Emerging Filmmaker Mentorship Program
The 2024 EFMP application is now open!
The Media Center Emerging Filmmaker Mentorship Program will provide creative project support and funding to undergraduate Barnard filmmakers as they produce their own short film. The goal of this program is to offer resources to populations traditionally marginalized in media production settings, including women and nonbinary filmmakers, people of color, and those with financial limitations.
Apply for the 2024 EFMP cohort here
If you have any questions regarding the program, please email us at mediacenter@barnard.edu.
The Media Center’s Emerging Filmmaker Mentorship Program (EFMP) starts off with three workshops in the Fall semester that focus on the pre-production process for narrative shorts*.
EFMP workshops are open to all, regardless of whether one intends on applying to the program at the end of the semester or not. Students are not required to attend the workshops in order to apply for the mentorship program, though it is recommended, especially for first-time filmmakers.
If accepted into the program, students will be granted funding for their film and one-on-one mentorship to support the production and post-production logistics of their projects.
The program is seeking ambitious, visionary Barnard students who have an idea for a film, and the drive to get it made. Our goal is to offer resources to populations traditionally marginalized in media production settings, including people of color and those with financial limitations.
*We no longer support short documentary projects.
Program resources include:
- Assistance with the creative process from pre-production to post-production
- Personalized mentorship through one-on-one meetings
- Three workshops on screenwriting, lookbook aesthetics, script breakdowns, shot lists, schedules, planning, and budgeting throughout the semester
- One-on-one support for script feedback and logistics planning
- Technical training on advanced production equipment and editing programs
- Funds as needed-- Each selected project will receive production funds.
Participants will exit the program with practical work skills in filmmaking and a completed short film that they can submit to film festivals, add to their reels, and apply to graduate film programs.
Applicants can apply as individuals or as small creative teams, and must meet the following requirements:
- Barnard undergraduate student (Freshman are discouraged from applying)
- Currently enrolled (Graduating seniors are eligible)
- Have a strong idea and a finished script for a short film
- Have a need for support in order to realize their vision
- November 2023 - Applications open: Apply here
- January 5, 2024: Application deadline
- January 15-18, 2024: Second round interviews
- January 26, 2024: Selected mentees announced
- February-May 2024: Mentees will participate in a series of workshops to revise their scripts and learn the ins and outs of running a production, as well as directorial skillsets
- June-July 2024: Mentees will film their shorts
- Summer 2024 & Fall 2024 - Mentees will be in post-production and produce a final cut of their films by January 2025