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Win a 12-day Filmmaking Assignment to Tanzania!

Travel Film Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions

In partnership with:

OneSeed Expeditions
RODE Microphones
Langly

Eligibility

  • Am I considered a professional filmmaker?

    Have you been regularly commissioned to make films (in any genre) or derive more than 25% of your income from any aspect of filmmaking? If so, you would be considered a professional and therefore not eligible to apply.

    If you're still learning the craft of filmmaking and if creating films is responsible for less than 25% of your income, then you’re eligible to apply. This may mean you have had a few films commissioned in the past, or keep a regular video channel of your own – but it isn’t your full-time gig.

    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 a learning experience for a budding filmmaker and the judging panel will be selecting the person who they feel will most benefit from the learning opportunity.

    So, whilst we are not stipulating exactly what does and does not constitute a professional, please consider the spirit of the mentorship program and whether you think you would make the most ideal candidate.

  • I speak very little English. Will this be a problem?
    In order for you to get the most of this mentorship, you will need to be able to understand and converse with your mentor, Brian Rapsey. Brian only speaks English, so while English does not have to be your first language, you will need to have conversational English for this scholarship.

Applications

  • 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 an individual applicant, who need nothing more than a camera and a sense of adventure to unearth a great story.
  • Can I make a video in my local language with English subtitles?
    Yes, you may submit a film in your local language however, if people in your film are speaking a language other than English your film must include English subtitles. Keep in mind that English skills are paramount as our mentor Brian Rapsey only speaks English.
  • 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 in 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.
  • 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. To fulfil the scholarship brief you will need to interview a traveler with a great story – show us how they traveled and the emotions they felt during their experience. You will find out what they have done, where they have been, what kind of person they are, and why you find them interesting. We want you to bring to life their compelling travel story to life and share their unique philosophies, quirky travel rituals and fascinating curiosities.
  • 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.
  • My film is under/over three minutes is that okay?
    All films under three minutes will be considered. If you watch our previous winning films they're all between two and three minutes, so make the most of the timeframe provided. If your film is over three minutes, it will not be judged – no exceptions will be made.
  • 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 will the winner win?
    The successful applicant will receive the following:
    • Return economy airfare from the nearest international airport to Tanzania.
    • A 12-day, all-expenses-paid trip in Tanzania courtesy of our friends at OneSeed Expeditions.
    • A three-day, all-expenses-paid post-production workshop with professional filmmaker and scholarship mentor, Brian Rapsey.
    • $1000 USD worth of Langly gear.
    • $1000 USD worth of audio equipment courtesy of RØDE Microphones.
    • The cost of any relevant visas and vaccinations and travel insurance for the duration of the trip from World Nomads.
  • What will I have to produce during and after the trip?
    Under the mentorship of Brian Rapsey you will be shooting a short five to seven-minute travel documentary, and you will then attend a post-production workshop in Tanzania 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.
  • Will I need to bring my own equipment? If so, what gear do I need to bring?
    Yes, you will need to bring your own equipment. You will need to have a camera capable of capturing reasonably good quality video and audio. DSLRs 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!

Troubleshooting

Have a question? Ask us below. 

Please note: Due to the large number of questions we receive, any question already answered in the above FAQ section or within the comments section will not be answered again.

Important dates

10 July Applications close
8 August Winners announced

26 Comments

  • Kate said

    This is amazing!! Looking forward to getting my application together!

  • Hernan said

    Hi! I work as assistant editor on a TV series right now (basically a soap), and have directed a couple short films before. I've been able to participate in films as assistant (even assistant director) about once a year for the last three years, although I wouldn't count that as comprising 25% of my earnings. Most of my earnings do come from this TV gig, would that make me a professional filmmaker? Thanks!

    ---
    Hi Hernan,

    Thanks for your question! For the purpose of this competition, we would consider you a professional as you derive more than 25% of your income from an aspect of filmmaking which includes TV series editing. This scholarship is essentially a learning opportunity for someone looking to get a start in the industry.

    All the best,
    Bec - World Nomads

  • Apoorva said

    Hi, is it necessary for the applicant to be over 18 will 17.5 work because i am really looking forward to this opportunity and won’t be able to apply next year.

  • Damien Pinder said

    Hi I was wondering if it is ok if the documentary focuses on a travel couple, as opposed to an individual.

    ---
    Hi Damien,

    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,
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Bruno Veras said

    Hi, it's really necessary have 18 years until the deadline? Because I'll be 18 years old 10 tens after (20/07), and I'm REALLY wanna participate this program!

  • Isabela said

    Does the video need to talk about a specific trip or can you talk about the traveler's life and his various adventures in general?

