Call for Filmmakers

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Call for Filmmakers

Alberta Ballet has issued a call for proposals for Alberta-based filmmakers to support the production of a three- to five-minute dance film for digital distribution. Two filmmakers will be selected for the creation of two different films — one will be filmed in Edmonton and the other in Calgary. Rehearsals will be in Calgary at Company studios.

Through this project, Alberta Ballet seeks to amplify the perspectives and work of diverse and under-represented artistic voices. Therefore, we encourage applications from equity deserving groups (e.g. BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, persons with disabilities).

The dance films are one of many Alberta Ballet projects to ignite the curiosity and imagination of people in all communities across the province, sharing and championing their stories and experiences through dance. You can view some of Alberta Ballet’s previous dance films at youtube.com/AlbertaBallet.

Applicants will need to convey how they plan to merge two creative disciplines: dance with filmmaking; why they wish to collaborate with Alberta Ballet; and what experience and perspective they can contribute to this project. The filmmaker will work closely alongside an artistic team of a choreographer and Alberta Ballet dancers. The filmmaker will use visual storytelling experience, camera movement, lighting and sound to bring the choreography to life in a unique collaborative process. The choreographer will drive the structure of the story through the development of the technical dance movement and emotional expression of the dancers featured in the film.

Alberta Ballet welcomes innovative approaches, originality and creativity to uniquely bring dance to life on screen as opposed to a stage.

Production, Timelines, Locations

Planning meetings can be held remotely via phone and/or online video meetings. Dance rehearsals will primarily occur in Calgary at Alberta Ballet Company studios. One will be filmed in Edmonton and the other in Calgary. The specific location is to be determined by the premise and goals of the finalized film and choreographic concept. We welcome applicants to include suggested film locations in their proposals that would be meaningful and relevant to them and Albertans.

Approximate Timeline

October 24, 2022: Application deadline
November 7-10, 2022: Meetings with candidates
November 14-18, 2022: Successful applicant notified
January – February 2023: Planning, coordination and rehearsals
February – March 2023: Filming, editing and post-production

*Please note dates are subject to change.

Budget & Artist Fees

The selected filmmaker will be awarded up to $4,500 CAD for the completion of all deliverables. The total film budget will be determined based on the final approved film concept.

Film Usage

All footage and final assets of creative deliverables to be provided to Alberta Ballet upon completion and will become the property of Alberta Ballet, however the filmmaker and choreographer will be allowed to link to the final film as promotional material for distribution on website, social channels and as case studies and award submissions. In the event any of these assets should be removed from Alberta Ballet’s online platforms, both the filmmaker and choreographer have the option to host the videos on their own properties in agreement with Alberta Ballet.

Deliverables/Scope of Project

Along with directing and filming, the filmmaker will:

  • Collaborate and participate in ongoing meetings with the artistic team including attending dance rehearsals.
  • Develop a storyboard and proposal for lighting, treatments, audio and visuals.
  • Contribute to the development of a production schedule.
  • Collaborate with a film production team to execute filming and post-production needs.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at time of submission
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in Canada
  • Applicants should have previous storytelling experience through film

How to Submit

For more information or to complete the application form, visit albertaballet.com.

If you have any questions about the application process or need support, please don’t hesitate to contact Janis Galloway, Community Impact Officer at JanisG@albertaballet.com

For more information about Alberta Ballet visit albertaballet.com.

Alberta Ballet honours the Treaties made throughout Turtle Island.

Alberta Ballet’s work extends across Treaties 6, 7 and 8. These are territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Piikani and Kainai), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, the Stoney Nakoda, the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, Sicannie, Slavey and Dunnesa. These territories are also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta. We are all Treaty people. We recognize the genocide and colonization endured by Indigenous peoples and are committed to working toward justice and equity through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls To Action.

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