ALL ABOUT

DEAR FILMMAKER

"If you cannot see where you are going, ask someone who has been there before."

-J LOREN NORRIS

F.A.Q.

  • Yes! Applicants must be 25 or under. We are focusing on young and upcoming filmmakers!

  • The board + Watershed will read them all and select the best script.

  • Once the script is selected and submission close, we will move into pre-production and pick the best date for filming

  • Absolutely. Obviously if you are writing/directing it’s a no brainer… but would like the writer to be on set to be part of the production process.

  • Once the film is done, we will do a festival run and promote it, all fully funded.

  • Yes. Because this is a non-profit, you will retain 100% ownership of the short film. We are wanting to enable and support filmmaking careers, so if together we decide it’s worth further development, i.e. a feature or series, Dear Filmmaker and Watershed will partner with the writer to take it further!

  • No. It will only be seen by the Board and the Watershed production team. In other words, it will stay confidential.

  • Sure! You can submit as a director, as a writer, or as both. We’re hoping to find the best short films out there. Don’t let us down.

  • Yep. We don’t want anything to get in the way of reading your script. Write it, polish it, get it to us. We can’t wait to read your story.

  • Sadly, no news is bad news. The good news is that Dear Filmmaker is an annual event. Follow us on Instagram and keep checking back for details about what we’re doing next.

Welcome to Dear Filmmaker – a yearly project designed for young and passionate storytellers like you! Whether you’re a budding writer or an aspiring writer/director, this is your chance to shine.

Here's the deal: submit your short film script, keeping it to a maximum of 15 pages. We're looking for fresh voices and unique stories that can be told within this limit.

Each year, one standout script will be chosen, and that’s where the real magic begins. Watershed Motion Pictures will join forces with you to bring your vision to life. We’ll guide you through every step of the filmmaking process: development, pre-production, production, and post-production. You'll be involved in it all, learning the ropes and honing your craft.

But it doesn't stop there. Once your film is complete, we’ll help you navigate the world of festival submissions and explore distribution options to get your film seen by audiences far and wide.

So, if you've got a story itching to be told and a passion for filmmaking, Dear Filmmaker is your perfect platform. Let’s create something amazing together.

SUBMIT HERE