The HBOAccess 2020 Directing Fellowship is designed to give emerging, directors from underrepresented groups the ability to shoot a project for HBO.
The program will select up to 3 diverse directors to take part in a series of master classes held over one week in June at the HBO campus in Santa Monica. Classes will consist of discussions with industry leaders and will focus on the craft of directing as well as the business aspects of securing an agent and effective networking.
Winners will direct a pilot presentation for HBO which will air on HBO, HBO Go, HBO Now, and HBO On Demand.
Submission Instructions. Please follow carefully:
1. Create a Project on FilmFreeway. Log in to your FilmFreeway account and click 'My Projects', then 'Add New Project'. Thoroughly complete the details on this page. Make sure you have selected 'Film/Video' as 'Project Type' in Section 1.
After you have created and saved a Project, you can revisit this page by going to 'My Projects', then clicking 'Edit'.
2. Upload your film. Go to 'My Projects', then 'Project File' to upload.
3. Attach your résumé. Go to My Projects, click 'View', then click 'Add a File' in the 'Files and Attachments' section to upload your résumé.
4. Click 'Submit Now' on this page: https://filmfreeway.com/festival/HBOAccess2020DirectingFellowship
Make sure to answer to ALL questions during the checkout process.
5. Candidates are required to supply the following through the FilmFreeway portal:
• Resume or Bio
• A sample of your work (see below for types of films accepted)
• Answer to 2 short essay questions
• Agreement of terms and conditions
Will waivers be offered and accepted?
No late submissions will be accepted. No waivers will be offered.
What kind of material should I submit?
Submissions must be one of the following:
* Feature length film
* Short film
* Webisode
We do not accept documentary or animated films for the first round.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any diverse director, 21 or over, who meets our application requirements.
I am not 21 now, but what if I turn 21 by the time the program begins?
If you are over 21 by the time the program starts in June, feel free to apply.
What is the fellowship’s definition of an underrepresented group?
For the purposes of the HBOACCESS program, underrepresented groups are defined as those who identify as any of the following:
* Asian
* Black
* LatinX
* Native American or Indigenous
* Middle Eastern
* Women
* Non-binary
* Transgender
And people with disabilities?
Differently abled candidates from the above underrepresented groups are welcome to apply.
Are there any guidelines on who can apply?
Yes. You should not apply to this program if you have previously directed episodic television or directed more than one theatrically released film.
What is the personal statement prompt?
Essay prompts are generated randomly by the FilmFreeway website.
When does the application process open?
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 9am PST/12pm noon EST.
When will it close?
The submission portal will close on Friday, February 21, 2020 at midnight PST.
Can I still apply if I am represented by an agent or manager?
Yes, you are eligible to apply.
Are there any costs to the candidates?
No, it is free of charge.
When will interviews be held?
Interviews will be held in late April or early May 2020.
What is the selection process?
In late April/early May, we will choose up to 20 semi-finalists who will be given a phone interview and asked to submit a second sample. Of those 20, up to 12 of them will be asked to interview in person with our team of HBO executives. At that time, candidates will be required to pitch their take on up to three scripts provided through the HBOAccess Writing Fellowship.
Will I have to submit a second sample?
Yes, but only if you are chosen to advance to the final round interviews.
Can that second sample be a documentary or a music video?
Yes.
Do I have to be in the DGA to apply?
No.
What days/times will the Master Classes take place?
The classes will take place June 8-12th at the HBO offices in Santa Monica from 10am to 5pm.
Will HBO pay for travel and lodging for the one week course?
HBO will provide a stipend to those selected. However, all participants in the program will be responsible for arranging their own travel and lodging arrangements.
Do I have to be in LA for the 3 month production process?
Yes, you will need to be in LA for the workshop in June as well as casting, pre-production, production, and post.
Must I be a U.S. citizen in order to apply?
No, but you must have the right to work in the U.S. HBO cannot aid you in obtaining the right to work, you must already have the appropriate documents prior to applying to the program.
Can HBO employees apply?
Those who work for HBO directly are ineligible for the program. However, if you work for a production company or studio on a series or film for an HBO or Warner Brothers you are welcome to apply.
Is there a submission cap on the number of entries?
While there is no cap on the number of directors who can apply to the program, each applicant can only apply once.
What if I am out of the country during the application window?
We recommend that you find a computer with a strong internet connection, figure out the time difference between countries, and apply. If you get your application in before the deadline date, your submission will be entered. Just remember that we can only accept one sample per person. Please do not submit multiple applications.
Good luck!