The TokyoDocs (Japan) is accepting documentary feature-length projects in Pre-Production stage until June 23, 2023.

About the Tokyo Docs
Tokyo Docs is an international event designed to support the overseas expansion of documentaries, including international co-productions. It allows Japanese and Asian documentary filmmakers to network with decision makers from Japan and abroad to help secure funding for Japanese and Asian documentaries’ production and support their broadcast, distribution, screening, and sales overseas.

Scope of Entries
Accepts proposals for new documentaries aiming for international co-production. As a basic rule, proposed projects should be at a pre-production stage. Still, it is also possible to submit projects that combine new material with footage already broadcasted domestically in the filmmakers’ own country or a rework of such films. * Entries consisting of completed films or the sale of format rights will not be accepted.

Topics
Entries of one-off films or series on any valid topic are accepted, including current affairs, social issues, history, natural science, and travelogue. However, travelogues for tourism promotion are not submitted.

Eligibility
– Producers or individuals affiliated with a film production company.
– In principle, producers residing in Japan and other Asian countries or producers who propose projects related to Japan and other Asian countries are eligible. If applying as a private individual, please attach a history of your previous works.
– Producers affiliated with a broadcasting company should, in principle, apply in cooperation with their production company.

Application Method
– To submit your project, fill out the online application form with required details.
– Applications by email or post will NOT be accepted.
– Entries without all of the necessary information, entries exceeding the word count, and entries without the required photographic data will also not be accepted.
– Please submit your entry in Japanese, English, or both Japanese and English.

Deadline
June 23, 2023 (13:00 Japan Time)

Selection
The Selection Committee will select the following number of projects and notify each applicant in early July.
Main Pitch: About 20 projects (including around five projects submitted from outside Japan and about five Colors of Asia scheme projects).
*Trailers of the selected projects will be available on the Tokyo Docs online page during the exhibition period. The videos will be open to the public on a limited basis, but we kindly request that the rights be processed for online viewing.

Selection Criteria
The Selection Committee, consisting of Tokyo Docs Executing Committee members, will make the selections after conferring with overseas producers. The most important criterion is “a high-quality documentary that deserves international distribution.” Selectors will also consider whether the documentary is “a project appropriate for realization through international co-production.”

International Decision Makers
About 20 people from Europe, North America, and Asia are expected to participate, including producers from broadcasters with rights to adopt programs, producers from video distributors, producers from foundations that invest in projects, and producers from distributors that promote documentary works internationally.

Trailer
The selected filmmakers will be requested to create a “trailer” before the event. It should be a 3-minute video explaining what your project is about. After the selection process, you will work with your Tokyo Docs tutor to refine the content of your video.

Road Map Following the Selection
Late July: Online orientation by international tutors
Mid-September: 3-day Master Class Camp:
  1) Learn how to edit a trailer and write a 2-page project outline.
  2) Learn the skills needed for international co-production, such as film construction, terminology, and budget-building.
Mid-October: Last-minute pitch training by international tutors

Development Funding
Tokyo Docs will provide the producers of the selected Japanese projects with a reserve fund for trailer production. In addition, for those projects that the decision makers highly evaluate, a development fee will be provided for international development. The total amount of all funding is 5.6 million yen.

Registration Fees
There is no application charge. However, selected projects are required to pay 50,000 yen per project for registration and attending the Master Class Camp.

To read more about the Rules & Regulations and fill the Entry Form please follow the next link: https://tokyodocs.jp/en/how-to-apply

We remind readers that the 13th Tokyo Docs will take place from October 30 until November 1, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan.

To see other Call for Entries please follow the next link: “Call for Entries”.