AFCOOP Updates — Fall GM, Workshops & Grants — October 17, 2024

AFCOOP’S FALL WORKSHOP SERIES

Registration is now open for our Fall Workshop Series. AFCOOP’s Fall Workshops offer a selection of introductory filmmaking sessions designed to give participants a balanced overview of independent filmmaking in Nova Scotia. Space is limited so please register early.

VENUE ACCESSIBILITY
AFCOOP is located at 1800 Argyle Street (Suite 303) in the Light House Arts Centre. There is a ramp to the main entrance on Argyle Street and elevators inside the lobby to the third floor, as well as gender-neutral bathrooms.

PRICING POLICY
AFCOOP recognizes there are systemic inequities that create barriers for people in accessing film training. In an effort to address and recognize historical and present-day inequities, we have created a pay-what-you-can style pricing plan for our workshops. Please feel free to sign up for whatever price point you are most comfortable with, no questions asked.

$35 — Regular Rate: This rate covers the cost of paying our instructor as well as the cost of staff time to organize and promote the workshop.

$20 — Reduced Rate: This rate makes a contribution towards our costs.

$0 — FREE: This rate acknowledges that financial means should not be a barrier to becoming a filmmaker. Please note that spaces are limited for this option and it's on a first come, first served basis.

See this year’s lineup of workshops below. Please note that dates are tentative and subject to change—workshops may be added or removed depending on registration numbers and interest.

Intro to Directing
Instructor: Charles Wahl
October 23, 2024, 18:00 – 21:00
REGISTER

Intro to Screenwriting
Instructor: Tara Thorne
October 30, 2024, 18:00 – 21:00
REGISTER

Intro to Cinematography
Instructor: Tim Mombourquette
November 06, 2023, 18:00 –21:00
REGISTER

VOLUNTEERS: We will need volunteers for lockup duty at these workshops. If you are interested in volunteering for a specific workshop, email Henry Colin at [email protected]

NEXT DEADLINE: December 1st, 2024
APPLY HERE

AFCOOP’s filmmaking grants support the production of local independent films through in-kind equipment and resources. There are grants that are open to the public as well as some that are only open to AFCOOP Full Members. For all grants, the individual applying must hold ownership and creative control of the project. Only Nova Scotia residents are eligible for grants.

If you have any inquiries please contact Henry: [email protected]

Applications will be accepted online only up until 11:59pm on August 1, 2024.

FIRST THING GRANT

Provides resources and training to make your first film including:

• $500 in-kind gear and facilities (valued at regular rates)
• “Intro to Filmmaking in Nova Scotia” workshop
• 2 x workshops of your choice
• Associate Membership
• 3 x 1hr meetings with an AFCOOP mentor

Eligibility: Open to all applicants including non-members. This grant is intended for filmmakers with little or no experience. If you have made a few shorts on your own but feel like you would benefit from this support then you are certainly still eligible

SUPER-8 BURSARY

Covers all costs associated with shooting a short Super-8 film including:

• Two rolls of colour or b&w Super-8 film from the AFCOOP fridge (exact stocks may vary, however we will try to accommodate specific requests)
• Super-8 camera rental (duration is flexible depending on the needs of the project)
• Shipping to and from the lab
• Film processing at a professional film lab
• Digitization (this will be done in house at AFCOOP unless the filmmaker wishes to pay extra for a professional frame-by-frame scan at the lab)

Eligibility: Open to all applicants including non-members. This grant is suitable for beginners as well as established filmmakers. Super-8 is an accessible entry-level analogue format and AFCOOP staff will provide a camera tutorial/refresher if needed.

FEEDBACK LOOP

Provides professional mentorship from an AFCOOP member or community member for a project you are developing. Examples of types of support you might request include: production feedback from a producer or production manager, script feedback from a screenwriter, or feedback on your rough-cut from an editor. Mentors will be selected from senior AFCOOP members and the community based on the nature of your project. You are welcome to apply with a specific person in mind, however, we can’t guarantee we will be able to match you with that individual.

Eligibility: Open to all applicants including non-members.

ANALOGUE FILM GRANTS

Provides resources for the production of a project involving analogue film (Super-8, 16mm or 35) including:

• $500 cash project support
• $2000 equipment in-kind gear and facilities (valued at regular rates)
• Ability to be covered under AFCOOP’s production insurance if needed

Eligibility: AFCOOP Full Members only.

INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS GRANT

Provides resources for the production of an independent film project including:

• $500 cash project support
• $2000 equipment in-kind gear and facilities (valued at regular rates)
• Ability to be covered under AFCOOP’s production insurance if needed

Eligibility: AFCOOP Full Members only. Please note that if this funding is being combined with other grants from Arts NS or Canada Council you will need to indicate if those grants are confirmed or pending and indicate how you would proceed with the project without that support.

FOR ENTRY + FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

October 18: Screenwriters Development Fund
The Screenwriters Development Fund helps create and develop film and TV scripts by Nova Scotia filmmakers; strengthen the film and TV industry by developing Nova Scotia filmmakers, writers, and producers; and support diversity, inclusion, and gender parity.

November 15: Arts NS Grants to Individuals
This program supports Nova Scotia’s professional, practicing artists in the creation and dissemination of their own work. The program also supports professional artists by helping them to develop their practice and skills in all disciplines including fine crafts, music, literary, visual, media, and performing arts.

SEQUESTERED SCREENWRITERS GROUP RETURNS!

TUESDAY, MAY 28 at 6:30 PM
SIGN UP HERE

The Sequestered Screenwriters group, a series of virtual sessions for screenwriters to share their work, is ready to make its triumphant return!

The group meets online the last Tuesday of every month to read and discuss each other’s short film scripts. In advance of the meeting, participants are given access to writing prompts to use (or not). Participants can send in their scripts, or works in progress to be discussed in the group. It’s FREE and open to all.

Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up! (it's free)

2. Screenwriting prompts will be provided if desired. Otherwise, feel free to submit a screenplay or segment of up to 6 pages. Outlines are also welcome.

3. Work on your script and send it in to Henry by Thursday Oct 24th.

4. Scripts will be sent out to the group on Friday, Oct 25th.

5. Online Group Meeting! Wednesday, Oct 30th, 6:30pm.

If you don't like the prompt or if you have a script in progress that you'd rather work on that's totally fine. Write a new script each month, or work on something longer term! The group will be facilitated by members Tracy McNeil and Emma Boardman. If you have any questions, contact Henry: [email protected]

AFCOOP’s Filmmakers Job Board is a place to connect with filmmakers and film crews looking for work, or volunteers looking to gain experience in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

Submitting to the AFCOOP Job Board is totally free! All posts are subject to approval by AFCOOP staff and will be reviewed before they appear on the site.

Note: You don't have to create an account to post a job. If you wish, simply enter your email to sign up at the time of job submission.

See it all HERE!