FUNDING.
MENTORSHIP.
EXPOSURE.
FUNDING.
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EXPOSURE.
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Program Components
Program Components
The Proof of Concept program is designed to address the trifecta of challenges facing these directors: funding, mentorship, and exposure.
Testimonials
Yoo Lee
"It’s a privilege to tell the story I want to tell.
I never know exactly how it will get done, but it always begins with a story that has been occupying space in my head for quite some time, just itching to get out. That’s how it began with A Man Who Takes Pictures in Flowers, until a wonderful tribe of changemakers, Proof of Concept, decided to lend their support and nurture the project along with nine other incredible filmmakers.
I learned so much, experienced what good leadership looks like, and came out of the Proof of Concept experience with a finished short documentary that made me a better filmmaker and a better human being. I am forever grateful."
-Yoo Lee, Director, A MAN WHO TAKES PICTURES OF FLOWERS
Yoo Lee
"It’s a privilege to tell the story I want to tell.
I never know exactly how it will get done, but it always begins with a story that has been occupying space in my head for quite some time, just itching to get out. That’s how it began with A Man Who Takes Pictures in Flowers, until a wonderful tribe of changemakers, Proof of Concept, decided to lend their support and nurture the project along with nine other incredible filmmakers.
I learned so much, experienced what good leadership looks like, and came out of the Proof of Concept experience with a finished short documentary that made me a better filmmaker and a better human being. I am forever grateful."
-Yoo Lee, Director, A MAN WHO TAKES PICTURES OF FLOWERS
Yoo Lee
"It’s a privilege to tell the story I want to tell.
I never know exactly how it will get done, but it always begins with a story that has been occupying space in my head for quite some time, just itching to get out. That’s how it began with A Man Who Takes Pictures in Flowers, until a wonderful tribe of changemakers, Proof of Concept, decided to lend their support and nurture the project along with nine other incredible filmmakers.
I learned so much, experienced what good leadership looks like, and came out of the Proof of Concept experience with a finished short documentary that made me a better filmmaker and a better human being. I am forever grateful."
-Yoo Lee, Director, A MAN WHO TAKES PICTURES OF FLOWERS
Gabriela Garcia Medina
"What I loved about Proof of Concept was that they gave me....not just the "support" but the ACTUAL budget to expand my toolkit as a filmmaker. I got to shoot a car-chase sequence on a volume stage, fly a drone on Rodeo Drive without getting arrested (cause I could actually afford to pay for a permit), and work with incredibly talented actors. I always felt supported by my EPs, who offered valuable feedback while trusting my choices.
Being able to put Dirty Films (Cate Blanchett and Coco Francini) as EPs on SKRRRT! was a real milestone. And partnering with Annenberg was meaningful, because their commitment to inclusion reflects the way I have always approached my work."
-Gabriela Garcia Medina, SKRRRT!
Gabriela Garcia Medina
"What I loved about Proof of Concept was that they gave me....not just the "support" but the ACTUAL budget to expand my toolkit as a filmmaker. I got to shoot a car-chase sequence on a volume stage, fly a drone on Rodeo Drive without getting arrested (cause I could actually afford to pay for a permit), and work with incredibly talented actors. I always felt supported by my EPs, who offered valuable feedback while trusting my choices.
Being able to put Dirty Films (Cate Blanchett and Coco Francini) as EPs on SKRRRT! was a real milestone. And partnering with Annenberg was meaningful, because their commitment to inclusion reflects the way I have always approached my work."
-Gabriela Garcia Medina, SKRRRT!
Gabriela Garcia Medina
"What I loved about Proof of Concept was that they gave me....not just the "support" but the ACTUAL budget to expand my toolkit as a filmmaker. I got to shoot a car-chase sequence on a volume stage, fly a drone on Rodeo Drive without getting arrested (cause I could actually afford to pay for a permit), and work with incredibly talented actors. I always felt supported by my EPs, who offered valuable feedback while trusting my choices.
