Commonwealth Writers, the cultural initiative of the Commonwealth Foundation, is offering craft development opportunities for early career filmmakers and screenwriters from Commonwealth Foundation member states in the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Facilitated by Commonwealth Writers under the guidance of experienced local filmmakers, Caribbean Voices is open to writer-directors, or writer and director teams. The initiative will offer successful applicants the opportunity to take part in a one-week skills development workshop, taking place 18-24 May 2020 in Antigua and Barbuda. On completion of the workshops, participants will have the chance to apply for £8000 bursaries to make a short 10-15 minute film to show at local and international film festivals. Bursaries will be offered between July 2020 and January 2021, with films completed by 30 June 2021.
The exact format of the workshops will depend on the needs of the selected applicants. Sessions will include:
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Script development.
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Pre-production – including budgeting, locations, casting, building teams, scheduling.
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Capturing the story through the lens / understanding camera positioning.
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Directing actors.
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Post-production.
The initiative is for early career writer-directors or writer and director teams, who can demonstrate a commitment to developing their careers in film. Minimum age is 21. Applicants must be citizens, and must currently reside, in one of the Commonwealth Foundation member states in the Caribbean.
Workshops, international travel, accommodation, and meals will be paid for and provided by Commonwealth Writers. Participants who complete the workshop will also have the opportunity to apply for £8000 bursaries to make a short 10-15 minute film to show at local and international film festivals.
