action and sold us on a great story with strong audience appeal.
The Road to Whakarae - the creative vision for this film was very clearly articulated in the proposal, and promised a very original approach. Like many other films that made the final cut, The Road to Whakarae offered a totally unique perspective on a very special place and people. The musical approach was risky, but that's what Loading Docs is all about!
Today - The detailed observational treatment for this film was well-developed and the filmmakers had secured the permission they would need to film inside a rest home. In their initial proposal Prisca and Nick intended to spend around three days inside the home researching and getting to know staff and residents. In fact, they spent a great deal more time than this, and their commitment to handling this topic with sensitivity was very clear from the outset. They submitted their remarkable short film Le Taxidermiste in support of their application, and this gave us a great deal of confidence in their filmmaking ability.
Wayne - Kirsty and Viv also showed us a very strong commitment to spending a great deal of time with Wayne and his carers and we felt assured that they would tell his story with respect and care. Permission to film had been secured, the production schedule was realistic and just from looking at the fantastic photos of Wayne that were submitted in support of the application we could tell that Kirsty and Viv had a great rapport with him.
We received many fantastic proposals for Loading Docs 2014 and in making our final selection we considered how the films would work as a group, with a range of different styles, stories and communities represented. Don't be afraid to go out on a limb and propose something that you think is a little unusual or challenging, just as long as your proposal can realistically be achieved within the budget and timeframe available.
For more tips on submitting, check out our FAQs...
FAQs
Can I submit multiple proposals?
Yes, you can but bear in mind that each proposal requires quite a lot of preparation. We’re looking for ideas that are well developed and feasible within the time frame and budget available, so it’s best to focus on developing one or two ideas well rather than taking a scattergun approach.
What makes a good proposal?
A good proposal has a really clear concept and creative vision. We should immediately understand what your film is about and how you plan realise your ideas. Examples of previous work and visual references that demonstrate your creative vision are extremely useful. Your proposal should also identify potential challenges or logistical issues and indicate how you will deal with these. A major consideration is whether your project can be realised within the timeframe and budget available, so where access and permissions are necessary we require evidence that these have been secured.
How much filmmaking experience do I need to have?
Loading Docs is an initiative that aims to give filmmakers who have some solid filmmaking experience the opportunity to push their ideas further and to create work of the highest possible standard (within some major constraints) that will challenge, inspire and captivate audiences. The initiative is not aimed at students or first-time filmmakers. However, if you are a less-experienced filmmaker with a really great idea we suggest you partner with an experienced production team (such as a good producer and DOP) who can support you if you wish to submit a proposal.
For students and young people in New Zealand keen to make short documentaries we recommend two other fantastic filmmaking initiatives: Inspiring Stories and Outlook for Someday.
What kind of stories is Loading Docs looking for?
The theme of CONNECTION is one that we hope will inspire a wide range of stories and filmmaking styles. In the selection process we will be aiming to curate a selection of films that will appeal to different audiences with a range of subjects and styles with a diversity of representation, creative form, and audience. You may wish to focus on a specific audience (such as children and young people), or a unique place, person or subject. Look at the selection of films from Loading Docs 2014 to gain a better understanding of the kind of films that Loading Docs aims to support.
Why does my film have to be 3-minutes long?
Prior to launching Loading Docs we watched a lot of short films online and decided that 3 really is a magic number when it comes to online films, (particularly if you’re watching on a mobile device), and we want Loading Docs films to be viewed and shared as widely as possible.
We encourage you to embrace this challenge and use the 3-minute constraint to be creative with documentary storytelling.
Why do I need to raise money for my film through crowdfunding?
In addition to making incredible films, an important objective for Loading Docs as an initiative is to support filmmakers to broaden their audience reach and to become more skilled in fundraising, marketing and outreach. Crowdfunding is an increasingly valuable tool to enable filmmakers to connect with audiences who are truly invested and interested in their work, and to start a journey that an audience can be actively involved in.
