Are you a documentary filmmaker looking to move beyond the “talking head” format and uncover the narrative within your footage? If so, you’re in luck! MPI is now accepting applications for the 2024 MPI Documentary Storytelling Workshop, which offers filmmakers training and mentorship to inspire and guide them as they develop short documentary pitches. During this eight-week virtual workshop beginning September 12, participants will learn how to develop characters, craft compelling story arcs, and strike an honest balance between story and argument.

Filmmakers accepted into the program receive a $1,000 grant. After the workshop, MPI may elect to acquire one or more projects to produce as MPI Original Films. Filmmakers are then mentored through the entire production process, which is funded by MPI.

MPI will prioritize short film projects, ranging from 10–30 minutes, that can be shot, edited, and released within one to two years from the completion of the workshop. 

Ideally, projects submitted to the workshop will be at the conceptual stage. Projects may enter the workshop if production has begun or even if they are in post, but if MPI chooses the documentary as an “official MPI Original selection,” it must be possible for MPI to acquire the project at the end of the workshop or, at the very least, join the project as a co-producing entity. 

If your project is selected, you will also have the opportunity to become a participant in the MPI’s Production Lab. This immersive program guides participants through the entire production process, teaching them to translate their concepts into compelling on-screen stories. MPI’s experienced producers provide hands-on education covering all aspects of filmmaking—from budgeting and hiring department heads to scouting locations, casting talent, editing, sound mixing, and color correction. Upon completion, filmmakers receive guidance in creating promotional materials and developing strategies for film festival releases.

Past MPI-supported documentaries have earned industry recognition, such as appearing on the Academy Awards shortlist for best documentary and screening in festivals including SXSW, Telluride, and DOC NYC.

STAGE 1

Virtual Sessions: In a multi-week series of virtual sessions, learn directly from working documentarians and industry experts. The workshop is designed so filmmakers can prepare for their documentary production, which includes refining their documentary concept and subject(s), learning critical story fundamentals, determining specific production needs (equipment, releases/clearances), and more. 

STAGE 2

Potential Acquisition and Production: MPI might acquire and produce one or more short documentary concepts as MPI Original Films.

STAGE 3

Film Festival, Marketing, and Distribution: Once complete, the films developed and produced in the MPI Documentary Storytelling Workshop are prepared for release. MPI creates film assets—including a one-sheet (poster), electronic press kit, and website—and then submits the projects to film festivals and supports a full festival run. Finally, MPI creates a distribution and marketing plan to ensure the film reaches a broad audience.

MPI’s mission is to promote human freedom through film. Though we are open to a wide range of documentary subjects that advance our mission, at this time, we are particularly interested in stories that explore the following themes:

– Exposing hypocrisy and/or confronting corruption of power (e.g., we supported the feature documentary Incarcerating US about over-incarceration in America); 

– Individuals fighting against government abuse/tyranny (e.g., we supported the feature documentary Battle for Brooklyn about eminent domain abuse in New York City); 

– Policy failures in education (e.g., we supported The Rubber Room) and solutions to K–12 education in underserved communities (e.g., we made mini-documentaries following student recipients of scholarships explored in our feature narrative Miss Virginia);

– Freedom of speech/expression (e.g., we supported the feature documentary Los Últimos Frikis about Cuba’s most famous metal band); 

– Entrepreneurship success stories and the American Dream (e.g., we supported the feature documentary Dog Days about immigrant street vendors in Washington, DC); 

– Innovations and technology solving problems (our feature documentary Project Home: 3D Printing the Future explores how 3D printed homes can help solve homelessness).

The application deadline for the 2024 workshop is August 12, 2024, at 11:50 p.m. (PT). Applicants are welcome to submit up to three pitches, each submitted as a separate application. MPI anticipates to notify candidates by August 19, 2024, if they have been accepted into the workshop.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to contact everyone who has applied. We will reach out to you if you’ve been accepted. No calls, please. We do not accept applications by mail.

To begin the application, please click here.