Applying Online
Please note that all First Time Video applications are only accepted through our online submission form. You must thoroughly read the Program Outline listed below before entering the application process. The necessary requirements of each section are detailed in the form. If you encounter any issues or have any questions please contact technical@sawvideo.com.
Program Guidelines
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Due to the COVID19 pandemic, we have temporarily suspended our granting programs and submission deadlines until further notice. Until we re-open our submissions, we encourage all interested applicants to access our available online programs and support services. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment caused and look forward to supporting you as soon as we can.
SAW Video’s First Time Video grant is available to emerging filmmakers who are interested in creating their very first video projects. Granted artists will be provided the conceptual and technical support necessary to complete their first works. Successful applicants will receive:
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A one-year producing membership at SAW Video;
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Up to $1,200 in access to SAW Video equipment;
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Up to 20 hours of conceptual and technical support;
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An opportunity to present completed work at SAW Video’s annual OUTPUT screening;
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Two mandatory introductory workshops (production and post-production) and two mandatory elective workshops (of filmmakers choice).
Two grants are awarded annually to emerging filmmakers (as defined by the arts councils) who want to create a first video project. Artists must successfully complete their project within 12 months of acceptance. Proposed projects must be under 10 minutes in length.
Who can apply?
The First Time Video grant is only available to individual, emerging filmmakers. Collaborative projects are not permitted in this grant program.
As the majority of the support for the projects is provided in the form of equipment and facilities access, SAW Video grants are intended for residents of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. Applicants do not need to be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident of Canada in order to apply.
SAW Video actively promotes access for all artists, regardless of age, class, gender, sexual orientation, race or ability.
SAW Video supports projects that are produced in both French and English, however, there are some specific requirements when submitting an application in French (please see Other restrictions).
What types of projects are eligible?
SAW Video supports independent, artistic work where the applying artist initiates and is the driving force behind the proposed project. The applicant must retain complete creative and editorial control over the work. (All grants are for video projects but can also include projects originating on film and transferred to video.)
Priority is given to projects that are innovative in content, point of view, form, style, technique or process and that further the applicant’s development as an artist.
Please see below for a list of project types that are eligible and ineligible for production funds at SAW Video.
Eligible
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Web-based video projects;
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Single channel video projects.
Ineligible
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Transmedia projects;
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Media art installations;
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Corporate projects;
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Promotional projects;
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Public service announcements;
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Commercial television projects;
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Movies-of-the-week and news reports
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Instructional and or educational projects;
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Projects using film or video simply as a tool to record or document existing artworks;
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Projects commissioned by, made on contract for, or produced by, a government agency, non-profit organization, broadcaster or private company.
Please note: Applicants may be students but may not be making student or training projects.
Other restrictions
Applicants may submit only one application to each individual SAW Video grant. For example an applicant may not submit two different applications for two separate projects to the JumpstART Program.
Applicants may submit their applications in French or English. However, it should be noted that not all jurors selected will be French speaking and therefore may not be able to fully read applications submitted in French. It is recommended that applicants provide at least a synopsis in English.
How are the grants assessed?
For each grant, a team of jurors is selected. Jurors independently review grant applications and assess them based on the assessment criteria below. Afterwards, they meet to review the audio-visual support material. It is at this point that they discuss the applications and deliberate as a group.
Applicants will find out whether or not their submission has been successful within 6 weeks of the grant deadline. All applicants will be contacted regardless of application success.
What are the jury’s decisions based on?
The jury bases its decision on the both artistic merit and the feasibility of the submitted applications, as well as the artistic merit of the submitted audio visual support material.
Artistic Merit
Artistic merit pertains both to the quality of the proposed project as articulated by the required application documents, and to the quality of the submitted audio-visual support material. Artistic merit is demonstrated by an applicant’s commitment to their own artistic development and the contribution or impact the proposed project will have on their medium and discipline. Priority is given to proposals from applicants whose work demonstrates the development of their own unique artistic vision, voice or approach.
Feasibility
Applications are also assessed on feasibility. Feasibility is the ability for an applicant to see a project through to completion successfully. The feasibility of an application can be shown through the applicant’s thoughtful consideration and articulation of the proposed project that are demonstrated through required application documents such as:
- A balanced budget which takes in to account all expenses and revenues and is a realistic representation of the needs and scope of the project;
- A production schedule which demonstrates a thoughtful consideration of the time required to complete the project;
- A CV or résumé that highlights the applicant’s previous experience and training;
- A clear and well thought out detailed project description.
Submitting an Application
SAW Video only accepts applications through our grant application submission form on our website. Applications submitted over email or in person will not be accepted. If access to a computer is an impediment, wanting applicants are very welcome to come and use a computer at SAW Video.
All support material must be submitted via links. We do not accept any hard-copy materials.
What happens next?
If you are successful with your application:
Upon notification of successfully receiving a grant, we request that grantees contact SAW Video’s Technical Director and arrange a meeting within the first month of granting notice.
Grantees will be required to sign contracts, commit to their training/consultation dates and receive any additional necessary information. Grantees will be given a tour of SAW Video and meet SAW Video staff.
Grantees will have 12 months (from the application deadline) to complete their projects.
Acknowledgement
All grantees must acknowledge SAW Video in the finished project. Logos are available for download on our website.
Successful applicants are asked to submit one copy of the finished work to the SAW Video Archives. Which format is best for the archives will depend on your project and can be clarified and confirmed by SAW Video Technical Director when your project is nearing completion. We also request that you submit a written synopsis, artist biography and digital still images to accompany the copy of your work to the SAW Video archives.