Crowdfunding also helps to make the funding received from NZ On Air and the New Zealand Film Commission go further, but we have set a very achievable fundraising target. Loading Docs filmmakers will run matched funding crowdfunding campaign. For each film, Loading Docs will contribute $1 for every $1 raised through crowdfunding with a target of $2000. That means that each successful campaign will raise at least $4,000. All funds raised go directly to the film.
What happens in the workshops?
In the first two-day workshop (31 Jan/1 Feb) we will spend one-day concentrating on storytelling, creative treatment and other aspects of production, and one day focusing on crowdfunding strategy and audience outreach. We will bring in specialists in each of these areas to work with filmmakers.
The second workshop, held closer to the launch of the films, will focus more on outreach and distribution, with an international guest who will share their expertise and offer filmmakers advice. In 2014 we were thrilled to have Vimeo curator and Short of the Week founder Jason Sondhi as our guest, and he provided great insights into how filmmakers can build an online presence that will enhance their careers.
Who owns the films?
All films remain the intellectual property of the filmmakers and Loading Docs retains the rights to distribute promote the films for a minimum period of two years. The films are primarily distributed online via Loading Docs’ Vimeo channel, but are freely available to share and embed. This means that the films collectively support each other’s success. We work hard to achieve the best possible exposure for the films, and encourage filmmakers to actively support the films through their own outreach efforts.
In 2014, Loading Docs films were featured prominently on The New Zealand Herald, screened widely on New Zealand television (including in primetime slots), and appeared in local and international film festivals. You can even watch Loading Docs films on international Air New Zealand flights.
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING SUBMISSIONS THAT IS NOT ANSWERED HERE, PLEASE EMAIL US
Continue reading -
Submit a Proposal
The theme for Loading Docs 2015 is 'connection'. How you interpret this theme is up to you, be it an exploration of human connection, our relationship with technology, the environment, community or culture.
Loading Docs is a unique initiative that aims to produce short documentaries that will captivate and inspire audiences locally and internationally, while also developing and promoting New Zealand filmmaking talent.
In 2014 Loading Docs launched a diverse selection of films that have been viewed all over the world via the Loading Docs site and The New Zealand Herald and featured on high profile sites such as Short of the Week, Laughing Squid, The World’s Best Ever and Film Shortage as well as achieving Staff Picks on Vimeo.
Loading Docs films have been broadcast on 3News, Seven Sharp, 20/20, Te Kaea, as well as on the Māori Television Series Iti Pounamu and on the Rialto Channel, selected for film festivals such as Show Me Shorts (NZ), Out Takes (NZ), ImagineNATIVE (Canada), New Zealand Short Film Festival (Aus) and screened on Air New Zealand flights.
In 2015 successful applicants will take part in professional development workshops and receive support from Loading Docs producers. Films will be made freely available to view and share online and promoted locally and internationally to achieve maximum exposure for filmmakers.
10 FILMS WILL BE SELECTED FOR LOADING DOCS 2015. EACH FILM WILL RECEIVE:
-
$2,000 production funding, AND
- An additional $2,000 matched funding to support a crowdfunding campaign (we'll match each dollar your raise through crowdfunding up to $2,000)
- A colour grade and sound-mix from Toybox and Sale Street Studios.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Filmmakers must be New Zealand residents with a proven track record in screen production.
Proposals will need to have a succinct compelling concept, a clearly delineated storyline and a unique creative director’s vision discussing visual treatment, structure and style.
We will look for film subjects and styles that will appeal to a range of different audiences, and will reflect a diversity of cultures, ages, regions and perspectives.
Proposals must have a realistic timeframe and budget and demonstrate credible access to the proposed subject(s) and story.
Applicants must identify target audiences, communities of interest and demonstrate a commitment to crowd funding, outreach and professional development.
Watch the films produced for Loading Docs 2014 to find out more about the kinds of films that interest us.
KEY DETAILS
-
Loading Docs invites proposals for 3-minute New Zealand documentary shorts based on the theme of ‘connection’.
