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Travel Film Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
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Eligibility
- How old do I need to be to be eligible for the scholarship?
You need to be over 18 at the time of the application deadline (before July 18, 2017).
- I am a professional filmmaker. Can I apply for this opportunity?
The scholarship is not open to professional filmmakers of any kind.
- Am I considered a professional filmmaker?
Have you already been regulary commissioned to make films (in any genre) or derive more than 25% of your income from filmmaking? If so, you would be considered a professional. If you are still learning the craft of filmmaking and the majority of your income is not derived from filmmaking activities then you are eligible to apply. We appreciate that the filmmaking industry is difficult to break into and there are a lucky few who can count themselves as professional full-time filmmakers. This scholarship is very much about the mentorship, and the judging panel will be selecting the person or team who they feel will most benefit from the learning opportunity. For the purposes of this opportunity, we would consider you to be professional filmmaker if you have been commissioned regularly to make films (of any genre). We would also consider you to be a professional filmmaker if you derive more than 25% of your income from filmmaking of any kind. If you have only had a few films commissioned, or keep a regular video channel of your own, then we would not consider this professional. If you are a finalist, you will be asked to outline your experience to date, and it will be the judging panel who decides who is most suitable based on their previous experience, video and written component. So, whilst we are not stipulating exactly what does and does not constitute a professional, think about the spirit of the mentorship program and whether you think you would make the most ideal candidate.
- I am currently studying filmmaking at university/college/film-school. Will this affect my chances on winning?
Have you already been regulary commissioned to make films (in any genre) or derive more than 25% of your income from filmmaking? If so, you would be considered a professional. If you are still learning the craft of filmmaking and the majority of your income is not derived from filmmaking activities then you are eligible to apply.
- I speak very little English. Will this be a problem?
English does not have to be your first language, but you do need to have conversational English for this scholarship. In order for you to get the most of the mentorship you will need to be able to understand and converse with your mentor Brian on the trip.
- Do I need a current passport? What about visa requirements?
You do need a current passport with at least eight months left before expiry. We'll assist the winner in acquiring a visa and reimburse all associated costs, however the applicant must be eligible to obtain an Indian visa.
- I live in India. Can I apply for this scholarship?
Of course. Our friends from India are eligible too!
Applications
- Can I enter more than once?
No, you can only submit one application.
- Can a pair or team submit an application?
No, each film must be submitted by an individual filmmaker. While in previous years we have allowed team submissions, this year we're looking for a one-person show, needing nothing more than a camera and a sense of adventure to unearth a great story.
- Can I make video in my local language with English Subtitles?
Yes, however you must keep in mind that English skills are paramount as our mentor Brian Rapsey only speaks English.
- Can I use previous travel footage I have shot?
Your submission may be compiled from previous travel videos you've shot so long as it still adheres to the brief.
- I have some great material but from a phone. Will it have a chance?
Have a look at the winning videos of our previous film scholarships and see if your footage compares. Remember, the film needs to have good audio too!
- Can I include animation in my film?
Yes, you may have some animation, but you must still adhere to the brief.
- Can I include music in my film?
Yes, you can include music in your film. However, please be aware, you will need to follow the guidelines outlined by YouTube & Vimeo. If you use copyrighted music, you run the risk of your entire audio track being stripped from your video.
- Can I use photos within the film?
Yes, you can use photographs in your film. However a film compiled solely of photographs will not be considered, you need to demonstrate your skill with the moving image.
- Can I use footage shot by someone else?
While the majority of the footage should be your own, you may use some footage captured by someone else, provided you have permission to use it within your film. By applying for this scholarship you warrant that your application is original, owned by you and is in your own words.
- I have a great story for my film, but its not about a travel experience. Can I still submit it?
As per our brief, the film must be about a travel experience.
- Do I have to interview someone in the film?
Being able to interview a subject is an important skill in documentary making. Your film should showcase your ability to coax a good story out of your subject. Your brief is to paint their picture for us – show us how they traveled and the emotions they felt during their experience. Find out what they have done, where they have been, what kind of person they are, and why you find them interesting. Bring to life their compelling travel story and share their unique philosophies, quirky travel rituals and fascinating curiosities.
- I would like my film to be about myself and my own travel experience. Can I interview myself?
No, the film cannot be about your own travel experience. The brief requires you to creatively tell us about another traveler's experience. You may be a part of their story, however you need to show our judges that you can interview another person.
