Challenging students aged 13-24 to ReScript the Future:
As the Ultimate Challenge, WaterBear, in partnership with the Aegean Film Festival, invites young people aged 13-24 to Rescript the Future, by imagining an idea for an inspiring documentary about our world, and entering a scriptwriting competition.
Two winners will be able to turn their vision into a reality with the help of Waterbear’s production team who will produce their documentary, with a budget of up to €25,000. The winning documentary will be premiered at the Aegean Film Festival and distributed to a global audience on Waterbear.
The deadline to enter the competition is 20th June, so you don’t have much time! You can find all the details of the competition and how to apply at aegeanff.com/rescript/
To prepare your entry for the competition, consider the nine prompts below (you can download a worksheet to compile ReScript Competition Practice Entry Form)
(1) Your Working Title
Don’t worry… Just give it a name. It doesn’t have to be final. Most documentaries start with a “working title” and then the title is finalised when the film is almost ready.
(2) Log Line: 0-50 words
Provide a brief summary of the documentary, in two sentences. This should just capture the essence of the film. (Even for seasoned filmmakers this is a tricky part and they usually leave it until the end when they have a better understanding of their story.)
(3) Themes (optional)
Choose all that apply:
- Personal diaries – This is a chance to write your story. This can be a diary, a memory, a challenge you’ve overcome or a story about your family. Get inspiration from our films and bring your own perspective to the world around you.
- Heroes – Put the people who inspire you most in the spotlight. This could be your mum, a neighbour, a local activist or someone as famous as Sir David Attenborough. Our heroes are what drive us to imagine a better future, but they don’t have to be famous or groundbreaking to have a huge impact on our lives, and they could be the ones who make us look differently at our planet and its future.
- A vision for the future – Over the next decade, it is imperative that we challenge the status quo to create a world that works for both the people and the planet. How do you imagine this future to look? A year on from first hearing about the Coronavirus pandemic, this question has never been more important.
- Solutions and ideas – There is no doubt that the climate crisis is one of the biggest problems humanity has ever faced/made, but combating it is possible with innovation. Unique, creative solutions to help rejuvenate our world and solve this crisis have never before been more necessary and we want to hear yours!
- Natural history – Natural History films have been a huge part of the documentary world for decades, but what can we learn from the amazing wildlife that we share our planet with? We want to hear about the species on the brink, and the ones who have already vanished from the wild and what impact these stories can have on the future of our world.
- Other
(4) Synopsis: 150-500 words
Give an overview of your story, introducing the main characters, the location, the main problem or solution you are addressing. You can also describe the anticipated story structure and narrative. Detail the topics and themes that your project will cover. (At least 150 words)
(5) Imagine it / Director’s vision: 150-500 words
Please explain how you have imagined your film. What are the visual and audio elements that will bring your film to life? Describe your film through images, pictures, sounds. Explain your intended artistic approach that informs the storytelling. (At least 150 words)
(6) Personal connection to the story: 150-200 words
Why do you want to create this documentary? Are you or your family connected to the story in some way? Is this a story based on a personal experience of yours? Do you have access to the main characters, and how do you think you could approach them if you don’t?
(7) Environmental Impact: 150-200 words
How do you think your documentary will affect the world? What kind of change do you believe it could achieve?
(8) Production sustainability: 150-200 words
How are you planning to reduce the carbon footprint of the filming? Any ideas on how we can produce in a more sustainable way? From less flights to catering, all ideas are welcome.
(9) Research: 150- 200 words
Please describe and add links to your scientific research. Add relevant current events, articles or news. (For password protected URL’s like Vimeo links, please ensure passwords are provided and active. Please do not provide any personal details and/or passwords.)
Judging Process
- After you press submit at least three independent judges from Waterbear’s reading team will carefully evaluate each idea and rate it based on the criteria below.
- The 50 highest rated scripts will be read again by the whole team and re-rated for a second time.
- 20 of those will be selected to enter the final stage of the competition and pitch their idea to the Jury who will then decide on the final winners.
Evaluation criteria:
- Originality of idea
- Creativity and Imagination
- Personal Connection of the applicant to the subject (Why you should make this film)
- Emotional & Inspirational
- Environmental Impact / Optimism
- Production Sustainability
- Research / Knowhow / Scientific accuracy / Bibliography / Relevance to current events