- Filmmakers must be New Zealand residents, and must participate in all aspects of the Loading Docs initiative, including:
- Professional development workshops: a two-day workshop on 31 Jan/1 Feb 2015 and a one-day workshop with an international guest in June 2015.
- A month-long crowdfunding campaign for the film in March 2015.
- Outreach to support the film's crowdfunding, promotion and distribution.
- All deadlines for delivery must be met.
- Proposals must be submitted via the Loading Docs website by 5PM, Monday 8 December 2014.
IMPORTANT DATES
-
8 December 2014: Submission deadline
-
Mid-December 2014: Selection announced
-
31 Jan/1 Feb 2015: 2 Day development, outreach and crowdfunding workshop
-
March 2015: Crowdfunding campaign (30 days)
-
April 2015: Film production officially begins
- July 2015: Films launch and are shared and promoted in New Zealand and all over the world.
Submit your proposal here.
Continue reading -
-
Loading Docs Takes Off!
It's already been two weeks since Loading Docs launched and the response to the films has been amazing. Two films, The Jump and Living Like Kings were selected as Vimeo Staff Picks, attracting global attention for all of the films, which have appeared on top-ranking websites such as Laughing Squid, Digg.com, The World's Best Ever and Amy Poehler's Smart Girls at the Party, and the films have had over 250,000 plays on Vimeo.
Locally the films have been syndicated on The New Zealand Herald website and featured on The Wireless, Show Me Shorts Screening Room, Metro, Seven Sharp, 20/20 NZ, Radio New Zealand, Kiwi FM and many other publications, radio and TV shows and websites.
The feedback for the films has been overwhelmingly positive. Here's a small sample of the feedback we've received via Twitter:
"Privileged to watch these excellent @LoadingDocs films with the talented filmmakers behind them last night: loadingdocs.net #AllGood"
"There's a Kiwi in New York really missing home tonight after watching this great @LoadingDocs clip. A beaut: bit.ly/TS0XMn"
"Went to watch @LoadingDocs WAYNE and ended up watching all 10. Such range of use of the uber short form. Brilliant.wayne.loadingdocs.net"
"Every one of the 3 min docos on @LoadingDocs is brilliant. I laughed, I cried, I talked about them with my wife. loadingdocs.net"
"ADORED the @LoadingDocs films! You don't even have to leave home to see them like I did. They're free & streaming atloadingdocs.net"
"I think Loading Docs might be the best thing on the internet right at this moment. loadingdocs.net Beautiful format, lovely stories."
Thanks to everyone who has supported Loading Docs to achieve this success, and congratulations to all the filmmakers who are receiving such high praise for their wonderful work.
Continue reading -
Special Guest Jason Sondhi to attend Loading Docs Launch
Loading Docs is thrilled to announce that filmmaker, writer, and short film expert, Jason Sondhi will be attending the Loading Docs launch on May 27 as our very special guest. He will also be running an exclusive masterclass with our filmmakers. Jason is the co-founder of the the influential website “Short of the Week”, has been a Curator for Vimeo since 2011 and was honoured as one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Film” in 2011.
Jason believes that short filmmaking is uniquely positioned to expand the definition of storytelling in our digital era, and endeavours to grow the audiences that can sustain these new innovative voices. We're very excited that he will be sharing his knowledge and expertise with our filmmakers.
Continue reading -
Loading Docs Launch 27 May 2014
We're counting down to the world premiere screening of all ten Loading Docs films at the Academy Cinemas in Auckland on 27 May at 6.30pm.
Limited public tickets are available HERE, but if you are not able to make it to the launch the films will all be released online at www.loadingdocs.net and on nzherald.co.nz following the premiere screening.
Follow us on Facebook for updates and a sneak peek at the films.
Continue reading -
Behind the Scenes
Our filmmakers are currently putting the final touches on their films and before sending them to Toybox for grading and Sale Street Studios for a final sound mix so they look and sound their best, ready to be launched at the end of May.
