Stacy Smith, Cate Blanchett, and Coco Francini

Proof of Concept

Introducing the premiere program for the next generation of talented filmmakers

Stacy Smith, Cate Blanchett, and Coco Francini

Proof of Concept

Introducing the premiere program for the next generation of talented filmmakers

Stacy Smith, Cate Blanchett, and Coco Francini

Proof of Concept

Introducing the premiere program for the next generation of talented filmmakers

Stacy Smith, Cate Blanchett, and Coco Francini

Proof of Concept

Introducing the premiere program for the next generation of talented filmmakers

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Dirty Films Logo
USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative Logo
Netflix Logo

Only 6% of directors across the 1,600 most popular movies between 2007 and 2022 were women.

The brainchild of the team behind Dirty Films and the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, PROOF OF CONCEPT is designed to accelerate the path to large-scale filmmaking for directors who give voice to the perspectives of women, trans and non-binary people. The program will provide support for up to 10 filmmakers to make a short film that that is “proof of concept” for a feature film or television project. Short films will be funded at $50,000 and directors will participate in a mentorship and exposure program which connects them with industry leaders.

Program Components

Program Components

Film Funding

The first component—$50,000 in funding— tackles difficulty filmmakers have obtaining financing, particularly for stories that focus on women, trans, and non-binary perspectives.

Mentorship

The second component—one-on-one mentorship and guidance from industry leaders—plugs the program participants into a system of support and opportunity.

Project Showcase

The third and final aspect of the program—an industry-facing showcase—will provide a spotlight on work that puts the perspectives of women, trans, and non-binary people front and center.

Computer and notes on desk
Computer and notes on desk
Computer and notes on desk

Applications for the 2024 cycle are now closed.

For more information on POC, please sign up to join our mailing list.

Cate Blanchett, Coco Francini and Dr. Stacy L. Smith - Women in Motion Talk - Cannes 2024