Loading Docs 2018 submissions now open

Loading Docs, New Zealand’s leading platform for high-quality short documentaries, is once again seeking proposals from New Zealand filmmakers for creative and original three-minute documentary shorts.

The 2018 collection of documentaries will be united by the theme of ‘impact’. As in previous years, ten shorts will be created and distributed with the support of principal funder NZ On Air, along with The New Zealand Film Commission and Te Māngai Pāho.

Telling a compelling three-minute story is a test of creativity, and ingenuity. Now it’s the turn of a new crop of filmmakers to be part of a movement that is transforming the way we make and view documentary shorts in Aotearoa.

In 2018 the theme will be taken one step further, speaking not only to the content of the documentaries but also to the process; Loading Docs filmmakers will team up with an ‘Impact Partner’ – an influential group or individual in support of their short – to open further funding, audience and distribution pathways.

Loading Docs looks forward to receiving applications from a range of filmmakers who are as diverse as the stories they will tell. In particular, proposals are requested that speak to Māori, Pasifika and Asian perspectives. There is also provision for a documentary in te reo Māori to complete the collection.

“Impact is a powerful word; it has influence and weight. Impact clearly states its intentions and demands outcomes, and I am incredibly excited to be on the verge of embarking on another journey into miniature but mighty storytelling with a new group of imaginative filmmakers.”

Julia Parnell, Executive Producer

10 documentaries will be selected with each team receiving extensive support and opportunities for growth:

  • $4,450 production funding.
  • Support to run a crowdfunding campaign through Boosted that must raise a minimum of $2,000.
  • A colour grade and sound-mix package delivered by Department of Post.
  • Professional development opportunities, story and creative treatment, outreach and distribution strategies, access to local and international experts, hands on support to develop new work and assistance to find suitable impact partners.

This is an opportunity for the best emerging filmmaking voices in New Zealand to take up the challenge and be part of this cutting edge short documentary initiative.

For more information about Loading Docs and to watch the documentaries produced for Loading Docs in since 2014, visit www.loadingdocs.net/shorts

Important dates

  • 3 April 2018 at 9am – Deadline for proposals.
  • 11 April – Successful applicants notified.
  • 21 & 22 April – Loading Docs workshop.
  • 16 May till 15 June – Crowdfunding campaign.
  • June – Production commences.

Visit www.loadingdocs.net/submit to submit a proposal.
Watch our call out teaser here: https://vimeo.com/259278379

SEND YOUR SUBMISSIONS TO: submissions@loadingdocs.net
no later than 9am Tuesday 3rd of April 2018.