It's so exciting to see the films coming in, and while we can't give you a sneak preview just yet, we can share some recent 'behind the scenes' images from The Jump, Wayne, Living Like a King and Homing.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to see more.
Continue reading
-
THANK YOU
Our month-long campaign on PledgeMe has ended and what a success it was! All ten films hit their $2,000 funding goal long before the deadline and the support from 'the crowd' was incredible.
WIth the help of everyone who got behind our filmmakers and pledged the films are now in production and we're seeing some great behind the scenes images coming through. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest news as the films progress.
The next two months will be a whirlwind of filming and editing as we gear up launch the films in May. All ten films will be available (for free) to view and share online and we hope to bring news of special screenings very soon also.
To everyone who supported our crowdfunding efforts, on behalf of all of your filmmakers we would like to say a huge THANK YOU!! Whether you gave a little or a lot, your support means so much.
A thank you message from the Stop/Go team
Continue reading -
Dans on Radio New Zealand
Joel Kefali appeared as a guest on Radio New Zealand's Standing Room Only show on Sunday 9 February to talk about his animated Loading Docs film, Dans and the crowdfunding process.
You can listen to Joel's interview online here:
About Dans
Dans (Turkish for ‘dance’) is an animated documentary based around the storytelling of Sol, an elderly Turkish migrant now living in New Zealand. In this colourful short Sol recounts a treasured memory from his early days as a refugee spent at “The Orange” - a popular dance hall in Auckland. - See more at: www.dans.loadingdocs.net
Continue reading -
LOADING DOCS LAUNCHPAD LIFTS OFF WITH CROWD FUNDING CAMPAIGN
February will be a nerve-wracking month for the Loading Docs filmmakers as they embark on crowdfunding campaigns to raise money for production of their documentaries.
Once complete the films will be launched in May 2014 and made freely available to view and share anywhere and everywhere.
Before film making can begin, each of the filmmakers has been set a challenge - they must raise $2,000 on New Zealand crowdfunding site pledgeme.co.nz, which will be matched by $2,500 funding from Loading Docs, in addition to a post-production package.
Developing a strong relationship with audiences and promoting work online is now an essential aspect of filmmaking and the month-long crowdfunding campaign ending on the 4th of March, provides filmmakers with a unique platform to reach out to audiences even before production has begun.
The films represent a vast range of subjects, themes and styles from wildlife to waiata, animation to adventure sports; all with a unique take on the theme of home.
Get on board and support one or all of these ten unique three-minute documentary shorts. Visit the Loading Docs Collab page on PledgeMe
Continue reading -
Loading Docs Filmmaker Workshop
We are on a high after an extremely successful weekend with our Loading Docs filmmakers. Over two intense days we were able to get to know each other and each documentary story in more detail while preparing for production and the launch of our PledgeMe crowdfunding campaigns on the first of February.
We were very fortunate to have Anna Guenther, PledgeMe's Chief Bubble Blower join us to share her tips on how to plan for and execute a successful crowdfunding campaign, supported by our advisory team member Karl Sheridan, who ran a terrific campaign for his film, Dregs.
Advisory team members David White, Amie Mills and James Franklin were also on hand to work with filmmakers on production planning and crowdfunding/outreach strategies and Hayden Ellis, Short Film Assistant at the New Zealand Film Commission, provided filmmakers with advice on festival strategies and international distribution and marketing opportunities.
After spending time with the filmmakers and learning more about their projects we're even more impressed by the talented people who will be creating new 3 minute documentary works for Loading Docs and we look forward to helping to bring these into the world very soon.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who supported this workshop, including our funders NZ On Air and The New Zealand Film Commission, the department of Media, Film and Television at The University of Auckland for providing us with a venue and to The Quadrant Hotel and Suites Auckland for assisting us with accommodation and hosting workshop drinks.
Continue reading -
How will we choose just ten amazing films?
