The goal of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation film school program is to influence the next generation of filmmakers to create more realistic and dramatic stories about science and technology and to challenge existing stereotypes about scientists and engineers through the visual media. This innovative program awards prizes at six leading film schools: American Film Institute; UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television; Carnegie Mellon University School of Dram; Columbia University Film Department; NYU Tisch School of the Arts; and USC School of Cinematic Arts.
An annual award in the Kanbar Institute of Film & Television, this production award for $100,000 is given to a feature-length narrative project that portrays intellectually engaging, entertaining images of scientists/engineers, a scientific discovery, or technology.
Eligibility
- Alumni who graduated from the Kanbar Institute of Film & TV between 2005 and January 2012
- Current thesis students in the Kanbar Graduate Film Program
- Current juniors and seniors in Kanbar Undergraduate Film & TV
Selection Process
Applicants submit a 1-page synopsis/pitch and an on-line application to the faculty committee who will select up to 12 quarter-finalists. The quarter-finalists submit step-outlines and treatments. The semi-finalists who are then selected will hold development meetings with the committee and consult with a science advisor.
Up to 3 finalists will be selected to receive a $5,000 grant to write a first draft of their feature screenplay while continuing to consult with a science/technology advisor to ensure the accuracy of their project. Finalists submit the first draft and a budget. The recipient must go into production no later than one year after notification of award.
Timeline
Wednesday, March 28
- Kick-Off at 6:00pm at 721 Broadway, Room 1027
Wednesday, April 25
- 1-page synopsis/pitch due
Monday, June 25
Announcement of quarter-finalists.
June 25 – August 6
- Quarter-finalists write 3-page step outlines and 3-5-page treatments
Monday, August 6
- Quarter-finalists submit treatments and step outlines
Week of September 10
- Committee announces semi-finalists
- Committee holds development meetings with semi-finalists
September 12 – October 8
- Semi-finalists consult with science advisors write treatments, draft budgets
Monday, October 8
-Semi-finalists submit treatments and budgets
Week of November 19
- Up to three finalists announced; each receive $5,000 to write their scripts
November – February
- Finalists write feature script, meet with advisers, create a budget
February
- Finalists submit first draft, budget
March
- Committee selects winner
- Winner must go into production within one year of announcement
Please note that the deadlines may change; applicants will be notified of any changes.
If, in the opinion of the Sloan Grant Committee, no candidate meets the standards set forth for the Sloan Grant in a given year, no funds will be awarded.
