Selected Projects will be featured at Independent Film Week’s Project Forum in NYC September 14-18 2014

March 17, 2014 (Brooklyn, NY) – The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) announced today a new Web Series Sidebar as part of its RBC Emerging Storytellers program. Up to five web series in development, production, or post-production will be selected to participate in the largest meetings-based forum in the United States. As part of their acceptance, projects also will have exclusive access to additional IFP web series programs launching in 2015. The most selective of IFP’s Independent Film Week Project Forum programs, RBC Emerging Storytellers is the premiere US talent pool for new voices on the independent scene.  The program introduces writers and writer/directors to producers, executives, and agents who can help take their projects – and careers – to the next level.

“As the barriers between film, television, and the web grow more porous, emerging storytellers are gravitating towards smaller screens and shorter form content to showcase their talents,” said Joana Vicente, Executive Director of the IFP and the Made in NY Media Center.  “We are excited to expand our expertise connecting storytellers to essential resources to artists focusing on web series.

All participants will receive:

*Dozens of personally curated meetings with digital distributors, online platforms, production companies, financiers, agents, managers, and others who can help take their web series – and their careers – to the next level.

*Hands-on mentorship from experienced innovators, IFP staff, and alumni filmmakers working across different mediums and platforms.

*Exclusive access to the Filmmaker Conference at Independent Film Week, as well as new IFP programs focused on web series (coming in February, 2015).

Guidelines

*The Web Storytellers sidebar is open to narrative web series currently in development, production, or post-production.

*Each year, up to five projects will be accepted.

*All projects participating must be directed by an American, or any director based in the U.S.

*All projects participating cannot be released publically until October 2014.

*Applicants must submit a pilot script, and a show bible. The show bible is a document that gives information on the series’ characters and setting, as well as an overview of potential future plotlines.

*New seasons of already premiered web series are welcome to apply, as long as they will not premiere new episodes until December 2014.

*Web series with distribution deals already in place are welcome to apply.

To apply go to www.ifp.org/programs/independent-film-week/project-forum-2/emerging-storytellers/.

For more information contact Jody Arlington, Director of Communications, IFP [email protected] / 202.316.4316.

About IFP

The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP) champions the future of storytelling by connecting artists with essential resources at all stages of development and distribution. The organization fosters a vibrant and sustainable independent storytelling community through its year-round programs, which include Independent Film Week, Filmmaker Magazine, the Gotham Independent Film Awards and the Made in NY Media Center by IFP, a new incubator space developed with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. IFP represents a growing network of 10,000 storytellers around the world, and plays a key role in developing 350 new feature and documentary works each year. During its 35-year history, IFP has supported over 8,000 projects and offered resources to more than 20,000 filmmakers, including Debra Granik, Miranda July, Michael Moore, Dee Rees, and Benh Zeitlin. More info at www.ifp.org.

About Independent Film Week

Independent Film Week is the destination for storytellers in all mediums to connect with industry and peers to further advance their projects in an environment that promotes community, growth, and career sustainability. Filmmakers, content creators, innovators, and audiences come out in force to experience first-hand the expanded opportunities IFP has been working to provide the international film and media community.  Film Week encompasses the Filmmaker Conference, and the concurrent Project Forum that both showcase how great projects and creatives can connect with collaborators and audiences to make work that stands out in a crowded marketplace across multiple platforms and mediums.