Job Description
The BAVC MediaMaker Fellowship is a nine-month, full-time documentary development program administered by BAVC Media (formerly the Bay Area Video Coalition) in San Francisco, CA. Established in 1991 and supported by grants from NEA, MacArthur Foundation, Rainin Foundation, and others, the fellowship nurtures emerging nonfiction filmmakers using bold cinematic language and innovative impact strategies.
Role Description:
Fellows will engage in the following activities:
- Project Development & Feedback: Receive $10,000 in unrestricted funding and workshop up to first cuts with industry mentors and peer cohorts, refining narrative, visual style, and ethical engagement in storytelling ([turn0search1]).
- Mentorship & Workshops: Participate in monthly masterclasses and personalized coaching sessions covering impact strategy, festival navigation, community engagement, and distribution pathways.
- Industry Access & Networking: Gain facilitated introductions to public media executives, impact producers, and festival programmers; attend curated networking events and pitch sessions in San Francisco and partner film festivals.
- Peer Community: Collaborate with a cohort of 6–8 fellows in a structured critique environment to build lasting bonds and peer support networks.
Location:
Hybrid program model: in-person intensives at BAVC Media’s San Francisco headquarters and select convenings at major documentary festivals; remote engagement for coaching and workshops.
Application Cycle:
Annually.
What You’ll Need:
- A demonstrated track record (short films, work-in-progress, or related media practice) and a project at the rough-cut or mid-production stage.
- Commitment to complete a nine-month program and attend in-person convenings.
- U.S. work authorization (international artists may apply if able to secure U.S. travel visas).
- Strong collaborative spirit and openness to iterative feedback.
Benefits and Perks:
- Unrestricted Grant: $10,000 to support project completion and impact activities.
- Professional Development: Intensive mentorship, masterclasses, and peer critiques led by experienced industry professionals.
- Industry Exposure: Direct access to public media partners (including PBS), impact producers, and festival programmers.
- Networking: Cohort-based peer network and alumni community for ongoing collaboration and career support.
Where and How You Can Apply:
Submit your application via the BAVC Media website during the open cycle: Required materials include:
- Work-in-progress sample (link to rough cut or scene).
- Project proposal (500 words) outlining story, impact goals, and production status.
- Résumé or CV.
- Two letters of support (from mentors, producers, or collaborators).
