Short Film Studio
FAQs
Who can apply?
The program is open to filmmakers of all ages (18+) who are current residents of the United States. Applicants must have a finished draft of a short film screenplay. We’re seeking filmmakers with distinctive voices, a personal connection to their projects, and a proven track record with short form work, but who have not yet directed a narrative feature film.
Do applicants need to be US citizens?
Do applicants need to be US citizens?
Citizenship is not a requirement to apply.
Is there a page limit for scripts?
Is there a page limit for scripts?
Yes, screenplays must be a maximum of 12 pages, excluding the title page, and should follow standard screenplay formatting. Screenplays submitted over the page limit will not be considered.
Can I submit more than one screenplay?
Can I submit more than one screenplay?
We will only consider one script per applicant.
Can writing-directing teams apply?
Can writing-directing teams apply?
Yes, writing-directing teams of up to two people are welcome to apply.
Any genre?
Any genre?
Yes.
Are animated shorts allowed to submit?
Are animated shorts allowed to submit?
Yes, but you will need to have a solid plan/team in order to complete the movie by September of ‘26.
Any language?
Any language?
Yes, but an English translation will be required in order to be considered.
How long are applications open?
How long are applications open?
Applications are open until February 9th at 11:59PM PT.
What is needed for the application?
What is needed for the application?
Applicants must submit a short film screenplay (12 pages maximum), a brief introductory video, a director’s deck, and a directing sample (4 minutes maximum).
Additionally, the application includes prompts for filmmakers to explain their personal connection to their story, their desire to collaborate creatively on developing it, and how they intend to use Dolby technologies to enhance their film.
What does a director's deck need?
Additionally, the application includes prompts for filmmakers to explain their personal connection to their story, their desire to collaborate creatively on developing it, and how they intend to use Dolby technologies to enhance their film.
What does a director's deck need?
A director's deck is a visual guide that conveys your film’s themes, tone, style, and atmosphere. It might include a project overview, mood boards, and reference stills from films that align with your intended aesthetic. You could add visuals for key settings, characters, costumes, or lighting ideas—anything that helps illustrate the feel of your story and how you plan to bring it to life.
To help you create your director's deck, we recommend taking advantage of ShotDeck’s two-week free trial—a comprehensive database of high-quality film stills for visual inspiration.
We also recommend free platforms like Google Slides, Canva, or PowerPoint Online to design your director's deck. These tools provide user-friendly templates and features to help you craft a visually compelling and polished presentation at no cost.
What type of directing sample should I submit?
To help you create your director's deck, we recommend taking advantage of ShotDeck’s two-week free trial—a comprehensive database of high-quality film stills for visual inspiration.
We also recommend free platforms like Google Slides, Canva, or PowerPoint Online to design your director's deck. These tools provide user-friendly templates and features to help you craft a visually compelling and polished presentation at no cost.
What type of directing sample should I submit?
The directing sample should be a video (under 4 minutes) that showcases your voice as a filmmaker. This can be any genre or format—narrative, documentary, experimental, or a scene from a larger project. We do encourage you to submit scenes or segments of films, as opposed to fast-paced compilation reels.
What are the benefits of Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos technologies?
What are the benefits of Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos technologies?
Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos provide filmmakers with advanced tools to enhance their films. Dolby Vision delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and sharp details, creating an immersive viewing experience. Dolby Atmos adds dynamic, three-dimensional audio, enriching the soundscape and heightening the emotional impact. Together, they elevate the creative and technical quality of films.
When does this program take place?
When does this program take place?
The program runs from early spring through the end of summer, culminating in a completed short film.
Production is scheduled for June, with post-production taking place from July through August and potentially extending into early fall.
Applicants should be prepared to commit fully to this timeline and be available for all phases of the program.
Where does this program take place?
Production is scheduled for June, with post-production taking place from July through August and potentially extending into early fall.
Applicants should be prepared to commit fully to this timeline and be available for all phases of the program.
Where does this program take place?
The program spans from early spring to the end of summer, culminating in a completed short film. Development sessions will be conducted virtually, allowing participants to work remotely where they are based. Production will happen at locations in the U.S. based on the needs of the script, pending budget approval.
Where does this program take place?
Where does this program take place?
Development sessions will be conducted virtually, allowing participants to work remotely where they are based. Production will happen at locations in the U.S. based on the needs of the script, pending budget approval.
Dolby finishing will take place at one of Dolby’s U.S. facilities. Any required airfare and lodging related to this process will be covered by the program and will not be deducted from the film’s budget.
Where will shoots happen? Is travel covered?
Dolby finishing will take place at one of Dolby’s U.S. facilities. Any required airfare and lodging related to this process will be covered by the program and will not be deducted from the film’s budget.
Where will shoots happen? Is travel covered?
Shooting locations will be determined based on logistical feasibility and require approval from Antigravity Academy. All production-related travel expenses must be included in the film’s budget, except for travel costs for Antigravity Academy personnel, which will be covered by the program.
Can I shoot on film?
Can I shoot on film?
Filmmakers will be asked to shoot digitally to ensure optimal use of resources and Dolby technologies.
What happens if my project already has other producers attached to it?
What happens if my project already has other producers attached to it?
Antigravity Academy will function as the studio and lead producer for the project. Once a project is selected, if a filmmaker wishes to submit an additional producer for consideration, this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Can I bring my own collaborators onto my project?
Can I bring my own collaborators onto my project?
Directors will be able to propose any creative collaborators of their choosing, but Antigravity Academy will also provide pre-vetted options for every crew position. Each hire will be made based on consensus between the filmmakers and Antigravity Academy to ensure projects meet the program’s standards.
Can I cast any actors I want in my film?
Can I cast any actors I want in my film?
Each film will follow a standard casting process and filmmakers will be collaborating with Antigravity Academy to find the best actor for each role.
What does the greenlight process entail?
What does the greenlight process entail?
Before moving into production, all projects must receive a greenlight. This includes approval by Antigravity and Dolby of the budget, locked script, key production roles, and casting, to ensure a seamless transition into pre-production.
What will be the nature of the collaboration between filmmakers and the program’s executive team?
What will be the nature of the collaboration between filmmakers and the program’s executive team?
Antigravity Academy is a filmmaker-driven company dedicated to empowering storytellers—your films will be in good hands, but this process will be an active, hands-on partnership with us from beginning to end. We are here to support your vision while helping you shape your film. Filmmakers should approach this opportunity ready to engage fully, collaborate openly, and embrace the industry-standard processes that will elevate your work.
Do I receive the $35,000 directly?
Do I receive the $35,000 directly?
The $35,000 production budget is managed by Antigravity Academy and stays within our accounts. Filmmakers collaborate with Antigravity Academy to plan, approve, and spend the budget on production and post-production needs.
Can I raise additional funds for my film?
Can I raise additional funds for my film?
Yes. With prior approval from Antigravity Academy, filmmakers are welcome to pursue additional financing or in-kind support. All additional funding sources and how they’ll be used must be shared with and approved by Antigravity Academy in advance.
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