THE PROGRAM
After its successful third year, Hot Docs and the Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) are pleased to announce the return of the Quebecor Documentary Fellowship Program. The program is designed for mid-level filmmakers from underrepresented communities intending to pursue documentary production as a viable, long-term career option. In effort to foster skills relevant to emerging market trends, the Quebecor Fellowship 2010 will have an additional emphasis on interactive documentaries and new media projects.

THE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM WILL AWARD TWO FILMMAKERS WITH
• Year-Round Training:  Through information sessions, workshops and intensive labs, fellowship participants will hone their skills to prepare for Hot Docs 2010.   
• Mentorship: The opportunity to be paired with a senior producer/ mentor from the DOC community.  Mentorship sessions will advise and inspire each of the selected participants at critical stages of the development process and will help transition them into the next tier of production.
• Hot Docs Accreditation:  Participants will receive full accreditation to Hot Docs 2010 providing access to a full slate of professional development programming;
• The Doc Lab: One of the pre-selected Quebecor Fellows will participate in the Hot Docs Doc Lab training and mentoring intensive, which includes partial access to the Toronto Documentary Form (TDF);
• Toronto Documentary Forum: One of the pre-selected Fellowship participants will receive accredited observer status at the Toronto Documentary Forum (TDF);
• Networking: Opportunities to meet commissioning editors, executive producers and craftspersons at networking events, which range from Meet the Broadcaster nights and networking parties, to day-long workshops and professional development activities.

BURSARY RECIPIENTS
Three filmmakers will receive full accreditation to the 2010 Hot Docs Festival, providing them access to all industry events, screenings, producer seminars and various pitching opportunities, and access to select DOC events.

ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA
Applicants must be a member of an under-represented group: Visible Minority or Aboriginal community, and must reside in the GTA.  They must also:

• Be at an intermediate/mid-career level with a demonstrated commitment to their profession with (i.e. 5 years professional experience, minimum of two paid professional credits).
• Have financial need and high potential illustrated through demonstrated success.

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA
• Candidates must commit to participating fully in the program (schedules must be conducive to attending the events/training);
• Candidates must be creative, innovative, resourceful, and willing to help push the boundaries of the documentary genre;
• Candidates desire to deepen their understanding of proposal preparation, the production cycle, financing, co-production, and access to broadcasters.

HOW TO APPLY
Please include a cover sheet with your name, the name of your production company, your mailing address, telephone number, fax number and email address, followed by the following:

• A letter outlining your interest in participating in the Quebecor Documentary Fellowship Program and how you feel you would benefit professionally from the experience (maximum 1 page).
• A current resume, including a list of your key production credits (maximum 2 pages).
• A brief description of your current documentary/ cross-platform project in development (maximum 1 page per project).
• Interactive/ new media application or plan.

DEADLINE FOR COMPLETED APPLICATIONS IS 5:00 PM, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009.
Applications should be emailed to: mfong@hotdocs.ca.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS
Following the submission deadline, a selection committee of industry professionals will review all applications. Successful applicants will be informed of their participation.

All participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire within one month of the end of the program and submit a brief update six months after the program documenting any production opportunities that arose from the program.

For information regarding the application process, please contact:
Jackie Garrow, Managing Director – DOC Toronto
Phone: 416-599-3844 ext.3 /Email: jackie@docorg.ca

ABOUT HOTDOCS
Each year, the festival presents over 150 cutting-edge documentary films from across Canada and around the world, as well as a full roster of professional development and market events geared to documentary professionals. The 2010 Hot Docs Festival will take place April 29th – May 9th in Toronto.

ABOUT DOC
DOC is the only organization in Canada dedicated solely to the support and promotion of independent documentary filmmaking. Our ongoing lobby efforts help keep documentaries alive and well in this country. And our professional development programs provide crucial support for emerging and established artists in this field.   We have over 800 members across the country, grouped together in six regional chapters. DOC boasts a diverse membership but with a single thread that unifies us all – the love of documentary.

QUEBECOR FUND
This program is presented in partnership with Quebecor Fund’s Professional Development Program Grants for Under-Represented Groups (PDPT).