2024 Imagination Film Fellowship: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some questions about the film fellowship.

Who do you consider an “emerging” filmmaker?

We consider an emerging filmmaker to be someone passionate about a career in filmmaking but still at the early stages of that career. This means you should have some experience and above all else, be dedicated to a future in the fields of directing, producing, cinematography, animation, or sound. For the purposes of this fellowship, emerging extends to filmmakers who have worked on no more than two professional productions. If you are unsure if you qualify, feel free to email us.

Who is eligible for this fellowship?

This fellowship is open to emerging filmmakers of all backgrounds including any race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, ability, or genetic information. Because this film production deals specifically with topics of Northern Arizona Indigenous culture and astronomy, we are specifically seeking filmmakers with a strong knowledge of NAZ Indigenous astronomy concepts and / or strong connection to NAZ Indigenous culture and communities. Authentic representation is paramount to this film production, and we encourage filmmakers with a commitment to multicultural storytelling to apply. 

We are specifically looking for filmmakers in the following fields:

• Producing/Directing

• Cinematography

• Animation

• Sound (Design & Mixing)

When is the deadline?

March 1, 2024 at 10pm Mountain Standard Time.

Does it cost money to apply or participate?

No way! It's absolutely free to apply through the google application form here. There is no cost to participate if selected, and the fellowship includes a $2400 stipend.

What happens during this fellowship?

Fellows will receive mentorship from an award winning artist, a $2400 stipend, and be trained and work with a robust production team on a hybrid cinematic-theatrical show currently titled “Imagination & the Universe.” The show makes use of a giant, state-of-the-art LED 8K widescreen and 12.1 surround sound system inside the brand new Universe Theater that will open at the Marley Foundation’s Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory in November 2024.

Depending on what filmmaking field you apply for, you will be asked to create original materials in collaboration with our team for the production of this show. For example, if you apply under animation and are selected, you will be creating some original animation to be included in this show. If you apply under sound, you will create some unique sound design, and so forth. 

When are fellows selected and when does this fellowship start?

Fellows will be announced around March 5, and the fellowship will begin immediately afterwards beginning with an in-person workshop and tour of the ADC construction site.

How long does the fellowship last?

This fellowship is spread across around 14 days between March - August 2024.

Here is a tentative outline for how the fellowship days might break down:

Day 1: Meet, ADC Tour, Script Workshop 

Day 2:  Script Workshop Day 2

Day 3:  Storyboard & Concept Day 1

Day 4:  Mentor Meetings and/or Workshop 

Day 5:  Storyboard & Concept Day 2

Day 6:  Test Shoot Day

Day 7:  Pre-Production Day 

Day 8:  Production Day or Post-Production Day 1

Day 9:  Production Day or Post-Production Day 2

Day 10:  Production Day or Post-Production Day 3

Day 11:  Production Day or Post-Production Day 4

Day 12:  Production Day or Post-Production Day  5  

Day 13:  Workshop & Miscellaneous

Day 14:  Rehearsal Day, Wrap Party, and/or Show Opening 

Do I have to live in Flagstaff to be a fellow?

You don’t have to live in Flagstaff, but most of the film production will take place in city limits. Some of this fellowship can be done remotely, but you will still need to come in person to at least half of the sessions, and that would need to be a reasonable logistical hurdle for you to overcome. Please email us if you are unsure, or explain how it could still work for you in your application.

If my schedule is busy already, should I apply?

While we realize filmmakers have day jobs to contend with, we also really want fellows who can commit to this process! If you can’t commit to the time or have big conflicts between March - August, this program is not a good fit for you. Email us if you are unsure.

Why this film fellowship?

We believe in authentic representation behind the camera and in the next generation of filmmakers here in Arizona. This fellowship was started by Big in Arizona and DLP Production and made possible by Lowell Observatory and Creative Flagstaff to find and train local filmmakers to be able to create high-end large-format content for the new cutting -edge Universe Theater. Our goal is to make an incredibly powerful cinematic show and pave the way for a future of new filmmakers and professional film production in Northern Arizona.

If I don’t get selected for this fellowship, can I still be involved in the production?

Yes!

Part of being an artist is facing rejection. As filmmakers ourselves, we hate being rejected, and we hate that we can't bring on every great applicant for this fellowship. If you are not selected, please know that it has no bearing on your talent and our excitement to work with you. If you aren’t chosen for this fellowship, and if you are interested in being involved in this or a future production outside of the fellowship, please let us know!

You can always email info@biginarizona.com if you still have questions.