Science-Related Film Projects Invited for 2010 Sundance Institute/Alfred P. Sloan Commissioning Grant

The Sundance Institute/Alfred P. Sloan Commissioning Grant is an annual cash award for a science- or technology-related film that is at an early stage of development, such as full treatment or early screenplay draft. The program is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and administered by the Sundance Institute. The award includes a cash grant of up to $20,000 to provide support during the writing period, a stipend of up to $5,000 for a science advisor, plus creative support during the writing process from a select group of advisors, the possibility of a fellowship to a Sundance screenwriters lab, and strategic and practical support from the Sundance feature film program staff. Screenwriters with any level of experience may apply. To be eligible, projects must have science or technology as a major theme or scientists as major characters. Science fiction projects or projects that stray too far from a base scientific reality will not be considered. Projects must be narrative features and not documentary in nature. Projects must be in the English language, but the screenwriter does not need to reside in the U.S. Projects currently in development within the studio system are not eligible. Deadline: Sept. 8. See the Sundance Institute web site for complete program information.