    ---
    Hi Isabela,

    As long as you are conveying to the judges through your application that you have the spirit of adventure and a passion for travel filmmaking then I don't see a problem with this. Just make sure that your story has focus and takes us on a journey within 3 minute timeframe. If you'd like to have a look at applications that have done well in the past have a look at last year's shortlist here: https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/film/2017/results

    Best of luck!
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Mahesh Shanker said

    Hi,

    I have been asking my friends, family and contacts for leads. I may also ask a concierge service or other people or entities who do such research to find out potential leads for this documentary film. Would taking that help (in terms of identifying leads and facilitating their agreeing to an interview) be within the contest rules? Thank you.

    ---
    Hi Mahesh,

    Thanks for your question! No problem with being resourceful in finding the subject of your travel story, as long as the filmmaking and interviewing is all your own work. But don't be afraid to get out there yourself to find a unique story, its a great skill to have for documentary filmmaking.

    All the

    All the best,
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Mahesh Shanker said

    Hi,

    I have a few contacts in terms of travel guides and other people who would ask a fee in return for showing me around their city or place in question. I was planning to capture their unique outlook. They may also ask a fee for being filmed and interviewed. Hope these two points on paying fees would be okay and within the contest's rules. Thank you.

    ---
    Hi Manesh,
    As long as they are not involved in the filmmaking process then this would not be against the rules for applying for the scholarship. Please keep in mind that we are only looking for a singular travel story within your film.
    All the best,
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Deborah said

    Hi,

    Can we interview other people relevant to the subject and their story- e.g family members, for additional perspective?
    Also, is a story regarding a courageous experience moving into a new country counted, or must it be an 'on holiday' type travel story?

    Regards,
    Deborah

    ---
    Hi Deborah,

    Yes you can interview other people. As long as you are telling the one travel story and are showcasing your ability to coax a good interview out of a subject then however you chose to convey that is fine.

    And a courageous story of moving to a new country would most definitely fit the brief. You can have a look at what the winner and shortlisters applied with last year here: <https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/film/2017/results> to get more of an idea what we're after.

    Best of luck!
    Bec

  • Gabija said

    Hello,
    I study in one of the best my country school and feel more strong and mature than other students who are even older than me. I am open-minded, understandable and resposible. But really I can't supply if I am 17 years old? I feel strong in Geography (I am preparing for olympiad of Geography and other competitions) and I want to write a book about different people, so it would be perfect opportunity.
    I am waiting for the answer. Thank you.
    Gabija

    ---
    Hi Gabija,

    Great to hear you have such a strong interest in filmmaking. This scholarship is strictly open to people of at least 18. My advice to you would be to keep studying and honing your filmmaking skills and prepare to apply next year.

    All the best,
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Christine said

    Hi! This looks like a fantastic opportunity.

    However, I do not own any of my own gear. In the FAQ's it's mentioned that you may look past gear limitations. What exactly would that entail; gear being provided on the trip? I currently am interning at a film company and have access to the gear here but my internship will be over this August.

    Thanks!

    ---
    Hi Christine,

    Good question! Although we would prefer if the winner was able to provide their own gear for the trip, we will be able to look into other options if they are unable to and make sure they are getting the most out of the experience. Your ability to provide your own gear will not effect your chances of winning, so don't let it stop you from applying!

    Good luck!
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Marta said

    Hi!
    We are thinking about to apply to the travel film scholarship.
    We are creative couple, we like to make videos together and complement each other. If we make a film together, could we go both to the scholarship?

    Thanks!

  • Sumbul said

    Hi,
    I can do all the camera work but I might need help with the editing part .Can I take someone's help in the editing of the final film which will be all under my direction?

    ---
    Hi Subul,

    You will need to be able to edit if you win the scholarship and therefore we do require that applicants do their own editing. Editing is a valuable skill to have as a filmmaker and this short video is a great way to practice - be confident in your abilities!

    Best of luck!
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Zia said

    hi. how many winners in the final result?

    ---
    Hi Zia,

    There will be one recipient of the scholarship.

    All the best,
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Chyndella Gustiana said

    How about the film theme? Is it must be about travel? How about vlog?

    ---
    Hi Chyndella,

    Yes, the theme of the film must be about travel. Please read through the faq's and the brief to get a better idea of what we're after.

    Best of luck!
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Chyndella Gustiana said

    Hi.

    In this requirements, we neet to have our own gear, my gear was broken. May i join this scholarship without bringing a gear.

    Thank you.

  • Deborah R said

    Hi,

    Are we able to use stock images to supplement our own footage/show a location we are unable to film?

