HBOAccess is a new four-week program created by HBO to provide classes, mentoring, and project development opportunities to upcoming, diverse filmmakers, and HBO is now accepting applications.
According to a recent announcement from HBO, the purpose of the program is to “identify diverse talent, provide development and mentorship, and afford participants opportunity to create short-form content for HBO.” Filmmakers that understand and have a background in cameras and scripts are allowed to submit one narrative directing sample.
All individuals interested in the project must be able to live in Los Angeles for the production period in June. Housing and travel are not included.
At the end of the process, four filmmakers will be chosen from the submissions and each will be paired with an HBO development executive/mentor. Furthermore, these four filmmakers will be given creative master classes and a budget to create short-form content for HBO.
At the end of the four-week process, each project will be considered for production as a 10 to 15 short film or a webisode series to air on various HBO platforms.
The president of HBO, Michael Lombardo recently commented on the endeavor:
“We are thrilled to present this opportunity to filmmakers who might not otherwise find their way through our doors. I believe this undertaking will serve as a valuable experience not only for those who are chosen to participate, but for us at HBO as well.”
Here is the following timeline for submissions:
Feb. 3, 2014 – Application process opens at withoutabox.com.
March 3, 2014 – Application process closes (or on the date upon which submissions reach the cap of 500 applicants, whichever comes first).
March 2014 – 20 candidates will be chosen to advance to second-round interviews (conducted in person or via Skype). Candidates will be expected to discuss their project in detail. Additionally, candidates must own and assign to HBO all rights necessary to develop and produce their idea.
May 8, 2014 – Four finalists are notified.
June 3, 2014 to June 26, 2014 – HBOAccess™ program is held in Los Angeles.
HBO’s definition of “diverse” includes those who identify as Asian Pacific American, Sub-Continent Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans and women.