- Do I need to appear in the film?
You don't need to appear in the film. However, you can film yourself or narrate the story if you wish.
- Can I submit a film that I have previously made if it fits the scholarship brief?
Yes you can submit a film you've worked on previously so long as it meets the brief. Make sure its under 3 minutes!
- My film is under/over 3 minutes is that okay?
All films under 3 minutes will be considered. If you watch our previous winning films they're all between the 2-3 minute mark, so make the most of the timeframe provided. If your film is over 3 minutes, it will not be judged - no exceptions will be made.
- Can I edit my application once submitted?
No, you cannot change or edit your application in any way once it has been submitted. Please check, and double-check your application before you hit the 'Submit' button.
- Does World Nomads own the film I apply with?
No, by applying for this scholarship you allow World Nomads to showcase your film on the World Nomads website and use the film to promote the World Nomads Travel Film Scholarship. More details can be found the in the Program Terms & Conditions.
- So the film I apply with will be available for the public to view?
Yes, your film must be publicly available to view and will be publicly displayed on our website. If your film is behind a password-gate, it will not be considered. If you would like your film removed from the World Nomads website please email scholarships@worldnomads.com with the title of your film. Please note, your personal essay and contact details will not be made public.
The Trip
- What are the trip dates?
The trip will take place between November 6-17, 2017 (including travel dates on either side).
- Are the trip dates final or could they be altered a little?
Yes, these dates are final.
- What will I have to produce from my trip?
Under the mentorship of Brian Rapsey you will be shooting a short 5-7 minute travel documentary, you will then attend a post-production workshop in Kerala to commence your editing work. Within two months of your return, you will complete your video and submit the piece to World Nomads. You will also be required to keep a daily diary about your time on the trip and write about your experience on the World Nomads website.
- What will the mentorship entail?
Every day on assignment you'll catch up with your mentor Brian to review your footage, discuss your story direction and ply him with your filmmaking questions over some masala chai.
- How can I prepare for my trip?
Prior to departure, we'll work with the winner to flesh out themes, story lines and potential filming ideas...then we'll let you loose to research and get amongst it!
- Will I need to bring my own gear? If so, what gear do I need to bring?
Yes, you will need to bring your own gear. You will need to have a camera capable of capturing reasonably good quality video and audio. DSLR's and camcorders are preferable, GoPros and iPhones are less preferable - simply because you are limited in what you can do with them. However, if you are able to demonstrate you have an excellent eye for a story and an excellent grasp of visual language, we will look past gear limitations.
- Can I bring a travel companion or my partner along for the trip?
Only the winner will be allowed on assignment. Should the winner wish to extend their stay in India after the assignment, this can be discussed.
- Is there any other way to get into the program besides the scholarship? Can I pay for my room & board myself and take part in the program?
No, unfortunately, you cannot pay your way onto this trip.
Troubleshooting
- I have a problem submitting my application. Can I email my application to you? Help!
No, you cannot email your film to us. All applicants need to fill out the application page and submit their applications via our website. If you have encountered any specific issues please contact us at scholarships@worldnomads.com.
- I'm not sure if my application was submitted correctly. How do I check this?
Successful applications will be visible within this section. If you cannot see your application here, it is likely we have not received your submission. Please try to apply again.
30 Comments
Hi,
Is it possible to make this documentary submission about myself?
Almost 2 years ago I quit my job to go travelling and I developed a passion for filmmaking. Eventually, I'd like to make this my full time job and I feel like this would be a perfect opportunity for me to learn and get better at what I love doing.
Kind Regards,
Eric Bartolo.
Hi,
I am a professional scriptwriter that writes TV series for a living but I have never been a professional "filmmaker." Only recently I started experimenting with shooting and editing video for fun with no financial reward whatsoever. Am i eligible or not?
Hi Motasem, yes you are eligible. Good luck!
- Pari, World Nomads
Hi,
My 18th birthday is a few days after the application deadline, if I have my parents consent can I still apply? I will be 18 before the winner is announced or the trip would take place.
Hi Éimhín. Although your birthday is close to the application deadline we do have to stick to the rules of the scholarship. Unfortunately, you're not eligible this year however, I encourage you to use this time to perfect your craft and apply for next year's opportunity. All the best!
- Pari, World Nomads
Regarding the use of copywrite material - would we submit the approval of the use of songs in a document along with our application.
Also when contacting music company's for use of songs - would this be considered a commercial film?
