Film Independent's Project Involve

We've had a fair amount of discussion about the need for producer training programs here.  The need for training programs in other film-related disciplines is equally pressing.  The need for training programs that focus on diversity and champion under-represented groups is particularly of need.  Let's face it, the film industry remains a bastion of privilege, and unless serious efforts are made, everyone just keeps helping out people that are like themselves.

Luckily, one of the longest running training and most successful programs is dedicated to increasing diversity in the film biz, and that is Film Independent's Project: Involve.  THERE IS A FEBRUARY 23rd DEADLINE so best download your application here, fill it out, and submit it pretty damn quick!

WHAT IS PROJECT:INVOLVE?

Project:Involve is Film Independent's signature diversity program, dedicated to increasing cultural diversity in the film industry by cultivating the careers of under-represented filmmakers. The program, which runs from October through June, selects filmmakers from culturally diverse backgrounds and filmmaking tracks. The Fellows are paired one-on-one with a mentor from the film industry. In addition to the mentorship, the Fellows also attend filmmaking workshops, community screenings, and receive career development assistance.

During the nine-month program, the Fellows are assigned a 2-minute short film project. They work in pairs to develop and shoot a short film that incorporates the concept of diversity in our every day life.

40 Fellows are selected for the program each year.

Project:Involve Fellows receive:

A one-year membership with Film Independent
A pass to the Los Angeles Film Festival (Westwood Pass)
Alumni support
Applications are accepted in the following categories:

Acquisitions, Acting, Agent/Manager, Cinematography, Composing, Costume Design, Development Exec, Directing, Documentary, Editing, Entertainment Law, Film Programming, Marketing/Distribution, Music, Producing, Production Design, Screenwriting, Sound, and Writer/Director.

Read more about here.  And again, download the application here.