2011 Sundance/Alfred P. Sloan Commissioning Grant

In addition to running one of the leading North American film festivals, the Sundance Institute also provides support and assistance to independent filmmakers. The Alfred P. Sloan Commissioning Grant is a $20,000 screenplay development prize offered to writers of stories based on science and scientists. The grant is for those who wish "to create more realistic and compelling stories about science and technology; and to challenge existing stereotypes about scientists, engineers, and mathematicians in the popular imagination."

The award is named for the noted but controversial philanthropist who was president and CEO of General Motors in the early- to mid-20th century. Applicants need not reside in the U.S. but the project must be in the English language. The postmark deadline for applications is September 24, 2010.
---

2011 Sundance/Alfred P. Sloan Commissioning Grant

INTRODUCTION
Established in 2005, the Sundance/Sloan Commissioning Grant is an annual cash award for a science or technology related narrative (fiction) feature-length project that is at an early stage such as full treatment or early screenplay draft.  This grant will also include a small stipend for a science advisor to provide support through consultation and feedback, as well as the possibility of inclusion in the Feature Film Program's Screenwriters Lab.

DESCRIPTION
The Grant will include the following:

• A cash grant of up to $20,000 to provide support during the writing period.
• A stipend of up to $5000 for a science advisor.
• Creative support during the writing process from a select group of creative advisors.
• The possibility of a fellowship to a Screenwriters Lab.
• Strategic and practical support from the Feature Film Program staff.
  

ELIGIBILITY

• Projects must have science or technology as a major theme or scientists as major characters.  We cannot consider science fiction or projects that stray too far from a base scientific reality.  
• Screenwriters with any level of experience, including numerous produced works may apply.
• Projects must be narrative (fiction)  features and not documentary in nature.
• Projects must be live action.
• Projects must be in active development and can range from treatment stage to full draft.
• Projects must be English language. However, screenwriter does not need to reside in the U.S.
• Projects currently in development within the studio system are not eligible.
• Projects based on source material must have proper permissions and rights to use that material.

You can find additional information regarding our current and previous grantees in the press releases below.

SUNDANCE INSTITUTE SUPPORTS SCIENCE IN FILM (PDF)

TIMELINE
The selection process timeline for the 2011 Sundance/Sloan Commissioning Grant is as follows:
July 9, 2010                           Application available online
September 24, 2010           Online application deadline and hard copy of materials postmark deadline
October 29, 2010                 Notification of 2nd Round selections
January 14, 2011                 Notification of Final selections

APPLICATION
The application for the 2011 Sundance/Sloan Commissioning Grant is now available until September 24, 2010.

If you have any further questions, please e-mail Anne Lai at anne_lai@sundance.org.
http://www.sundance.org/sloan/guidelines.html
Proceed to the Application Guidelines
Proceed to the Online Application