The deadline for submissions has passed and we have been bowled over by the volume and quality of proposals that we have received. Choosing just ten is going to be incredibly hard.Over the next week or so we’ll be processing submissions and Loading Docs Executive Producers Julia Parnell and Anna Jackson will make an initial shortlist. These finalists will be submitted to our advisory team and representatives from NZ On Air and The New Zealand Film Commission who will collaborate on the final ten.
Here’s what we will be looking for when we make our selection:
- Originality, creativity and innovation: unique stories or a fresh approach to telling a story.
- Concepts and treatments that will work successfully in a three-minute format.
- Achievability: with a short timeframe for production we need to be sure that proposals can be realised, that access has been secured, there are no issues with rights and that budgets are realistic.
- Diversity: we want to have a range of films with different subjects, styles, tone, people and places.
- Coherency: we want each documentary to be different, but we will also consider how well the selected films work together as a group.
It is clear already how much work has gone into each proposal so we will honour that by providing feedback on each project. This won’t happen immediately after the final ten films are announced, but we promise we will respond with feedback as soon as possible.
With so many amazing proposals, we wish we could select more than ten. That’s not possible at the moment, but we’re working towards future rounds of Loading Docs and focused on building a vibrant community to support New Zealand documentary shorts.
The ten documentaries selected will be announced in mid-December, but in the meantime, stay in touch via our blog, mailing list, Twitter and Facebook.
Thank you to all the amazing documentary makers who took the time to submit to Loading Docs.
Continue reading -
Why crowdfunding counts
One of the most common questions we're asked is how the crowdfunding aspect of Loading Docs works and why we're using crowdfunding.
Crowdfunding is an effective way to build interest in a film or project, to create a community that will become an active, involved and supportive audience. Filmmakers tend to make documentaries because they are passionate about an issue or subject and the craft of filmmaking. Audiences are passionate about documentaries for the same reasons, and crowdfunding provides a platform that connects people who make films with people who want to see them made. The financial aspect of crowdfunding is certainly very helpful, but local filmmakers we've spoken to who have been involved in crowdfunding campaigns have told us that they've benefited in other ways, receiving offers of support in the form of goods and services and also emotional support. Knowing that other people care about your project too and appreciate your work is also very rewarding.
Here's how the budget for each Loading Docs film breaks down:
- $2,500 production costs - given to each documentary directly
- $2,000 (minimum) crowdfunded directly to the documentary
- Colour grade and sound mix to prepare each film for final delivery.
We've set aside part of our budget to pay for a post production package (colour grade and audio mix) to ensure the films are all finished to the same high standard, and some further budget to help with music licensing because we think we can provide better value for filmmakers in this way, working collectively. Additionally, each film project has been allocated $2,500 for the director/producers to use at their own discretion, but we'll do whatever we can to make sure that money goes as far as possible.
Documentary filmmakers are a tenacious and resourceful bunch and a lot of people could manage to make a three minute film with $2,500 cash and the additional support we're providing. But we've added a crowdfunding target of $2,000 to raise the total film budgets to a reasonable level. So the total budget for each filmmaker should be at least $4,500. Looking at the success that documentary projects have enjoyed on our chosen crowdfunding platform, PledgeMe, we think $2,000 is a very achievable target.
Loading Docs has been jointly funded by NZ On Air (from the Ignite Digital Fund) and The New Zealand Film Commission to be a launchpad for New Zealand documentary shorts. Our mission is not just to produce 10 amazing short documentaries, but to ensure that these films are seen throughout New Zealand and all over the world, to enhance the profile of our documentary filmmaking talent and to grow a community of documentary filmmakers and film audiences.
All media industries have undergone huge changes over the past decade or so, and as we're all well aware, the film industry is no different. Times are tough and things are changing fast. Documentary makers are increasingly having to manage their own marketing and distribution, which is challenging and time consuming and requires an additional set of skills. That's why Loading Docs is not just about producing films, but also about supporting filmmakers to reach and connect with audiences, and crowdfunding is an important part of this strategy.