    ---
    Hi Deborah,

    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.

    All the best,
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Matthew P said

    I have the same question as Deborah R. May I use some stock footage to supplement my own, given that I legally license the footage?

  • Hina said

    Hello, I work as a multimedia journalist at a news organisation where my tasks include producing, scripting and editing news video. I've mainly worked on explainer videos and probably produced 3-4 short films about currents affairs and politics. Would I be considered a professional or am I eligible to apply for the scholarship? Please let me know. Thanks!

    ---
    Hi Hina,

    Thanks for your question. If this work is your main source of income then we would consider you a professional and therefore not eligible to apply. Please keep in mind the purpose of this scholarship is to give an aspiring filmmaker a learning opportunity and help to get a start in the industry.

    All the best,
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Mahesh said

    Hi,

    One of the people I was considering interviewing is a tourist guide. Earlier in his career, he has taken tourist groups around Rajasthan, a state in India. He no longer does that but he is someone I thought would be an ideal fit for a theme such as this. He dresses in the traditional dress of his village and can speak foreign languages owing to the fact that he takes around foreign tourists. He also had told me he has travelled to places off the beaten path in Jaisalmer, where he is based, as well as the Thar desert close by. He is writing a book on Jaisalmer and is acquinted with the villages, culture and the birds and animals in the vicinity of Jaisalmer. He no longer travels except as a tourist guide, within Jaisalmer and the Thar Desert. Would he be an eligible candidate to make the travel documentary on?

    Thanks & Regards,
    Mahesh

    ---
    Hi Manesh,

    Sounds like an interesting guy! It's up to you to decide if the subject of your film will be appropriate for the travel story. If you think this is the best fit for the brief you can find and you can use him to make a great film - then go for it!

    Best of luck,
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Leya said

    Hi!

    Can I use my IphoneX to shoot the film as I don't have a proper gear?

    Thanks!

  • Prema said

    How about the accommodations?

    ---
    Hi Prema,

    The trip is all-expenses-paid including accommodation. Our friends at OneSeed Expeditions will be organising the trip.

    All the best,
    - Bec, World Nomads



  • Mahesh said

    Hi,

    I am just in the process of trying to find the final person I will shooting the film on from my shortlist. I had gone through Brian Rapsey's videos on filmmaking tips and one important point he mentioned was 'don't contaminate the evidence' wherein he says if you put forward or impose your underlying attitudes and views, then sometimes the interviewee may end up telling you what you want to hear, either consciously or subconsciously and that would not help to get to the real story. On the other hand, I feel I may need to tell the person I am shooting the film on, the theme I will be basing the film on - either 'Courage', 'Kindness' or 'Acceptance'. Can I reveal the theme to them? I was essentially wondering how much to say or not say or how much I should or shouldn't mould the film which is quite a fine line but the subjective perspective of the fimmaker is also something that is a given in any film, I guess. Would be very helpful to get your advice on this.

    Also, am I allowed to take inputs from the subject I'm basing the film on during the editing process or is that not allowed? Sometimes, I can keep showing the subject, who might be a great help and resource for this, rough cuts of the edits after every session of filming and editing and get his input to finally zero in on the best final cut. Not sure if this is allowed or acceptable as per the contest's rules.

    On a related note, sometimes, the subject, as the film will be put up on a public platform such as Youtube or Vimeo, may want to see the final film, and may only then agree that the film be shown. So I might have to show the final film to the subject I filmed to obtain their consent to publish the film on Youtube or Vimeo.

    ---
    Hi Manesh,

    It's really good to see that you've been thinking deeply about some of the things that will impact your final film and using Brian's tips as well! The answer to these questions are quite subjective with no right or wrong answer, and its part of the challenge of the application process to decide what you as a filmmaker want and how you'll go about the filmmaking process to achieve it.

    Just remember that this is your film and its all a learning process, so use all the resources at your disposal and try to produce the best film that you can.

    If you've got any other questions that are just specific to your own film please email scholarships@worldnomads.com.

    Good luck!
    - Bec, World Nomads

  • Mahesh said

    With respect to my above comment, I might also involve the subject of the film during the editing process itself by asking for their inputs and opinion.

  • Patrick locraft said

    I am 15 years old and am wondering if there is an age restriction?

  • Dipanshu goyal said

    Hi,
    i have uploaded my video. Can i now share my video on different social media platforms?

    ---
    Hi Dipanshu,

    Yes of course you can share your film on social media. Although it will not affect your chances of receiving the scholarship, it's a great opportunity to show off your hard work to your friends.

    All the best,
    Bec

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