Documentary Project Submission — Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab

Job Description

Call for Applications – Documentary Producers

The Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab is a 5 day film development program that aims at broadening the professional networks and producing expertise of participants through a series of hands-on workshops and one-on-one sessions with local and international industry mentors. The residential program is designed to hone emerging producers’ creative instincts and evolve their communication and problem-solving skills at all stages of their next feature film project

Project Requirements:

a. Projects do not need to have financing in place at the time of application. However, applicants must demonstrate clear and thoughtful consideration of the film’s budget, including the rationale behind the proposed budget level.

b. Applicants must own the IP rights to the project and be formally attached with the legal right to produce it (through ownership, option agreement, or attachment agreement).

c. The project must have a director attached.

d. Only feature-length film projects are eligible. Short films, episodic, and new media projects will not be considered.

e. Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

— Produced at least 2 short films or 1 feature-length film  OR held a decision-making production role (e.g. line producer, production manager, or director) with responsibility for budget, schedule, or delivery

Geographical Scope:  The call is open to producers based in the following countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Burundi, and the DRC.

Only ONE project per applicant may be submitted.

Materials Required:

To apply for the Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab, follow these steps:

​1. Complete the Application Form – fill out the online application form in English, providing accurate and detailed information.

2. Prepare to submit the Following:

a. Application Letter (Max. 1 Page): describe your background as a producer, your producing focus/vision, the current stage of development of the project (what has been completed and what is currently underway), why the story matters (creative, cultural, and market relevance), and where you see the project going (markets, co-production opportunities, target audiences).

b. Introduction Video (Max. 3 Minutes): share your relevant producing experience, present your current project (format, stage of development, and current needs), explain your motivation (Why this Lab? Why now?), outline your objectives and expectations (What do you want to walk away with?), and specify the areas where you seek support (financing, packaging, market access, co-production, etc.). *Strictly an unlisted YouTube link for the producer’s introduction video with full viewing access

*Strictly an unlisted YouTube link for the producer’s introduction video with full viewing access

3. A copy of your national passport to verify citizenship.

4. A high-resolution image of yourself.

5. Project Dossier / Pitch Deck (PDF): All of the following materials must be submitted unless noted as optional:

a. Logline, Synopsis, Artistic Approach & Project Timeline – maximum 700 words

b. Producer’s Statement – maximum 250 words

c. Director’s Note of Intent – maximum 250 words

d. Budget Top Sheet and Finance Plan – in local currency and euros

e. Fundraising Strategy – maximum 200 words

f. Distribution & Marketing Approach – maximum 200 words

g. Proof of Access to the Main Subject

h. Team Bios

i. Chain of Title Documentation

j. Optional: Production Company Presentation – maximum 200 words

6. Teaser – 5–10 minutes (if available) as a Vimeo or YouTube link

7. Links to Previous Works: Format:

Title / Format / Year / Role – followed by link to film, trailer, website, or social media page if available

Example: Galileo / Short Film / 2024 – Producer – [Link]

Incomplete applications will not be accepted, and submissions exceeding the word count will be disadvantaged and disregarded

Selection: The selection of participants will be made by the Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of August 2026.