HBO Documentary Films and the Gotham Film & Media Institute’s Expanding Communities program have unveiled their Documentary Development Initiative.
The new initiative has been created for storytellers who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and/or storytellers with disabilities. The fund’s intent is to offer resources to develop thought-provoking, character-driven contemporary ideas for documentary films and limited series.
Up to 10 filmmakers will be selected and given grants of US$50,000 for research and creative development at an early stage in the filmmaking process of their project. HBO and Gotham will offer resources and mentorship, with funding for the grants provided by HBO Documentary Films, OneFifty and WBD Access.
Ideas generated through the initiative will be offered to HBO on a first-look basis, giving the network the first opportunity to make an offer to further develop the projects.
“We are so proud to announce this initiative, which will provide resources to filmmakers from historically excluded communities as they develop creative and thought-provoking documentaries. We are thrilled to champion these voices as they further their careers in the entertainment industry,” said Karen Horne, Warner Bros. Discovery senior vice president of equity and inclusion.
The fund will accept applications until July 26.
