Program Application FAQs

PROGRAM APPLICATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

EDUCATION FORUM APPLICATION

Where can I find a link to apply to the Above the Line Education Forum?
The application is on the Washington Filmworks’ website here.

How long will the application window be open?
The application window will open Wednesday,Sep 6, 2023 at 5:00pm and close on Wednesday, Sep 20, 2023 at 8:00pm.

Do you need to apply with a project to qualify for the Education Forum?
A project is not required in order to apply or participate in the educational portion of the Above The Line Program, although having one ready to work with will be helpful to you!

Can people apply as a duo or do they have to apply individually?
For the Education Forum, only applications from individuals will be accepted.

What qualifies as a key role for the filmed content?
For the filmed content, share what you are proud of and what feels representative of the work you like to make. Then tell us what your role was on that project. The Education Forum is geared toward emerging directors and producers, and we recognize that you may not have played either of those roles on every project.

It’s hard to choose! For the filmed content, can I submit a demo reel of my past works?
Yes. Submit work you are proud of and that feels representative of the work you like to make.

Is there a minimum/maximum length for the submitted filmed content?
Five minutes or less. There is no minimum length.

Is my filmed content/project too scary/weird/experimental?
The Education Forum is designed to provide information, tools, and connections for Washington State directors and producers working in longform, live action narrative feature film and episodic formats. All genres are welcome (except erotic material, as defined in RCW 9.68.050).

I am not sure if my identity/experience qualifies as historically underrepresented. Am I eligible for this program?
Here’s our definition of Historically Underrepresented Community:
An individual or group of persons who have been relegated to an unimportant or powerless position such that they are prevented from participating fully in decisions affecting their lives. People may experience further marginalization because of their intersecting identities.
They are often communities or populations that face systemic economic, political, social, and cultural barriers, many of them embedded in local laws and norms. The term encompasses communities with a shared experience of marginalization stemming from circumstances beyond their control.
Our definition is focused on lived experience and not immutable characteristics. If you feel that your lived experience meets this definition, then please apply!
View the full definition in the Definition of Terms section of the Education Forum Guidelines & Criteria.

What’s better – more of a traditional resume, or a film resume with title, production company, etc.?
We are looking to see your experience in the realm of filmmaking. A resume that best showcases your past experiences in this field would be best.

What if I get stuck or have an issue while completing my application?
Join the FWD team at either Q&A Session (September 12 at 12pm and September 14 at 6pm) to ask any questions or get technical assistance. RSVP here

How will Education Forum participants be selected?
Completed and eligible applications will be evaluated by a group of jurors. Once their final assessments have been submitted, a cohort of 30 will be selected for the Above The Line Education Forum.

When will I know if I was selected?
Applicants will be notified in early November 2023.

Are jurors looking for more heartfelt personal focused applications, or is showing experience more important?
Either! Both! Be yourself! We want to learn about your experiences and what makes this program a good fit for you.

EDUCATION FORUM

Is a prewritten script required to participate in the Education Forum portion of the program?
A project is not required in order to apply or participate in the educational portion of the Above The Line Program, although having one ready to work with will be helpful to you!

How much does it cost to participate in this program?
The Above the Line Education Forum + Mentorship program is available at no cost to those selected to participate.

Is there an issue with missing sessions?
In order to be eligible to apply for the Mentorship portion of the program, participants must complete at least 80% of the Education Forum.

Wait! You’re paying me to participate?
Yep! We recognize that participants’ time is valuable and that folks are making sacrifices in order to attend program. Each Education Forum participant will receive up to $1,500 in scholarship support during their time in program.

What are the time commitments for these classes?
o The Education Forum is a 5 hour per week commitment and will be held on Wednesday evenings (5:30-7:30pm) and Saturday mornings (9:00am-12:00pm) via Zoom. The program starts November 15, and will end in early March, with a three week break December 17 – January 9. The program will culminate with an in-person event March 6-7 in Olympia.

I am a documentary filmmaker, is this program for me?
The 2023-34 cohort of the Above the Line Education Forum + Mentorship program is focused on Washington State directors and producers working in longform, live action narrative feature film and episodic formats. The 2024-25 cohort will be focused on Washington State documentary filmmakers – so stay tuned!

MENTORSHIP

What’s the difference between the Education Forum and the Mentorship?
The Education Forum is the first portion of the Above the Line program and focuses on providing an overview of the business of film skills over the course of 12 weeks of classes, panels, discussions. The Mentorship portion of the program follows the Education Forum and will pair selected Education Forum graduates with mentors to help move individual projects forward.

How long is the Mentorship portion of the Above the Line program?
The Mentorship portion of the program will pair selected Education Forum graduates with mentors for six months.

How are the mentors selected?
Each participant will be paired with an in-state and out-of-state mentor, aligned with that participant’s project. The potential mentor list is currently growing, and final pairings will be made next spring, before the start of the Mentorship.

What is the timeline for the Mentorship portion of the program?
The Mentorship portion of the Above the Line program will accept applications from Education Forum graduates in the Spring of 2024, with mentorships running from June-November 2024.

Wait! If I am selected for the Mentorship, I will get seed money for my project?
The hope is that those selected for the Mentorship will also be selected for our Small Budget Production Initiative (SBPI) program. Once approved for SBPI, a participant can receive up to $20,000 (final amount will be determined as a percentage of their total in-state spend) to help cover the cost of pre-production expenses. More details in the Mentorship Guidelines & Criteria.

QUESTIONS FOR FWD TEAM

I missed both Info Sessions! Am I able to watch a recording of them?
Yes! A recording of the 9/2/23 Info Session is available here.

How do I keep up to date with all that FWD is doing?
Join Washington Filmworks’ email list
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter (RIP)
Email the FWD team directly at FWD@WashingtonFilmworks.org
Learn more on our website

Are Washington filmmakers really the best?
Duh.