DIRECTING WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN
20th Cycle
Who is eligible to apply for this program?
The prime applicant pool is comprised of talented, ambitious and motivated women. AFI's DWW is designed specifically for women who are working in the arts and are ready to seriously pursue narrative directing. Applicants must have a minimum of five years experience in the arts but may have no professional credits as a narrative director. If you have just completed film school, it is to your advantage to take some time and build up work experience before applying to the program.
I made a documentary that aired nationally on PBS (or was distributed nationally in theaters). Am I eligible to apply?
"Professional credits" are defined for the purposes of DWW as a directing credit on a nationally broadcast or nationally distributed narrative (fictional) feature film or television show. Previous experience in documentary does not exclude you from eligibility.
I am not a US citizen. Am I eligible to apply?
An applicant must be a US citizen or a permanent resident (with Green Card) and must reside and work in the United States or its territories during the Workshop period.
What are my chances of being selected for this prestigious program?
Selection is very competitive. Approximately 6% of all applicants are selected to participate in the program.
How many women are accepted into the program?
Up to eight women are chosen as participants each cycle.
I have a lot of projects going on right now. Is it necessary to spend a lot of time on my application? Can I just submit my script for consideration?
An application is absolutely necessary. Participants are expected to maintain a level of professionalism and are treated as working directors. An application or script that is incomplete, messy or obviously "thrown together" is a strong indication that the applicant will not succeed in the program. Incomplete applications may be returned to the applicant.
I've heard that the DWW is mainly for famous actresses and women who already have high profile connections. Do I even have a chance of getting in?
While a number of alumnae were high profile personalities when they entered the program, the Workshop is about providing opportunities to women with diverse backgrounds who are committed to making the most of their time as participants.
Can applicants apply to the program with scripts they did not write themselves?
The screenplay does not have to be written by the applicant and applicants are often better served by submitting material written by an outside writer. However, when an outside writer's material is used, all necessary rights must be obtained from the author and submitted with application materials.
I have a writing partner and am interested in co-directing with her. Can we apply as a team?
Yes, the team should submit as co-applicants. Teams have been seriously considered in previous selection processes, but to date no team has been selected.
If I am accepted into the program, what kind of time commitment do I have to make?
An approximate eight-month commitment to the Workshop is necessary. This includes not only the three-week training Workshop, but pre-production, production and post-production time for the narrative projects. The three-week Workshop requires full-time attendance at the AFI Campus in Los Angeles. The average Workshop day is between eight and 10 hours.
Will I be able to continue to work at my job during the eight months?
The hours required during the three-week Workshop preclude participants maintaining any office/work hours. Many participants find time to return to work on a limited basis during pre-production or post-production. However, production schedules are intense and applicants are cautioned that working may not be possible.
What does AFI provide to me if I am selected for the DWW?
Participation in the program is a unique experience that has, in many cases, been a springboard to professional directing jobs. DWW participants are provided with $5,000 production funding (paid in installments), digital video equipment, a grip-electric package (which participants may choose to supplement through outside vendors), production insurance, use of AFI's SAG agreement, access to edit time on an Avid, system and a screening facility for the film's premiere.
Is my budget limited to the $5,000 AFI provides?
Participants who reside in Los Angeles may raise up to an additional $20,000 in support of their productions (for a total of $25,000). Participants who do not reside in Los Angeles may raise an additional $25,000 in support of their productions and to cover living expenses (for a total of $30,000). Raising the entire amount allowable is not a requirement of the program. In fact, many projects have not raised the total amount allowed and have had very successful productions.
I have access to free edit time at a post-production facility. Am I able to edit my project off Campus?
Although participants are given access to AFI editing facilities, participants may also choose to edit at an outside facility. Outside editing facilities must be approved in advance. Editing schedules are very strictly monitored and any participants editing off-campus are required to screen cuts of their film for evaluation of progress. All projects must be brought to picture-lock by the end of the 20 assigned edit days.
May I shoot my project on film?
The opportunity to shoot 24p HiDef video is an advantage to emerging directors. The main focus of the program is to provide participants with the education and opportunity to explore and learn about the process that a director must go through to successfully bring a short project to completion. The timetable for prepping, shooting and posting DWW projects is extremely fast and is not conducive to shooting on film. All projects must be shot with the 24p HiDef camera provided.
Am I required to provide my own crew?
Participants are responsible for securing their own crews. AFI does not provide a pool of crew members but can provide assistance if a participant is having a difficult time locating someone to fill a specific position. An AFI production coordinator will be provided for each production.
What happens to my finished film? Does it screen anywhere?
All DWW projects have the opportunity to premiere on AFI's Campus in the Mark Goodson Screening Room and will also be featured in a one-night showcase with other DWW projects at the ArcLight in Hollywood. After a participant's film has premiered, she may screen her project at festivals worldwide. Submission to festivals is the filmmaker's responsibility. After the film has had its festival run, (generally about 18 months), AFI makes every attempt to secure distribution for the project in a variety of venues. AFI retains the copyright to projects made within the DWW.
If I am not selected as a participant, is it possible to take the three-week
classroom portion of the Workshop for a fee?
At this time, the Workshop can only accommodate the eight women selected to participate in the program. Interested parties can volunteer to work on the productions in June and July. This provides an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the program and make connections with participants and alumnae.
How do I apply for the program?
For an application, click here or call 323.856.7628.
How can I, or my business, donate money to this essential program?
The DWW could not exist without support from individuals and corporations committed to providing opportunities for women in the arts.
Individuals may send donations to:
AFI
Attn: Development Department
2021 N. Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Please note "Directing Workshop for Women" in the memo section on all checks to ensure that your donation goes directly to the program.
For corporate sponsorship information, please contact John Campbell, Chief Development Officer, at 323.856.7680.
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