Emerging Filmmaker Mentorship Program

Program resources include:

• Assistance with the creative process from pre-production to post-production
• Personalized mentorship through one-on-one meetings
• Workshops on screenwriting, script breakdowns, shot lists, scheduling, planning, budgeting, running a set, directing actors, and post-production throughout the semester
• Technical training on advanced production equipment and editing programs
• Grant Funds-- selected projects will receive production funds.

Mentees 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.

2026 EFMP application details will be posted during the Fall 2025 semester 

• November 1, 2024: Application opens 
• November 18, 2024: EFMP info session 
• February 2, 2025: Application deadline
• February 7-12, 2025: Second round interviews
• February 14, 2025: Selected mentees announced
• February-May 2025: 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 2025: Mentees will film their shorts
• Summer 2025 & Fall 2025: mentees will be in post-production and produce a final cut of their films by January 2026

1. Who can apply?
   Applicant must be a Barnard student and must meet the following requirements:
   - Barnard undergraduate student
   - Currently enrolled (Graduating seniors are eligible)
    

2. Can we apply as a team?
   Yes, you can apply as a team but the primary applicant must be a Barnard student! Writer/Director teams, Co-Director teams, and Director/Producer teams are all welcomed. We recommend addressing your vision for how you will collaborate as a team in your application, and keep in mind that grant funds can only be distributed to the Barnard student member of any teams that might include a Columbia student.
    

3. Can my script be longer than 12 pages?
   We strongly recommend sticking to the 12 page limit! That said, we understand it’s hard to edit your own work, and that is definitely something we’ll work on in the course of the program. If you submit a script longer than 12 pages, we expect it to be as strong as possible, and ask that you address the discrepancy in your application with an explanation of where you’re struggling to get your page count down.
    

4. Do you accept non fiction projects? What does the script submission look like for that ?
   We have recently started accepting non fiction projects again! Although non fiction projects are a bit more nebulous in terms of structure, you should still submit a thorough breakdown of your short project. For documentary pieces this would be a treatment instead of a screenplay. 
   A film treatment is a summary of a film-  it should communicate all of the essential scenes, themes, and tone of the project. Your treatment should tell us the story of your short in its narrative order, written in prose and usually in present tense.
   You can view an example here. 
   Please keep in mind that nonfiction films will need to fit within the scope and structure of our program, and that may not work for every type of nonfiction film. Hybrid pieces may work best, but sell us!
    

5. Is it possible to see past EFMP projects?
   We do not post past mentees work online, as the films are their own to share. The films of those who have chosen to share can be found in the past projects section below. For projects without links, we recommend you reach out to past EFMP mentees to talk about their work with them! We have hosted EFMP screenings on campus in the past, and hope to do so again soon!
    

6. Do the actors have to be part of Columbia and Barnard?
   We recommend working on your short films with peers in terms of crew, but you are not required to cast within the Barnard and Columbia community ! You can cast as wide a net as you need for your specific characters.
    

7. How many people normally apply?
   Application numbers vary each year.
    

8. What kind of stories are you looking for?
   We are looking for stories that you are excited about and driven to make. The strongest stories are stories you need and want to tell!  To that end, please make sure your essay responses are really speaking to how passionate you are about the project. While we want strong scripts, we are not looking to be arbiters of what makes art. We want to see that you’ve put work into the script, that you care about it deeply, and you’re excited for the opportunity to get help to make it! (sell us!)
    

9. Are freshmen eligible to apply?
   Yes.
    

10. What if I’m a senior?
    Seniors are eligible to apply! We have had many seniors participate in our program in the past. As a senior you’d attend the workshops throughout the semester, shoot your short film in the summer, and work on post during the fall and winter, since you do not need to edit on campus necessarily. Although you will be a Barnard graduate, you will still receive support from the Media Center Staff until your project is complete.
     

11. What if I’m studying abroad in the spring?
    Our mentorship program requires in person attendance for the spring semester workshops leading up to production during the summer. In person attendance is ideal for the workshops for many reasons, including hands-on learning and developing a collaborative relationship with your cohort. 
     

12. What if I can’t stay in NYC for the entire summer?
    You do not need to be in NYC for the entire summer, but we advise you to be here for a good portion of it. EFMP shorts are slated to be shot in the summer and availability leading up that is encouraged since that will be the time to get one on one support for any production related needs like camera, lighting, and other production related planning and support.
     

13. I wasn’t accepted last year, can I apply again?
    Yes you can apply again! If you are reapplying with the same project you must make sure you’ve made substantial changes to the materials you are submitting, and be prepared to explain how these changes have made your application stronger. 

Missed the info session? No problem, check out the presentation below!
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