Applications are open with a deadline of April 28, 2024.
Generously supported by Netflix as part of the Canadian Storytellers Project, the Hot Docs Incubator is designed for documentary filmmakers who are seeking to grow their careers, with a project that demonstrates creative and market potential.
The Opportunity
The second iteration of the Hot Docs Incubator will provide project grants, training, mentorship, and investment to documentary film directors, producers, and editors (referred to as “fellows”) to enhance their business development capacity and drive early interest in their current projects.
Each fellow receives:
- A grant of $20,000, to be used in the development of their project;
- Two in-person intensive training sessions (three days per session);
- Ten online training sessions scheduled between in-person intensives;
- Access to our Producer-in-Residence, Director-in-Residence, or Editor-in-Residence for mentorship during the year, as well as a Financial Strategist and Company Builder-in-Residence;
- All-IN industry all-access passes to Hot Docs 2025.
This cross-disciplinary, intermediate level training will be led by expert facilitators and speakers, delving deeply into the art and business of documentary, market readiness, and company building.
The Incubator will culminate with each fellow presenting a scene select at a Work-in-Progress session during the 2025 Hot Docs Festival, conference, and market. Fellows will receive ALL-IN industry all-access passes to Hot Docs 2025 for further networking and learning opportunities.
Eligibility
Applicants must be:
- Mid-career documentary filmmakers with a promising project currently in development or production;
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
While all participants must be the primary rights holder to the project they are applying with, we are actively seeking applicants who wish to develop their careers in filmmaking and business building. If you own the copyright and are working as the director or editor of your film, we encourage you to apply. You will be asked to identify which discipline you most wish to grow through the program.
Projects must:
- Be in late development or active production (projects in early post-production may be considered);
- Be feature-length format (no series work accepted at this time);
- Have proof of meaningful creative and financial and copyright ownership by the applicant;
- Have the promise of a strong storyline that appeals to a broad international audience.
Outcomes
- A strong teaser for the project that will serve as a calling card and assist the team in business development for the project, including pitching to financiers, distributors, commissioners, platforms, and others;
- Progress on the development/production of the film with experts working in tandem;
- Enhanced practical knowledge on the craft and business of documentary filmmaking for application towards future projects and opportunities;
- A business strategy to grow your company;
- Established or enhanced relationships with fellow filmmakers in the cohort.
Timeline
Applications for the 2024-25 Hot Docs Incubator are open as of February 28 with a deadline of April 28, 2024. Applicants will be notified of their application status in mid-June 2024.
Applicants must be committed to participating in:
- The two planned in-person Incubator sessions, currently scheduled to take place in early October 2024 and late February 2025 (final dates TBC);
- The 2025 Hot Docs Festival, Conference and Market.