Hi Jacinta,
No, you do not need to submit the approval of the use of a song in your application. By applying for the scholarship you agree that you have not violated any third-party rights in your submission (See Point 8 on our Terms page).
As the films will be hosted on the World Nomads website, which is a commercial website, you would need to ensure the company in question is aware of the circumstances in which we will publish the content. We will not be using any submitted content in advertising World Nomads, however your submission could be used in the promotion of our Travel Scholarship Program. As such, when you are purchasing this music or requesting permission for use you would need to acknowledge this usage. Please refer to Point 11 in Terms page for more information.
Keep in mind, you can also use royalty free tracks that are licensed to you, or visit YouTube's own Audio Library for other options. All the best!
- Pari, World Nomads
Would I be able to utilize the fair use doctrine in my video, if my interview subject is part of the story that is being fair used?
Also, could we use audio that has a Creative Commons license?
Hi Mike, could you please provide a little more context about your question in an email to scholarships@worldnomads.com?
Yes, you can use material that has a Creative Commons license. However, keep in mind, the majority of the film component (or footage shown) should be filmed by you.
- Pari, World Nomads
Hi,
Can I interview more than one traveller for the video within the same theme?
Or does it have to be just one person? Can I be on camera as well or is it strictly about the other traveller?
Thank you!
Hi Esra,
Your film should center on a single traveler's story, however you can still interview more than one person in the film if you'd like to. You can be in the film, however please keep in mind that you should be telling us about another person's experience rather than your own. You might be a part of their story, but the film shouldn't be about yourself and you need to showcase your ability to interview another person. I hope that helps,
- Pearse, World Nomads
Hi,
I am 25 year old aspiring film maker from Mumbai. I worked as video editor for an year at a studio, but now I don't. I do on and off editing assignments from my home. I have never handled a camera though. I have written and directed few short films on my own with no financial reward or whatsoever. I want to participate in this competition but I don't know if I am eligible or not ?
Thank you.
Hi,
I recently started a company that offers video services (as well as photography, social media marketing, etc.). Because I'm so new at this, I haven't been paid for more than a couple projects my main source of income coming from other tasks--primarily marketing services (I'm relying on these projects to build up my portfolio). Am I still eligible since I would fall under the 25% threshold? Thanks!
My english is weak, is it possible to make a documentary in hindi.
Will you accept it?
Hi Megh,
Please refer to the FAQ above, you can make your film in your local language with appropriate subtitling but keep in mind the mentorship will be in English, so you will need a level of proficiency to benefit from the scholarship. Thanks,
- Pearse, World Nomads
Hello!
I was wondering if the trip provided accommodation and food? or do we have to cover these expanses?
Hi Sandra,
The scholarship will include accommodation and food expenses for the duration of the 12 day itinerary. If you decided to take additional time before/after the scholarship you would need to cover these expenses yourself. Thanks,
- Pearse, World Nomads
I am interested in submitting a 360 VR video through YouTube. Would that be considered eligible?
Hi Vincent,
We haven't specified the format apart from Youtube/Vimeo and less than 3 minutes, so it's up to you what type of video you're submitting. Just try and make sure the format is suitable to the brief for submissions; this is your call. Thanks,
- Pearse, World Nomads
Hello,
Would my submission count if I interviewed a duo of travelers (who traveled together)? Or does it have to be just one traveler? I do not think it was stated above.
Thanks!
Hi Billy,
Good question. We're looking for films which showcase their creators ability to coax a good story from their subject, so I don't see an issue with you interviewing a duo who traveled together (and therefore share the 'story'). However, make sure you're not just filming a dialogue between two people, we need to see your interviewing skills! If you have any specific concerns regarding this please email them to scholarships@worldnomads.com and we can provide a more detailed answer for you. Thanks,
- Pearse, World Nomads
great news for the aspiring travel film makers..Can i use mobile phone to shoot the documentary?
Aspiring travel filmmaker, but what if I don't have the professional camera gear just yet.
Can i use mobile phone to shoot the documentry
Hy ,
How many people you will select for scholarship ? Is there only one seat for that opportunity ?
Hi Muhammad. Yes, only one winner will be announced.
- Pari, World Nomads
I am a graduated filmmaker and though I've had short films screened in festivals, my actual income comes from scriptwriting, storyboarding and teaching, can I apply?
Hi.
I am from Brazil. I never worked with filmimg before. But I believe this would be great for the area that I want to work. Can I participate?
