Athens Film Lab: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it necessary for all three: director, producer and script-writer, to participate in the Athens Film Lab?
Reply: Both the producer and the director have to participate in the Athens Film lab and they cannot be the same person. In case the script-writer is a third person, he/she must participate too.
2. In case my idea succeeds in being selected among the 21 initial participants, but I am not able to attend a certain part of the procedure, am I rejected altogether?
Reply: In case of selection, the whole team that submitted the idea is obligated to participate in all the parts and stages of the Athens Film Lab.
3. Can the director and the producer be the same person?
Reply: No.
4. Can the director and the script-writer be the same person?
Reply: Yes.
5. Can the producer and the script-writer be the same person?
Reply: Yes.
6. Can the producer and / or the script-writer be newcomers to the field?
Reply: Yes.
7. Can the director be a newcomer?
Reply: No. The director must have completed at least one short-film, which must have been screened in at least one accredited film festival.
8. Is there any limitation concerning the film’s genre, e.g. drama or science fiction?
Reply: No. However, the film needs to fall under the wider range of fiction. No documentaries or animation films will be accepted.
9. In which language should I submit the application?
Reply: The initial application, meeting the June 30th deadline, can be submitted in Greek or in English. However, in case of selection among the 21 best scripts, the completed file which will be submitted in September must be both in Greek and in English.
10. When is the amount of 7.000€ going to be deposited? Is the VAT included in this amount?
Reply: The prerequisite for the 7.000€ payment to be made is the submission of the final cut of the film by the participants. The final cut must be accompanied by tax documentation (invoice from the director, producer, writer, script-writer) as well as tax and social security clearance. The amount that will be paid to each film is 7.000€ + VAT.
11. What happens if the film is not completed within the agreed time frame?
Reply: There is no allowance for not completing the film. All 7 films which will be finally selected must be delivered at first cut according to schedule.
12. Is there any age limitation for the producers?
Reply: No. The age limitation concerns only the directors who cannot be over 40 years-old (date of birth until 31/12/1975).
13. The amount of 7.000€ will be paid in installments or all at once?
Reply: All at once.
14. In what format must the film be submitted?
Reply: In DCP.
15. Besides the 7.000€ financing, is it permitted for the 7 films to have other sources of finance?
Reply: No other source of finance will be regarded equal or greater to that of the NSRF. Also, any further financing must be approved by the Athens Film Lab. NSRF projects publicity rules must strictly be obeyed, according to the detailed instructions found in the following link: https://goo.gl/D0h3jv
16. Is there a detailed time schedule for the program and important dates?
Reply: The initial 21 projects which will be selected, will attend script, direction and production masterclasses on the 10th,11th and 12th of July, and a briefing masterclass on subtitling for concerning PWD on the 18th of July. These 21 projects will also participate in the remaining activities of the Athens Film Lab during the 2015 Athens International Film Festival Opening Nights.
17. Are transportation and accommodation expenses covered for those living outside of Athens?
Reply: No.
18. Must the script be original or can it be based on already existing work, such as a book?
Reply: The script can either be original or based on already existing work, as long as all copyright issues are resolved in case of the latter.
19. What happens if a participant misses one stage of the program in July or September?
Reply: Each of the 21 teams must necessarily be present at all stages and activities of the Athens Film Lab otherwise, they will be excluded from the procedure. Also, each of the 7 projects that will be finally selected must deliver the film within the defined time schedule.
20. May I submit more than one application?
Reply: Each team has the right to submit only one application. However, the members of each team may submit more applications if they wish so, provided that the composition of each applicant group is different. For example, a producer may participate with more than one application as long as the director is different in each case. The same applies for the director as well.
Contact information:
If there are any questions concerning the submission procedure, please communicate via e-mail to athensfilmlab@aiff.gr. No clarifications will be provided via telephone.
The 21st Athens International Film Festival – Opening Nights is organized by the Athens Film Society (a Non-Profit Organization) and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund within the National Strategic Reference Framework 2007–2013. All events and activities are realized with the collaboration of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Education and Religious Affairs.
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WITH THE SUPPORT OF: City of Athens