Being able to put Dirty Films (Cate Blanchett and Coco Francini) as EPs on SKRRRT! was a real milestone. And partnering with Annenberg was meaningful, because their commitment to inclusion reflects the way I have always approached my work."
-Gabriela Garcia Medina, SKRRRT!
Nate Gualtieri
"I owe so much to the Proof of Concept Fellowship and the incredible team behind it. Their belief in me as an emerging filmmaker has given me confidence, momentum, and the creative space to take risks I never thought I could. This opportunity has been a massive turning point in my directing journey, and launched me into the next stage of my career."
-Nate Gualtieri, QUEERBAIT
Nate Gualtieri
"I owe so much to the Proof of Concept Fellowship and the incredible team behind it. Their belief in me as an emerging filmmaker has given me confidence, momentum, and the creative space to take risks I never thought I could. This opportunity has been a massive turning point in my directing journey, and launched me into the next stage of my career."
-Nate Gualtieri, QUEERBAIT
Nate Gualtieri
"I owe so much to the Proof of Concept Fellowship and the incredible team behind it. Their belief in me as an emerging filmmaker has given me confidence, momentum, and the creative space to take risks I never thought I could. This opportunity has been a massive turning point in my directing journey, and launched me into the next stage of my career."
-Nate Gualtieri, QUEERBAIT
Ellie Foumbi
"The POC Incubator program introduced me to an incredible community that I will cherish for the rest of my career. Through the program’s guidance, I was able to gain a fresh perspective on a complex story that I had set down for many years. It allowed me to take risks and to experiment with visual ideas. It also gave me the opportunity to work with dream collaborators. I grew tremendously from the experience and feel grateful to be part of this talented cohort."
-Ellie Foumbi, AFUFU
Ellie Foumbi
"The POC Incubator program introduced me to an incredible community that I will cherish for the rest of my career. Through the program’s guidance, I was able to gain a fresh perspective on a complex story that I had set down for many years. It allowed me to take risks and to experiment with visual ideas. It also gave me the opportunity to work with dream collaborators. I grew tremendously from the experience and feel grateful to be part of this talented cohort."
-Ellie Foumbi, AFUFU
Ellie Foumbi
"The POC Incubator program introduced me to an incredible community that I will cherish for the rest of my career. Through the program’s guidance, I was able to gain a fresh perspective on a complex story that I had set down for many years. It allowed me to take risks and to experiment with visual ideas. It also gave me the opportunity to work with dream collaborators. I grew tremendously from the experience and feel grateful to be part of this talented cohort."
-Ellie Foumbi, AFUFU
Barbara Hall
"Proof of Concept provided me with much needed affirmation that I had an idea that others believed was worthwhile and important. I’m convinced documentaries have the power to facilitate change & growth. I had been investing money and time trying to get this film made for several years and am quite convinced that without Proof of Concept it would not have moved forward. The feedback, support, introductions, guidance, critiquing led to a more impactful outcome. My belief that we can move closer to reproductive justice has increased knowing that there are others who will take chances & provide resources to get the message out. I believe this is just the beginning… and I will always be grateful for the Proof of Concept for this opportunity."
-Barbara Hall, FAITHFUL DEFENDERS
Barbara Hall
"Proof of Concept provided me with much needed affirmation that I had an idea that others believed was worthwhile and important. I’m convinced documentaries have the power to facilitate change & growth. I had been investing money and time trying to get this film made for several years and am quite convinced that without Proof of Concept it would not have moved forward. The feedback, support, introductions, guidance, critiquing led to a more impactful outcome. My belief that we can move closer to reproductive justice has increased knowing that there are others who will take chances & provide resources to get the message out. I believe this is just the beginning… and I will always be grateful for the Proof of Concept for this opportunity."
