News

MIDPOINT Feature Launch is a professional project and skills development program aimed at emerging writers, directors, producers and aspiring script consultants with the focus on the region of Central and Eastern Europe.

The call for submissions for the 2022 edition is now open, with the deadline set on November 1, 2021.

Feature Launch / Project Development Training

A unique training and networking platform for emerging talents – teams of writers, producers and first- or second-time directors.

The program consists of 2 residential and 2 online workshops, a project showcase and a follow-up session.

The 9 selected feature film projects go through an intensive 4-module program that enables them to work closely on the script and project development, and provides them with financing, networking and co-production opportunities. Within the course of the program, the participants get the chance to create/discuss financing, pitching, marketing or distribution strategies. Producers also acquire company development training.

To close the cycle of the one-year program, the Trieste Film Festival and When East Meets West co-production forum invite all 2022 selected producers to Trieste to the follow-module Company Time, EAVE on-demand workshop focused on entrepreneurial skills enhancement.

Awards
Works in Development – Feature Launch projects showcase takes place within Karlovy Vary International Film Festival with the KVIFF & MIDPOINT Development Award of 10.000 EUR for the best project.

The connecting cottbus Award grants one project the opportunity to present itself during the pitching event within connecting cottbus co-production market and attend various networking events and meetings.

One producer will be handpicked to participate in the professional training program for producers, Rotterdam Lab, which takes place during International Film Festival Rotterdam.

Feature Launch / Script Consultancy Training

The development process that the Feature Launch projects go through is used as a platform to train three attending script consultant trainees, who are learning the principles of script consultancy to enhance their future careers. The trainees attend all workshops and the project showcase along with the Feature Launch participants.

Interested to find out more? Read our interview with Feature Launch 2020 script consultant trainee alumna Angeliki Vergou!

Accepting
Projects – creative teams of writer and/or director and producer (max. of 3 participants per team)

• first or second feature films of directors
• coming from the Central and Eastern Europe or with the co-production intention with this region

Script Consultant Trainees – script consultants, commissioning editors, producers, audiovisual funds evaluators/experts coming from Central and Eastern Europe, or willing to work closely with this region

Dates and venues

Preparatory Seminar for Script Consultant Trainees / February/March 2022, TBC
Workshop 1 / March 2022, Slovakia
Workshop 2 / May 2022, online
Workshop 3 and Works in Development – Feature Launch project showcase / June-July 2022, Prague and Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, in collaboration with KVIFF
Workshop 4 / November 2022, online
Follow-up for producers Company Time / January 2023, Trieste, Italy, EAVE on-demand workshop in co-operation with MIDPOINT Institute, conducted in collaboration with the Trieste FF and When East Meets West

Fee
1500 EUR: writers, directors, trainees
1800 EUR: producers
The fee includes accommodation, board and tuition during the workshops. Travel costs are NOT included. Scholarships are available.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: November 1, 2021

You can find more information and access the application here.

The program schedule and the form of the organization inevitably depend on the development of the coronavirus pandemic situation.