Call for proposals: Inside Out Queer Video Mentorship Project

The Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival has announced a call for proposals for their mentorship program. Eight people between 17-24 years of age or over 55 and who self-identify as LGBTTI2QQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Queer and Questioning) will be selected to participate. They will be guided through the process of filmmaking by Inside Out in partnership with Charles Street Video and will then each make their own short video.

The deadline for submissions is December 6, 2010. Instruction begins in January of 2011. The short videos will be shot and edited from February to April, in time for the Inside Out Festival which takes place in 2011 from May 19-29. The completed films will be given a screening during the festival.
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INSIDE OUT QUEER VIDEO MENTORSHIP PROJECT

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

A multi-generational video mentorship program The Project provides a unique opportunity to learn video production from professional artists and editors, using state-of-the-art high-definition cameras and the latest editing technology - all in a group environment that is queer positive, collaborative and supportive. Inside Out and Charles Street Video guide participants through a series of workshops in all aspects of video production - from script development to camera operation to editing and final post-production. Inside Out will select eight individuals, 4 under the age of 25 and 4 over the age of 55, who identify as LGBTTI2QQ to participate in the project, each making a short video (7 to 10 minutes long) to be screened at the Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival in May.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 24 years old or 55 years or older
• Applicants must have little to no experience making films or videos
• Selected participants must be able to commit to the following meeting, workshop and screening dates:
• Evening meetings (6 to 9pm): Jan 12, Intro meeting Jan 25, CSV Orientation
• Weekend Workshops (10am to 5pm): Jan 15 & 16 Jan 22 & 23 Feb 5 & 6 Feb 12 & 13 Mar 19 & 20

• Available for one day each during the following periods:
• Shooting: Feb. 21 to March 14
• Edit Rough-cut: March 21 to April 1
• Editing: April 4 to 15

• Screenings:
• Pre-screening: May 11
• Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival screening: May 19 to 29 (date TBD)

• Applicants must submit a completed application form

DEADLINE: December 6, 2010

To download an application form click here.

Queer Video Mentorship Project Information:

• Proposals will be reviewed by the Video Project Jury
• The Video Project Jury will select 4 from each age group
• Participants will be creating their own 7 to 10 minute video
• The workshops are facilitated by professional artists with experience teaching and leading video production workshops
• The workshops are conducted in a group environment. Please be ready to work and discuss your ideas as a group
• Each participant will be paired up with a professional artist as a mentor
• Lunch will be provided for weekend workshops
• Participants are paid an artist fee of $75 for the screening of their finished video at the Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival in May
• Each video will be placed onto a compilation DVD that will be distributed to various community organizations who work with queer groups and do anti-homophobia education.

What happens to the videos and how can I see them?

Each year the completed works are compiled onto a compilation DVD, which is distributed to various community organizations that work with queer groups to do anti-homophobia education. Such organizations have included: SOY, ACT, ACAS, LGBT Youthline, TEACH, Griffin Centre, PFLAG, various LGBT film festivals around the world, various high school GSA's, etc. If your organization is interested in receiving a DVD compilation, please fill out the request form and email or fax to winnie@insideout.ca or 416.977.8025. If you have any questions, contact Winnie Luk at 416.977.6847 ext. 24 or winnie@insideout.ca.

Video Project History:

In 1998, with the support of Charles Street Video, Inside Out initiated the Queer Youth Digital Video Project to provide opportunities for youth to learn video production in a supportive atmosphere. The Youth Project provided young artists with the hands-on access to the latest video technology - which historically has been financially out of reach for most youth. As well, the Project provided one-on-one mentorship and training with professional artists. Often post-secondary programs do not offer safe, supportive, queer and anti-oppressive environments for queer youth to express themselves and be creative. The QYDVP provided this important outlet. Queer youth under the age of 25 were mentored through the process of making their first videos - from storyboarding and shooting to post-production and editing. In 2009, Inside Out switched to working with high definition camera equipment and produced HD videos, providing young artists access to the latest technologies in video production.

In 2010, Inside Out presented a special edition of the Project called the Legacy Video Project as part of the 20th Anniversary Festival. Much like queer youth, elders also often lack access to professional educational mentorships, new technologies and opportunities to engage with their peers in a supportive, LGBT-positive environment. There is often a gap between the young and older generations. With the Legacy Video Project, our goal was to have youth and elders share their experiences and stories while working together.

After completion the works are screened at the Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival and many have gone on to play at festivals around the globe. Each year, the videos are compiled on DVD and distributed free to schools and community organizations. To date, 84 new filmmakers have created work through the Project.

http://www.insideout.on.ca/yearround/queeryouth.php