-Barbara Hall, FAITHFUL DEFENDERS
Barbara Hall
"Proof of Concept provided me with much needed affirmation that I had an idea that others believed was worthwhile and important. I’m convinced documentaries have the power to facilitate change & growth. I had been investing money and time trying to get this film made for several years and am quite convinced that without Proof of Concept it would not have moved forward. The feedback, support, introductions, guidance, critiquing led to a more impactful outcome. My belief that we can move closer to reproductive justice has increased knowing that there are others who will take chances & provide resources to get the message out. I believe this is just the beginning… and I will always be grateful for the Proof of Concept for this opportunity."
-Barbara Hall, FAITHFUL DEFENDERS
Mahnoor Euceph
"Being part of the Proof of Concept Accelerator has been deeply empowering. From being selected by personal heroes like Greta Gerwig and Lilly Wachowski to receiving Coco Francini’s continuous support, the program holistically uplifted me as a filmmaker. It opened doors I couldn’t open alone—and gave me the courage to walk through them. This program showed me the value of embracing experimentation. It encouraged me to explore my film thematically and visually without constraints—learning from both successes and failures. That exploration has been invaluable in shaping my voice and refining the vision for my feature."
-Mahnoor Euceph, 11:11
Mahnoor Euceph
"Being part of the Proof of Concept Accelerator has been deeply empowering. From being selected by personal heroes like Greta Gerwig and Lilly Wachowski to receiving Coco Francini’s continuous support, the program holistically uplifted me as a filmmaker. It opened doors I couldn’t open alone—and gave me the courage to walk through them. This program showed me the value of embracing experimentation. It encouraged me to explore my film thematically and visually without constraints—learning from both successes and failures. That exploration has been invaluable in shaping my voice and refining the vision for my feature."
-Mahnoor Euceph, 11:11
Mahnoor Euceph
"Being part of the Proof of Concept Accelerator has been deeply empowering. From being selected by personal heroes like Greta Gerwig and Lilly Wachowski to receiving Coco Francini’s continuous support, the program holistically uplifted me as a filmmaker. It opened doors I couldn’t open alone—and gave me the courage to walk through them. This program showed me the value of embracing experimentation. It encouraged me to explore my film thematically and visually without constraints—learning from both successes and failures. That exploration has been invaluable in shaping my voice and refining the vision for my feature."
-Mahnoor Euceph, 11:11
Nicole Taylor-Roberts
"This program has given me the space and support to push beyond what was possible. I’m grateful for the talented artists who rallied with me to create great work. The takeaway: hold on to your vision, pivot when necessary, and keep brilliant people around you."
-Nicole Taylor-Roberts, ELLA
Nicole Taylor-Roberts
"This program has given me the space and support to push beyond what was possible. I’m grateful for the talented artists who rallied with me to create great work. The takeaway: hold on to your vision, pivot when necessary, and keep brilliant people around you."
-Nicole Taylor-Roberts, ELLA
Nicole Taylor-Roberts
"This program has given me the space and support to push beyond what was possible. I’m grateful for the talented artists who rallied with me to create great work. The takeaway: hold on to your vision, pivot when necessary, and keep brilliant people around you."
-Nicole Taylor-Roberts, ELLA
Rebecca Halfon
"Sending your art out in the world can feel like shouting into the void. But being a part of this program made me feel heard. Thank you for giving me the space to make the zany, outrageous comedy I envisioned. Moving forward, I have a deeper trust in my voice and instincts. I can’t wait to make the next thing."
-Rebecca Halfon, MY BIRD IS SICK!
Rebecca Halfon
"Sending your art out in the world can feel like shouting into the void. But being a part of this program made me feel heard. Thank you for giving me the space to make the zany, outrageous comedy I envisioned. Moving forward, I have a deeper trust in my voice and instincts. I can’t wait to make the next thing."
-Rebecca Halfon, MY BIRD IS SICK!
Rebecca Halfon
"Sending your art out in the world can feel like shouting into the void. But being a part of this program made me feel heard. Thank you for giving me the space to make the zany, outrageous comedy I envisioned. Moving forward, I have a deeper trust in my voice and instincts. I can’t wait to make the next thing."
