Now through April 15th, ShanghaiTech-USC School of Cinematic Arts Directing Masterclass is calling for scripts of short narrative films!
WHO WE ARE
We are the Directing Masterclass held by ShanghaiTech University in association with USC School of Cinematic Arts. The 2016 and 17 classes undertook intensive training in directing in Los Angeles and made short films in Shanghai, under the instruction of lead instructor Sheldon Larry.
The participants in the ShanghaiTech University-USC SCA Directing Masterclass are recruited from different parts of China, with experience in numerous commercials, films, TV, web-based films and series. Each year, directors participate in this Jedi Academy of film-making to make a narrative short film of 8-12 minutes.
What we’ve achieved in the past…
1) THE BOXERS, 2017 Shanghai International Film Festival Official Selection and Nomination
2) KILLER SMILE, selected in numerous international film festivals, including the 40th Asian American International Film Festival, Berlin International Short Film Festival, Prague International Film Festival, AFMA Film Festival
3) A FATHER’S WISH, Best Director, the 3rd Golden Swallow Awards
These shorts not only have demonstrated solid filmmaking and writing skills, but also conveyed the original voices of these emerging talents in China.
This year, we are upgrading the directing masterclass by modeling after Course 546 of USC SCA: first, we will solicit and select scripts for narrative shorts, and the directing candidates will do creative pitches based on the selected scripts.
Course 546 is USC SCA's crown jewel. The award-winning student short FIG by Oscar-nominated director Ryan Coogler (FRUITVALE STATION, CREED, BLACK PANTHER) was a product of this course.
We are calling for scripts to be submitted from both China and the US for the 2018 directors, who will work with the scripts during the masterclass tentatively scheduled from mid-June to mid-August, 2018.
Scripts must be submitted by April 15th, 2018
Submission：
A. Submit via FilmFreeway
B. Submit via Email
1) Email an inquiry to sca@shanghaitech.edu.cn to receive an application form
2) Fill in and email the application form and the script to sca@shanghaitech.edu.cn
Requirements
1) A script for an 8-12 minute long narrative short
2) Unproduced, in Chinese or English
3) An original script. If it is an adaptation, rights clearance is a must.
4) Reasonable budget and production cycle: a narrative short PRODUCABLE IN CHINA; production days should not exceed four days; the time from assembly to final delivery should not exceed 8 weeks.
We need you
1) To have some experience in narrative screenwriting
2) To be open to discussion with the director
In this selection, you or your work will
1) Be reviewed and selected by USC SCA faculty and Chinese Film and TV producers among works by competitors around the world
2) If selected, enter our Pool of Scripts
3) Be invited to sit in on the pitch sessions with the directing candidates, if conditions permit
4) Work with the director during the master class (Jun – Aug, 2018) to revise the script, if possible
5) Be credited as the screenwriter when the film gets produced.
Besides, you will get cash award to up to 5000 RMB. For details, please see Awards & Prizes.
It is our hope that we can discover more excellent short scripts and creative talents. Not only can we bridge directors and writers, but also the creative talents in both countries.
If you have short scripts in your drawer that have been waiting for the right director to make them into films;
If you’re looking for an unforgettable journey of exploration, and a rewarding filmmaking experience where you get to know brilliant classmates and partners;
Submit your scripts to us, NOW!
Awards & Prizes
Besides the opportunity to work with emerging directors in China, you will also get
a. Free access to screenwriting modules as part of the ShanghaiTech-USC directing master class (in both LA and SH) (excluding flights and lodging)
b. Free access to a three-day screenwriting session as part of the ShanghaiTech-USC producing workshop in Shanghai
c. Cash award of UP TO 5000 RMB if the script is produced (to be deducted from the film’s production fund)
d. The amount of cash award will be decided by the selection committee on a case-by-case basis.
Rules & Terms
*Requirements for the script*
1) A script for an 8-12 minute long narrative short
2) Unproduced, in Chinese or English
3) An original script. If it is an adaptation, rights clearance is a must.
4) Reasonable budget and production cycle: a narrative short PRODUCABLE IN CHINA; production days should not exceed four days; the time from assembly to final delivery should not exceed 8 weeks.
*Notice*
1) By entering this callout for scripts, the submitter understands that once selected, the script is to be directed by a director of the Masterclass by appointment.
2) If you plan to develop your script in the class and direct this film yourself, please note that only applicants from Greater China can apply to the directing workshop.
3) The pairing of directors and scripts will be decided by a committee of USC SCA faculty, ShanghaiTech staff and potential sponsors in China, based on the production pitch of the director.
4) The amount of cash award will be decided by the committee on a case-by-case basis.