During February each Loading Docs film will run a campaign on PledgeMe. You'll be able to find all the film campaigns in one place, on our Collab page (which will look something like this) and each filmmaker will also have their own Loading Docs mini-site that will link to their crowdfunding campaign. The money that each filmmaker raises from their campaign will go into their own film, and they'll be responsible for managing their own campaign. Loading Docs will providing support by driving promotion for all the PledgeMe campaigns with the help of our media partner The NZ Herald (more on this soon).
To make sure each film project's PledgeMe campaign is the best it can be we will be running a two-day workshop for our ten filmmakers that will help them to develop a strategy and pitch, supported by PledgeMe founder Anna Guenther and Monster Valley's Karl Sheridan, who ran a terrific PledgeMe campaign for New Zealand street art documentary Dregs. We will also have the assistance of filmmaker David White to hone the treatments of the three minute film. David was one of thirty international filmmakers commissioned to produce a three-minute documentary short (The Cleanest Pig) for the GE Focus Forward Films project and is about to complete the Ingenious/NFTS Entrepreneurial Producing for the Creative Industries course in the UK.
That's enough from us for now. Watch the TEDX clip below from PledgeMe's Anna Guenther to find out more about why crowdfunding counts.
Continue reading -
'Home' a winner at Show Me Shorts
We had a fantastic time last night at the Show Me Shorts awards, a wonderful celebration of New Zealand's filmmaking talent. This local short film festival gets bigger and better every year!
It was particularly exciting to see two awards go to a documentary short. Congratulations to Thomas Gleeson whose film Home won the SDGNZ Best Editor NZ award and the Film Commission Special Jury Prize.
Gleeson's film explores the notion of home on many levels. As we follow the precarious journey of a house being relocated through some of New Zealand's most spectacular southern landscape we become intimately acquainted with the house, which takes on a character of its own. Home demonstrates how powerful a simple story can be, and how much can be said without words.
Here's a trailer for the film:
And here's an interview with Home director Thomas Gleeson from the Encounters Short Film and Animation festival (Bristol, UK).
You can see Home alongside an outstanding selection of New Zealand short films in the Our Place sessions at the Show Me Shorts film festival at locations throughout New Zealand this month (locations and dates here).
Continue reading -
Kia ora World
It's hard to believe, but it's already been two weeks since we launched our website and our call for proposals. It's been a long road to get here, so a few thank-you's are in order.
Firstly, a very, very big thank you to NZ On Air and The New Zealand Film Commission for recognising the value of this project and enabling us to make it happen.
Thanks also to:
Our advisory team: James Franklin, Amie Mills, Karl Sheridan, Hugh Sundae and David White.
Our media partner The New Zealand Herald.
Our crowdfunding partner PledgeMe
And to Assemble for creating our fantastic logo and website.
To everyone who who has offered advice, assistance, encouragement and support, thank you; we really couldn't have done it without you.
We have spent several years working to make Loading Docs a reality because we are passionate about the importance of New Zealand documentary. We wanted to create a platform for filmmakers that would support them to tell the kinds of stories that aren't being told elsewhere; to encourage creativity and innovation; create a passionate community of documentary filmmakers and documentary fans and to explore ways that we can create a more sustainable future for documentary in New Zealand.
Loading Docs is a small project with big ambition. We would like to see Loading Docs films on screens (big and small) all over the world, not just on TVs and in cinemas but on airplanes and buses, on billboards in New York, in waiting rooms, festivals, elevators... maybe even on a space station. Each film is a message from New Zealand to the world that speaks of us, our talent and our potential.
To realise this goal we're going to need a lot of help, starting now. Please spread the word about Loading Docs. Tell your filmmaking friends and your film-loving friends. Like us, follow us, talk to us! We welcome your ideas and invite you to be part of the Loading Docs community.
Once again, we really can't say it enough... THANK YOU!
Anna and Julia
We made a video to tell the world about Loading Docs' call for proposals. Just like the Loading Docs films, feel free to share or embed.
Remember, submissions close on 25 November!Loading Docs call for proposals from Loading Docs on Vimeo.
Continue reading