-Rebecca Halfon, MY BIRD IS SICK!
Courtney Hoffman
"It was extraordinary to finally bring my 1970s female trucker film, The Sisters of Scott County, to life with Kaitlyn Dever, Emilio Rivera, Ava Phillippe, and a wonderful cast. I recruited my favorite crew—artists I’ve worked with throughout my career as a Costume Designer—including the stunt team from Django Unchained and the camera car team from Baby Driver. Every department elevated the vision and brought the level of craftsmanship this ambitious short demanded. My hope is that the film’s bold storytelling, creative flair, and remarkable performances remind buyers that audiences are hungry for original stories that are as fun as they are fresh. Proof of Concept is a bold evolution of the development pipeline—working backwards from a feature script to create a sample that undeniably captures the vision behind it. The cohort of filmmakers is wildly impressive and more than ready to take the next leap as storytellers. Now, each of us walks away with a calling card that’s not just a sample—it’s a statement. Original. Bold. Vibrant. Commercial. For me, that meant bringing The Sisters of Scott County to life—a gritty, funny, full-throttle short that distills the spirit of the feature: sisterhood, survival, and American rebellion. This isn’t about discovering talent. It’s about removing excuses. Now let’s make some movies."
-Courtney Hoffman, SISTERS OF SCOTT COUNTY
Courtney Hoffman
"It was extraordinary to finally bring my 1970s female trucker film, The Sisters of Scott County, to life with Kaitlyn Dever, Emilio Rivera, Ava Phillippe, and a wonderful cast. I recruited my favorite crew—artists I’ve worked with throughout my career as a Costume Designer—including the stunt team from Django Unchained and the camera car team from Baby Driver. Every department elevated the vision and brought the level of craftsmanship this ambitious short demanded. My hope is that the film’s bold storytelling, creative flair, and remarkable performances remind buyers that audiences are hungry for original stories that are as fun as they are fresh. Proof of Concept is a bold evolution of the development pipeline—working backwards from a feature script to create a sample that undeniably captures the vision behind it. The cohort of filmmakers is wildly impressive and more than ready to take the next leap as storytellers. Now, each of us walks away with a calling card that’s not just a sample—it’s a statement. Original. Bold. Vibrant. Commercial. For me, that meant bringing The Sisters of Scott County to life—a gritty, funny, full-throttle short that distills the spirit of the feature: sisterhood, survival, and American rebellion. This isn’t about discovering talent. It’s about removing excuses. Now let’s make some movies."
-Courtney Hoffman, SISTERS OF SCOTT COUNTY
Courtney Hoffman
"It was extraordinary to finally bring my 1970s female trucker film, The Sisters of Scott County, to life with Kaitlyn Dever, Emilio Rivera, Ava Phillippe, and a wonderful cast. I recruited my favorite crew—artists I’ve worked with throughout my career as a Costume Designer—including the stunt team from Django Unchained and the camera car team from Baby Driver. Every department elevated the vision and brought the level of craftsmanship this ambitious short demanded. My hope is that the film’s bold storytelling, creative flair, and remarkable performances remind buyers that audiences are hungry for original stories that are as fun as they are fresh. Proof of Concept is a bold evolution of the development pipeline—working backwards from a feature script to create a sample that undeniably captures the vision behind it. The cohort of filmmakers is wildly impressive and more than ready to take the next leap as storytellers. Now, each of us walks away with a calling card that’s not just a sample—it’s a statement. Original. Bold. Vibrant. Commercial. For me, that meant bringing The Sisters of Scott County to life—a gritty, funny, full-throttle short that distills the spirit of the feature: sisterhood, survival, and American rebellion. This isn’t about discovering talent. It’s about removing excuses. Now let’s make some movies."
-Courtney Hoffman, SISTERS OF SCOTT COUNTY