Independent Filmmaker Project’s (IFP) Made in NY Media Center has launched a new fellowship to foster a more diverse media industry. As the center’s website notes, recognizing “different experiences, perspectives and cultures [is] critical to advancements in innovation and creativity.” As such, the 10 fellowships — to be offered to New York-based individuals, small businesses and non-profit organizations in media and technology — are intended to recognize those very factors.

The program will be open to those working on projects in filmmaking (both narrative and documentary), gaming, post-production, animation, virtual reality and media/technology.

“The strength of the Media Center is based on original and diverse ways of thinking,” said Joana Vicente, Executive Director of IFP and the Made in NY Media Center by IFP. “Since we opened our doors in 2013, we’ve aimed to bring together creative professionals and entrepreneurs from different backgrounds to express new ideas and develop innovative ways of storytelling. We are proud to be honoring that commitment as we partner with the Mayor’s Office and provide opportunities that will foster collaboration, innovation, and understanding.”

Fellows will receive 12 months of incubator membership at the Made in NY Media Center by IFP, mentorship from industry leaders and the opportunity to participate in classes, networking and industry events.

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, September 30, 2015. For more information and to apply, visit Made in NY Media Center by IFP’s site.

Here are more details for the fellowship:

PROJECT TIME FRAME: November 2, 2015 — November 2, 2016 (12 months)

FUNDING NOTIFICATION:
SHORTLISTED REVIEW October 5–9, 2015
(shortlisted candidates invited for panel presentation)
FINALIST SELECTION: October 16th, 2015
SELECTION COMMITTEE:

Shana Dressler, Program Director, Google 30 Weeks |
Sabrina Dridje, Director, Made in NY Media Center by IFP |
Barin Nahvi Rovzar, Executive Director, R&D Strategy, Hearst |
Joana Vicente, Executive Director, IFP + Made in NY Media Center by IFP |

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PROGRAM PRIORITIES:
(in alphabetical order)

Animation
Documentary filmmaking
Gaming
Media Entrepreneurs and innovation
Multi-disciplinary projects across platforms
Narrative filmmaking
Post-production
Virtual Reality (VR)

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ELIGIBILTY REQUIRMENTS:
*(Please note all fellows should work at the space for a significant amount of time)

Projects MUST be in the Media and Technology industries
Individuals MUST be a New York City resident at time of the award
Non-Profit Organizations MUST be a NYS registered 501c3 with principal place of business in New York
Companies MUST have principal place of business in New York City
The Majority of the team MUST be New York City-based

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FELLOWSHIP RESTRICTIONS:
Diversity Fellowships are not awarded to the following

Public school districts and their affiliates
Public Universities and/or Colleges
Federal, state, or city agencies, departments and municipalities
Companies that are not New York City- based
Companies whose primary place of business is not in New York City
Majority of the team that is not New York City- based
Individuals that are not New York City residents at the time of the fellowship award

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REVIEW CRITERIA:
Strength of applications will be judged on the following

Quality, strength and novelty of the project
Projects that fall within the program priorities
Evidence that the project has potential to be completed during tenancy
Feasibility of the project — fulfillment of estimated time frame and expectations
Professionalism of overall application
required proof of residency

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RESPONSIBILITES:
All fellowship awardees are required to adhere to the following:

 — All fellows are required to adhere to a contract during the grant cycle with the Made In NY Media Center by IFP, which outlines the terms of their fellowship. Please note that The Media Center will include provisions that allow for cancellation of the fellowship for non-compliance.
 — All fellows must print the following credit line in all programs or printed materials describing the funded project.
 — “This project _insert name_is incubating in the Made in NY Media Center by IFP.”
 — Submit a Final Report no later than 30 days after completion of the fellowship.
 — Professionalism of overall application and required proof of residency.