BABYLON 2015

Programme 2015

BABYLON offers targeted, project-based training for teams of feature film Writers, Directors and Producers, aimed at preparing their projects for the international market, maximising their production and distribution potential with key skills put into practice over an extended period.

The programme focuses on a combination of script development, production skills and market understanding, balancing intensive residential workshops with continuous mentoring by senior industry consultants.

Babylon's aim is to to build a successful and diverse pool of film storytelling and talent; to promote and strengthen cultural diversity within the independent film sector, and to provide an international platform for emerging filmmakers.

BABYLON is generously funded this year by the Vienna Film Fund (FFW - Filmfonds Wien) and the Baden-Wuerttemberg Film Fund (MFG - Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany) with individual grant support from the Greek Film Centre, Creative Skillset, UK, Israel Film Fund and the Audiovisual Regional Fund Friuli Venezia Giulia (tbc).

Ten projects were selected this year. For full details of projects and participants click here

The Babylon Programme 2015 will run as follows:

VIENNA - 19-22 February 2015

4-day Feature Project Development Workshop concentrated on intensive script work, film concept and package, tutored by high-level industry professionals.

Introductory pitching and group discussion of selected projects
In-depth screenplay and project analysis with professional consultants in smaller project groups
Screening and discussion of extracts from participants' previously filmed work
Lectures and case studies covering related topics - dramaturgy, genre, visual interpretion, aspects of production, reaching an audience
Networking reception and welcome buffet
3 nights' accommodation available for non-Vienna participants

Feb-March 2015 - Rewrite phase assisted by Babylon course mentors (email/phone/Skype). Teams work on script corrections, packaging and presentation, then all projects are re-assessed in late March. Those demonstrating good progress, a convincing creative package and readiness for the international market will be selected for the Cannes Industry workshop.

Please note: participation in the Cannes Workshop is selective and we cannot guarantee inclusion.

CANNES - 15-18 May 2015

4-day Industry workshop for selected participants combining targeted industry seminars, panels and case studies, ongoing consultation and networking:

Orientation tour of the Cannes Market
Free accreditation to Cannes Market and associated screenings
Daily seminar programme with industry guests covering such topics as pitching, market placement, co-production, approaching creative talent, packaging and financing, sales and distribution
Ongoing one-to-one project consultation
Advice with finance plan and co-production options
Personal mentoring and introductions
Public discussion with industry professionals
Networking opportunities
3 night's accommodation available for selected participants

LONDON - September/October 2015

Follow-up project sessions, 1 day per project. Sessions by appointment will be held at the offices of Scenario Films with the project consultants.

Costs

Personal participation fees from funded regions are GBP 305/Euros 350 per individual with an additional GBP 85 /Euros 100 supplement payable if selected for Cannes. Transport costs are the responsibility of participants.

Our actual costs are far higher and generally covered by our funding partners. Applicants who are not from our funding regions Vienna and Baden-Wuerttemberg may need to apply for bursarial support to cover these costs.

Support is currently available in the UK in the form of Creative Skillset's "Film Skills Fund International Scholarships". Please check your eligibility here. For further information please contact the BABYLON office before applying.

Ongoing membership of the Babylon Network is free for all graduates.

To apply click here »