Hi!
Does it have to revolve around just 1 travel story, or can we convey multiple stories from the person we are interviewing?
The traveler that I am making my documentary on is currently touring California. As a result I can't film the interview at his location and a lot of the footage that I would use to aid in the story telling would be his. I do have his permission to use the footage but I understand that a majority of the film has to be captured by me as stated in the FAQ. Would I still be able to submit my film? Thank you!
Hi,
I am 17 years old. Am I able to enter the contest? Also can I enter with a friend or do we have to interview different travelers and make different videos?
If I don't have proffessional gear just yet, can I film on my iPhone? Please let me know. (:
Hi,
I know this question has been touched on a few times, but no suitable answer has been given for whether professional video editing falls under the category of filmmaking. I make my living editing wedding films but just recently bought a camera to mess around with... thanks!
Hi Zach. Yes, we consider editing to be a significant part of the filmmaking process so if you are earning more than 20% of your income from editing activities then you would be ineligible to apply.
- Pari, World Nomads
Hello I've 2 questions.
1- Can I use footage shot by the traveler in my film for one minute to show his trip via original footage?
2- Is it ok to make a major theme acceptance and minor theme courage?
Hi Abdallah, 1. As mentioned in the FAQ above, you can use footage shot by someone else provided you have appropriate permission and the majority of footage used in the film is still your own, please refer to the Eligibility section of this page for more info. 2. Your entry should tell a story around only one of the three themes. I hope that helps,
- Pearse, World Nomads
Hi, I was wondering when is the deadline exactly?
Before July 17th at 23:59, or before the 18th at 23:59?
And is it the time zone of Sydney, Australia?
Hi Diego, the scholarship closes at 11 PM EDT on the 18th of July. Thanks,
- Pearse, World Nomads
Hey! I was wondering about the music licensing. In your section about music you have information that as long as music is eligible for YouTube is good to go, but in one of the comments you've replied that it has to have some sort of a commercial license.
My question is whether I can use a copyrighted song (not so popular from a movie), which will be accepted on YouTube as you can add that kind of music ( you just can't make profit out of it)
Waiting for your reply :)
Best, Adam
Hi Adam, as Pari has answered above, World Nomads is a commercial website and your submission is being hosted on it, so you need to have appropriate permissions for this usage, rather than just YouTube hosting. The company who owns the copyright would need to be aware of the circumstances in which it will be published by us - We wouldn't use submitted content in advertising World Nomads, but could use your submission in the promotion of our Travel Scholarship Program. More information can be found in point 11 of the Terms page. Thanks,
- Pearse, World Nomads
I am having trouble submitting my application - when I hit the Submit button, I get an error message that prevents me from submitting, telling me to fill in the 1500 character section, even though it's filled in. I have tried to re-type the submission directly in the browser, but it still gives me the error message. I have tried to do the application in three different browsers with no luck. Please could you have a look at the issue so that I can still submit before the deadline?
Hi Jack, I can see you've also emailed us regarding this - I've replied to you directly. For those reading this that are experiencing an issue with the character count, we have loosened the restrictions slightly (+50 characters) to help alleviate the issues being encountered. If you've previously been unable to submit due to character limit, please try again. If you still encounter problems email us at scholarships@worldnomads.com. Thanks,
- Pearse, World Nomads
Hi,
I just uploaded my video #Favelismo, but I see that something went wrong with the cover image. Do I have to upload everything again or is there an option to fix this with my recent upload? Sorry for the inconvenience.
Brenda
Hi Brenda, unfortunately you'll need to re-submit to fix the thumbnail issue. Otherwise, I have made a note of this on your application and your entry will not be disadvantaged/marked down if the thumbnail remains broken. I've checked and everything else on your entry works fine. If you have any issues re-uploading your application, email scholarships@worldnomads.com. Thanks,
- Pearse, World Nomads
I submitted my film but the vimeo link is incorrect I am unsure how as I have never seen the film that plays in my life! Apologies for this.
Am I ok to resubmit?
Would it be possible to remove this submission - https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/film/2017/applications/it-s-about-us
I am worried about copyright issues as that is not my film and it's listed under my name.
Thank you so much!
Hi Lainy, I've gone ahead and removed this submission for you. I've also sent you an email regarding re-applying. Thanks,
- Pearse, World Nomads
Hi, when are you announcing the results? It is already August 9th.
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