Independent filmmakers and students can submit their take on the concept of "creative resiliency" and have the chance to win a $7,000 grant in a competition organized by iStock.
Guy Merrill, Global Head of Art at Getty Images, explains that creatives have been faced with "unprecedented challenges," as they have had to navigate the current worldwide circumstances, not just in their professional but also in their personal lives, which have been greatly affected by COVID-19.
Work and travel restrictions, as well as social distancing measures, have all had impact on peoples' lives, however, "the challenge to create content which is all at once moving, ground-breaking and inspired, remains — the challenge to tap into one’s power of creative resiliency and create for the benefit of others everywhere," Merrill notes.
Taking that into consideration, iStock by Getty Images has opened applications for a film grant, which is available not just to college students but also for independent filmmakers. The aim of this initiative is to "empower and inspire the next generation of creatives around the globe, while also honing in on the storytelling medium of the future: video. This bursary is part of Getty Images' wider grants program, which since its launch has so far awarded $1.7 million to photographers and videographers."
The competition is looking for applicants to submit a storyboard sketch of a one-minute film along with a short essay that describes their intent and inspiration in approaching the topic of "creative resiliency." Application submissions are open now and close just before midnight EST on May 3, 2021. Using assets entirely from the iStock film library, aspiring videographers and filmmakers can interpret the topic in their own unique way.
iStock, which provides a visual content library for individuals and businesses and covers topics of all aspects of life, will provide the first place winner with a $7,000 grant, the second place with $5,000, and eight runners-up will all receive $1,000 each. All 10 semi-finalists will also receive a one-year iStock Premium subscription.
The second stage entails 10 semi-finalists moving forward with their idea and creating their one-minute film ready for judging by May 21, 2021, with awards announced on June 1, 2021.
You can read more about the bursary grant and submit your application here.
Lead image used with the permission of iStock.
