HBO’s new four-week program titled HBO Access is said to provide project development, master classes and mentoring opportunities to emerging filmmakers, and will begin accepting applications from today.
The program is open to all filmmakers who can put out their knowledge of camera and scripts, which will be evaluated and a top four will be chosen, each of whom will be given a budget to create short-form content for HBO.
“In the great tradition of HBO, we have created HBOAccess to find the next generation of new and powerful voices, We are thrilled to present this opportunity to filmmakers who might not otherwise find their way through our doors. I believe this undertaking will serve as a valuable experience not only for those who are chosen to participate, but for us at HBO as well,” Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming said.
All submissions must be entered through Without A Box and require a resumé or bio and one narrative directing sample (full-length feature, short or webisode, no reel). For further details, please visit withoutabox.com.
Timeline and Important Dates:
Feb. 3, 2014 – Application process opens at withoutabox.com.
March 3, 2014 – Application process closes (or on the date upon which submissions reach the cap of 500 applicants, whichever comes first).
March 2014 – 20 candidates will be chosen to advance to second-round interviews (conducted in person or via Skype). Candidates will be expected to discuss their project in detail. Additionally, candidates must own and assign to HBO all rights necessary to develop and produce their idea.
May 8, 2014 – Four finalists are notified.
June 3, 2014 to June 26, 2014 – HBOAccess program is held in Los Angeles. Participants must live in area during the entire program and production period, and travel and accommodations are their responsibility.
When shortlisted for the program the respective candidate will be teamed with HBO development executive who will serve as his/her mentor throughout the process. Together, the filmmaker and executive will develop the project submitted during the application process. HBO will provide a series of master classes taught by HBO executives and creative talent.
After a span of four weeks, each project will be considered for production as a 10-15 minute film or a series of short episodes on various HBO platforms.