Start making movies with nothing but a computer or a smartphone and a story with a program from Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Hollywood filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov
What is screenlife?
Visual language of the digital filmmaking of the future: in screenlife films the entire action is set on the screen of digital devices.
Why screenlife?
Screenlife is the fastest track to the world of cinema
What is Accelerator?
A special training program for UAE professional filmmakers and film enthusiasts to start making screenlife films
Mission
Establishing the UAE as one of the emerging hubs for digital filmmaking in the region and choosing projects from local filmmakers to be developed into feature films
Visual language of the digital filmmaking of the future: in screenlife films the entire action is set on the screen of digital devices.
Why screenlife?
Screenlife is the fastest track to the world of cinema
- Low-budget production - x10 times cheaper than traditional films
- Quick turnaround - 10 days of photography, 8 months of post-production
- Easy localization - Interfaces and screen activities are easily translated into foreign languages
- Young talents - Easiest way to make a debut feature film for an aspiring filmmaker
What is Accelerator?
A special training program for UAE professional filmmakers and film enthusiasts to start making screenlife films
Mission
Establishing the UAE as one of the emerging hubs for digital filmmaking in the region and choosing projects from local filmmakers to be developed into feature films
Visionary director Timur Bekmambetov is the pioneer of screenlife films. His productions, Unfriended and Searching, were box office hits, earning $65 million and $75 million respectively against a budget of $1 million. The latest instalment in the subgenre, Missing, grossed $48.8 million and topped the Netflix movie chart in the US last summer. Pioneering screenlife format has earned his production company BEL a spot among the top 10 most innovative video companies in the world by Fast Company. Bekmambetov is currently directing a new Amazon MGM thriller Mercy starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Fergusson.
Image Nation Abu Dhabi is one of the Middle East’s leading film studios. The company has built its reputation on breaking boundaries and unleashing imagination through content ranging from award-winning films and TV programs to documentaries and non-scripted content, produced in partnership with a global network of content creators and channels. By catalyzing ideas, talent and enterprise, the studio fosters dialogue and builds relationships that help bridge cultural gaps.
Image Nation productions have been screened at film festivals across the globe and recognised with the film & TV industry’s highest honours, including Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Emmys.
In delivering on its mission, Image Nation is also playing an important role in realizing Abu Dhabi’s vision to shape a competitive, economically sustainable and globally open economy and position the Emirate as a regional content creation hub.
Image Nation productions have been screened at film festivals across the globe and recognised with the film & TV industry’s highest honours, including Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Emmys.
In delivering on its mission, Image Nation is also playing an important role in realizing Abu Dhabi’s vision to shape a competitive, economically sustainable and globally open economy and position the Emirate as a regional content creation hub.
DURATION
The program will run from September 26, 2024, to February 6, 2025
Deadline for submissions 12pm August 10, 2024 Abu Dhabi time
Deadline for submissions 12pm August 10, 2024 Abu Dhabi time
ELIGIBILITY
Open to UAE Nationals and Residents with a background in filmmaking who are committed to fully participating in the project.
Ages 21 to eternity
Ages 21 to eternity
PROGRAM PHASES
TRAINING
Participants will undergo online training with screenlife professionals.
DEVELOPMENT
Producers of screenlife films will mentor projects to prepare a presentation deck, treatment & budget that will be pitched to a panel of experts. The selected projects will proceed to the production of proof of concepts
PROOF OF CONCEPT
Participants will produce POCs to help get their screenlife film concepts greenlit.
Greenlight Session
Projects will be pitched to Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Timur Bekmambetov for a chance to be financed and produced into a feature film.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Synopsis: A brief overview of your story.
- LogLine: A one-sentence summary of your film.
- Genre: Specify the genre of your film.
- Showreel: A reel demonstrating your filmmaking skills.
- Emirates ID
All submissions must be in English language. The story should be set in the UAE and resonate with Emirati or regional audience.
SUBMISSION FORM
If you are passionate about filmmaking and eager to explore the Screenlife format, submit your project proposal including the required documents mentioned above. This is your chance to be part of the next wave of cinematic innovators.
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