Script Development Program

BACKGROUND OF THE CALL  

The objective of this call is to support Script projects in the development or script re-writing stage with financing, software, and assistance from accredited script consultants.  

The Fiji Script Development Program (FSDP) aims to jump-start a thriving base of scriptwriters in Fiji, therefore supporting the development of a local Film and TV industry capable of portraying unique Fijian and local voices on the screen.  

This program is an initiative by Film Fiji, with funding support from the ACP-EU Programme (European Union), facilitated by SPC – The Pacific Community. 

MODULES 

The program offers the following modules:  

A) Development of fiction scripts:

Support for the script development process for unitary works of fiction (short/feature/episodic films), leading to a first version of the script. All kinds of scripts, including those aimed at children, may apply to this module.  

B) Development of animation scripts: 

Support for the script development process for unitary works of animation (short/feature/episodic films), leading to a first version of the script. All kinds of scripts, including those aimed at children, may apply to this module.  

C) Development of documentary / unscripted scripts: 

Support for the script development process for unitary works of documentary / unscripted (short/feature/episodic films), leading to a first version of the script. All kinds of scripts, including those aimed at children, may apply to this module.  

DURATION AND EXECUTION OF THE PROJECT   

All programs will begin and end within the year 2023, according to what is indicated in the schedule and what is established in the respective Execution Agreement that you will sign in case you are selected. 

MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR APPLICANTS   

• Must be a Fiji citizen over 18 years of age  
• Have an original idea or existing narrative short/feature/episodic script in any of the outlined genres, between 5 to 40 pages in length (Fiction / Documentary or Unscripted / Animation)  
• Available to attend online and in-person workshops scheduled over a 4-to-5-month period 
• Have a valid TIN and Bank Account number   
• Have access to reliable internet  

EVALUATION AND SELECTION  

The evaluation process will be carried out by a committee of industry specialists and Film Fiji Representatives. 

The evaluation stage will be carried out within a maximum period of 30 days from the closing date of applications after which successful applicants will be contacted. 

WHAT WILL I TAKE AWAY FROM THE PROGRAM?  

This is an opportunity to sharpen your script project based on advice from industry professionals, the tutorship of dedicated mentors and feedback from fellow scriptwriters. The ultimate aim of the Fiji Script Development Program is to allow you to take your project to the next step, whatever that might be.  You will receive an amount of $2,000 EUR toward your program efforts, as well as scriptwriting software to assist you with your project.  

APPLICATION DEADLINE   

The deadline for applications is 4.00pm on Wednesday 8th March 2023.  

The list of selected projects will be confirmed, and successful applicants will be contacted by the Film Fiji team by Wednesday 5th April 2023.  

STAGES OF THE CALL: 

• Applications are to be submitted by the scheduled deadline.  
• Evaluation of applications will be carried out within 30 days from the closing date of applications. 
• The final selection of successful candidates will be announced within 5 days of the final selection. 
• Signing of Agreements will take place within 5 days of the successful candidates’ announcement.