Who can apply?

The program is open to filmmakers of all ages (18+) who are current residents of the United States. Applicants must have a finished draft of a short film screenplay. We’re seeking filmmakers with distinctive voices, a personal connection to their projects, and a proven track record with short form work, but who have not yet directed a feature film.

Do applicants need to be US citizens?

Citizenship is not a requirement to apply.

Is there a page limit for scripts?

Yes, screenplays must be a maximum of 12 pages, excluding the title page, and should follow standard screenplay formatting.

Can writing-directing teams apply?

Yes, writing-directing teams of up to two people are welcome to apply.

Any genre?

Yes.

Are animated shorts allowed to submit?

At this time, only live-action short film proposals will be considered for this program.

Any language?

Yes, but an English translation for your script will be required in order to be considered.

What is needed for the application?

Applicants must submit a completed short film screenplay, a director's deck communicating your vision, a one-minute intro video, and a sample of previous directing work (under 5 minutes).  

Additionally, the application includes short essay prompts for filmmakers to explain their personal connection to the story, their desire to collaborate creatively on developing it, and how they intend to use Dolby technologies to enhance their film.

What does a director's deck need? 

A director's deck is a visual guide that conveys your film’s themes, tone, style, and atmosphere. It might include a project overview, mood boards, and reference stills from films that align with your intended aesthetic. You could add visuals for key settings, characters, costumes, or lighting ideas—anything that helps illustrate the feel of your story and how you plan to bring it to life. 

To help you create your director's deck, we recommend taking advantage of ShotDeck’s two-week free trial—a comprehensive database of high-quality film stills for visual inspiration. If you’ve already used a ShotDeck trial or need an extension on the two-week trial to complete your application, email cassandra.nicholson@shotdeck.com with the subject line “Antigravity Academy/Dolby Short Film Studio” for an extended trial.

We also recommend free platforms like Google Slides, Canva, or PowerPoint Online to design your director's deck. These tools provide user-friendly templates and features to help you craft a visually compelling and polished presentation…at no cost.

What type of directing sample should I submit?

The directing sample should be a video (under 5 minutes) that showcases your ability and style as a director. It can be any genre or format—narrative, documentary, experimental, or even a scene from a larger project—whatever best represents your voice and skills. We encourage you to submit scenes or segments of films, not fast-paced compilation reels.

What are the benefits of Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos technologies?

Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos provide filmmakers with advanced tools to enhance their films. Dolby Vision delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and sharp details, creating an immersive viewing experience. Dolby Atmos adds dynamic, three-dimensional audio, enriching the soundscape and heightening the emotional impact. Together, they elevate the creative and technical quality of films.

What will support from Antigravity Academy & Dolby look like?

Each filmmaker will receive a $35,000 production budget, with Antigravity Academy guiding the entire process as the film studio. This includes leadership, script development, and continuous feedback at every stage, along with guidance from an industry producer and mentor. Dolby will provide access to Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies during post-production to enhance the film’s visual and audio quality.

When & where does this program take place?

The program spans from early spring to the end of summer, culminating in a completed short film. Development sessions will be conducted virtually, allowing participants to work remotely where they are based. Production will happen at locations in the U.S. based on the needs of the script, pending budget approval.

Where will shoots happen? Is travel covered?

Filmmakers can be based anywhere in the U.S., with development taking place remotely. Shoots can be conducted at any location within the U.S., but the program will only cover travel costs for producers hired by Antigravity Academy to the production site. Any other travel expenses must be included in the film's budget, as the program will not cover additional travel costs during its duration.

Who are the program mentors?

Filmmakers will be matched with established industry mentors—directors and writers—who will provide tailored script notes during development. Mentors, chosen based on each project’s themes, genre, and style, will be announced in early 2025.

Who are the program producers?

Each filmmaker will be assigned a top-notch producer with narrative filmmaking experience who will help guide the project and oversee physical production. Producers will come from Antigravity Academy’s network of collaborators.

Who are the program creative executives?

The creative executives for the program will come from the Antigravity Academy development team, serving as key collaborators to ensure the projects meet their full potential. They will provide ongoing feedback and oversight, supporting filmmakers in shaping and refining their films.

Can I bring my own collaborators onto my project?

Directors will be able to propose any creative collaborators of their choosing, but Antigravity Academy will also provide pre-vetted options for every crew position. Each hire will be made based on consensus between the filmmakers and the program producers to ensure projects meet the program’s standards.

Can I cast any actors I want in my film?

Each film will follow a standard casting process and filmmakers will be collaborating with their producers to find the best actor for each role. 

What happens if my project already has other producers attached to it?

Currently, only projects without existing producer attachments are eligible for consideration.

What does the greenlight process entail? 

Before moving into production, all projects must receive a greenlight. This includes approval by Antigravity and Dolby of the budget, locked script, key production roles, and casting, to ensure a seamless transition into pre-production. 

What will be the nature of the collaboration between filmmakers and the program’s executive team? 

Antigravity Academy is a filmmaker-driven company dedicated to empowering storytellers—your films will be in good hands, but this process will be an active, hands-on partnership with us from beginning to end. We are here to support your vision while helping you shape your film. Filmmakers should approach this opportunity ready to engage fully, collaborate openly, and embrace the industry-standard processes that will elevate your work.

Do you have more questions?

Email contact@antigravityacademy.co and we will be glad to answer!