The WIF/GM grant will again be awarded to five up-and-coming female filmmakers, chosen through an application process overseen by a WIF selection committee comprised of professional filmmakers and entertainment industry executives. The grant will provide recipients with a broad-based understanding of the business of filmmaking through a five-day, full-immersion mentoring program shepherded by members of WIF.
"Last year's inaugural launch was tremendously successful," says Judith James, chair of the WIF/GM Alliance, "and the recipients have clearly been able to advance their careers as a result. This type of business and creative foundation has proven to open doors and will benefit both the new talent and the industry for years to come."
This year's winners will be hosted by the WIF/GM Alliance November 3rd - 8th, in Santa Monica, CA. Award winners will attend individual and group meetings with film industry pros, who will review with them the national and international aspects of finance, marketing, distribution and legal subjects.
Additionally, they will meet as a group with a panel of studio executives and distributors in film and television to discuss the trends and criteria shaping the industry. They will also meet with one or more international sales agents to discuss the current trends in buying and selling product for the international market. And they will receive full access badges to the American Film Market to attend AFM seminars and conferences.
Applications and entry guidelines for the Women In Film/General Motors 2006 Acceleration Grant for Emerging Filmmakers can be obtained at: www.women-in-film.com. The deadline for submissions is September 1st. The grants are open to women pursuing filmmaking careers in entertainment.