Film Commission Torino Piemonte has always recognised the short film as an art form in its own right, as well as an important experience for young authors and independent productions. The "short" provides them with their first access to the world of cinema and the dynamics of the set — a fundamental area of freedom and experimentation for developing and testing new narrative and production formulas. Following its long-standing support for dozens of short films, providing assistance in terms of logistics, locations, spaces and services, Film Commission Torino Piemonte has promoted the Short Film Fund since 2014. This specific aid measure aims to internationalise and professionalise the sector, as well as to nurture new talent.
The Short Film Fund supports the production (shooting / post-production at Piedmontese companies) of fiction, animated and experimental short films (documentaries excluded) meeting these criteria:
- duration not exceeding 30’;
- production in Piemonte, completely or partially, with the significant involvement of local workers and service and post-production facilities, and the presence in the crew of at least four of the following key figures: 1) Director of photography, 2) Editor, 3) Sound engineer, 4) Production designer, 5) Costume designer, 6) Make-up artist;
- cinematic aim and destination to a non-industry audience, through the national and international film and television market, independent circuits and festivals;
- defined online and offline promotion and distribution strategy, including actions such as subtitling, preparation of communication materials, participation in festivals, definition of international distribution agreements.
The following may be admitted to the Fund:
- Piemonte-based producers;
- Italian producers and producers from European Union countries, only if the project is entrusted to a director resident in Piemonte (N.B.: production entities not having their registered office in Italy are also required to identify a production entity with its registered office in Piemonte as co-producer or executive producer);
- producers from countries outside the European Union, only if the project is entrusted to a director resident in Piemonte, and for projects that for cultural and industrial reasons are particularly important for Piemonte (N.B.: production entities not having their registered office in Italy, are required to identify a production entity with its registered office in Piedmont as co-producer or executive producer).
The call is annual with two deadlines for the submission of projects (June and December).
The projects are selected by an evaluation commission based on standarized criteria, including involvement of authors, professionals and structures from Torino and Piemonte, feasibility and prospect of visibility trough the presence of co-financing entities and distribution, and distribution plan through multiple channels (screenings in theaters, television channels, home videos, web platforms...).
Film Commission Torino Piemonte's support for short films is complemented by a series of initiatives aimed at developing, promoting and circulating these projects, particularly through collaboration with the CNC - Centro Nazionale del Cortometraggio.
Applications for funding can only be submitted in Italian (see button above).