1. art and entertainment
2. movies and tv
3. television

GUIDELINES 2015
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: MARCH 22, 2015
STORY LAUNCH – A TV LAB FOR FILMMAKERS
General conditions
Story Launch – a TV LAB For Filmmakers is focused on development of ongoing, episodic, content-rich TV series that
can sustain multiple seasons. Both half-hour (25-30 minutes) and one-hour (40-60 minutes) series proposals are
accepted. Our focus is on compelling stories and innovative series concepts that range from high-end to grass
roots.
Applicants
• with a project - writers or teams that include the writer along with a producer or director
• without a project – writers, producers, directors, TV development executives, commissioning editors and readers
In case you are not sure about your eligibility, please contact us!
Participation in the Workshop 1:
The participants with a project will be developing their series concept and pilot script with the whole group in a
constructive, supportive atmosphere similar to a professional writers´ room.
The participants without a project will be participating in the development of other writers’ projects.
Both groups will participate in analyzing and deconstructing existing European and US TV series (such as Breaking
Bad, Mad Men, Girls and Togetherness) in order to explore and master the essential elements of TV writing and
apply them to current and future projects.
Participation in the Workshop 2:
After the completion of Workshop 1, selected participants with a project will be invited to develop their series
further in a more advanced workshop with a wider range of international mentors.
Selected participants, working without a project at Workshop 1, will have a chance to submit their own projects for
inclusion in Workshop 2.
Schedule
• Workshop 1
• Workshop 2
April 26 – May 2, 2015, Plzeň, Czech Republic (during the Finále Plzeň Film Festival)
Autumn 2015 (exact dates and place tbc)
Language
The working language of all MIDPOINT meetings and events is English, which is why a good knowledge of English is
essential for participation.
Participation fees
• Participation fee for the first participant applying with a project is 400 EUR and for an additional participant
300 EUR for the Workshop 1.
• Participation fee for participants without a project is 300 EUR for the Workshop 1.
• Students of film schools with or without a project - 200 EUR for the Workshop 1. Confirmation of studies from
a school is required and should be submitted to MIDPOINT once the project is selected.
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The fee includes accommodation, board and tuition at the Workshop 1.
Travel costs are NOT included.
Participants qualified for the programme will be requested to pay the participation fee and send confirmation of
payment to MIDPOINT by e-mail before the Workshop 1 (participants will be instructed regarding the payment
when they are selected).
Applications
All requested documents must be sent by e-mail to [email protected].
APPLICATIONS WITH A PROJECT
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Application form (fully completed, signed and scanned)
Logline
Synopsis (max. 1 page)
Brief description of 3-4 main characters
Writer´s motivation letter (max. 1 page) explaining the vision and the elements of the concept that make it
right for TV development
Tone sample for the series – please choose:
- 10 page sequence from an existing draft of the pilot script or
- complete previous script (TV episode or film) or
- copy of a film/TV episode that is close in tone to the proposed series
(please upload it and include the link in the application form)
CV and a photo (each team member) – max. 1 page each (these documents will be used for official Workshop
Catalogue – if possible, please send the CV in an unlocked PDF format and the photo in a high-quality JPG
format)
APPLICATIONS WITHOUT A PROJECT
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Application form (fully completed, signed and scanned)
Motivation letter (max. 1 page) explaining your current occupation or position in the TV industry and your
objectives or goals for short term and long term professional growth
CV and a photo – max. 1 page each (these documents will be used for official Workshop Catalogue – if possible,
please send the CV in an unlocked PDF format and the photo in a high-quality JPG format)
Optional creative support materials (e.g. previous script, excerpt from creative material the applicant has
previously worked on, finished film). In case of a film, please upload it and include the link in the application
form.
Selection procedure
The selection is performed by the MIDPOINT selection committee. Shortlisted applicants might be contacted for a
Skype interview.
The selection will be finalized by the beginning of April 2015 – all applicants will be notified of the selection results
via e-mail provided in the application form.
Conditions of participation
In case a participant is unable to attend a workshop for serious reasons, they must inform MIDPOINT by e-mail at
least 7 days prior to the beginning of the Workshop. Both parties have to agree on a solution of such situation.
If a participant fails to perform some of the duties specified under these guidelines, MIDPOINT may at any stage
exclude the project and/or him/her from the programme.
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The credit “Developed with the assistance of MIDPOINT: Central European Script Center, a training initiative of the
MEDIA Programme of the European Union” along with the logo of the programme shall be placed in the credits of
any TV series produced from the participating project.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries!
MIDPOINT Central European Script Center
Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague / FAMU
c/o STUDIO FAMU, Klimentska 4, 110 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic
[email protected], www.midpointcenter.eu
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