Rideback RISE
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Rideback
Rideback RISE
2023
Reads in Coverfly
Active Since 2023
A non-profit creator and content accelerator for POC storytellers to make commercial film/television that propels narrative change.
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About
- THE RIDEBACK RISE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Rideback Rise is soliciting applications for its inaugural Rideback Rise Fellowship. Based in Los Angeles, Rideback Rise is a prestigious content accelerator that offers five visionary BIPOC film and television creators (“Fellows”) $50,000 each as a stipend, and up to a further $25,000 per Fellow for the purpose of optioning IP and/or creating visual proof-of-concept materials. The 12-month Fellowship also provides expert in-depth mentoring and other resources and benefits to the Fellows while they develop and refine a specific TV show or feature film project before it is taken out to market. In a supportive and collaborative environment, Fellows work closely with the Rideback Rise Head of Content and other Rideback Rise executives and receive counseling from notable industry luminaries and experts, all while getting to know each other and becoming familiar with each others’ projects. This is an opportunity for exceptional storytellers who desire to tell mainstream stories aimed at a wide audience, but who still possess their own distinct voice, point of view and perspective.
OUR MISSION
Rideback Rise was launched in 2022 by Rideback, the film and television company founded by producer Dan Lin (THE LEGO MOVIE, IT, ALADDIN, SHERLOCK HOLMES, WALKER). Rideback Rise is a 501c3 non-profit organization with backing from leading partners such as the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Doris Duke Foundation, Zelnick Belzberg Charitable Trust, Comcast NBC Universal, UTA Foundation, Horn Foundation and the Murphy Family Fund.
Rideback Rise’s core mission is to support and empower selected BIPOC creators from the world of entertainment who aspire to make popular, mainstream content that is reflective of our multicultural world. Rideback Rise believes that popular entertainment can bridge cultures, unite people, and be a catalyst for social change. By advancing racial equity, we contribute to the creation of a more empathetic world.
Rise offers financial, creative and strategic support to each of our participating creators customized to their specific discipline. Rise equips them to create crowd-pleasing content that can enter the cultural zeitgeist and ultimately reshape majority opinions. Our aim is to make mainstream entertainment more inclusive by enabling BIPOC creators to tell stories that have broad audience reach.
Through telling new stories we can come to more of an appreciation of other cultures and ways of life. Reality is socially constructed through narrative. And a small shift in someone’s mindset can often lead to a cascade of meaningful change.
Benefits
THE PROGRAM
The Rise Fellowship runs for a concurrent twelve months and covers creative, business and practical elements. Each of the five Fellows will be paired with a mentor (e.g., an experienced showrunner, filmmaker, producer, executive, etc.). Fellows will be selected based on their story-telling and writing abilities, authenticity of their voice, the strength and commercial viability of their ideas, their willingness to maximize the impact of the resources provided, and their overall suitability for the program.
Program activities will include, but not be limited to, the following:
-Creative development on each Fellow’s project, including in-depth work on story and character
-Advice on how to attach cast and other talent
-Navigating possible financiers and securing distribution
-Assisting Fellows with identifying possible buyers for their projects and facilitating meetings with executives
-Expert guidance and background on the state of the industry
-In-person lectures and appearances by industry luminaries in a variety of fields, including acting, directing, producing, legal, casting, etc.
-General career coaching
-Help with the transferring of projects at the end of the Program to a studio, production company or other collaborator who is best positioned to help the Fellow continue to advance it
A more detailed curriculum and calendar will be provided upon commencement.
Fellows will be based at Rideback Ranch, a creative campus in LA’s Historic Filipinotown that provides a dedicated workspace and amenities, and is home to several leading entertainment companies. In addition to the five Fellows, Rise will select another 15 “Residents” who will receive $5,000 each in support, be able to work out of the Rideback Ranch, and have access to monthly programming. There will also be an unspecified number of creators who will be invited to join the Rise Circle, enabling them to attend certain events and presentations.
As stated above, the Fellowship also provides access to the Rideback Rise IP and Visual Development Fund, which Fellows can tap (up to $25,000 each) to option underlying rights (novels, remakes, podcasts, documentaries, newspaper or magazine articles, true stories, short films, video games, graphic novels etc.) or create proof-of-concept materials—e.g., concept art, visual teaser for their project or even a short.
The curriculum will focus on and emphasize collaboration, mentorship, networking, industry access and community. A key feature of Rise is for Fellows to familiarize themselves and share their feedback on each others’ projects. Our goal is to create market ready content that will attract financing and be produced, and to help Fellows build sustainable careers.
Announcements
Jun 28th
Semifinalists
Jul 10th
Circle Members
Oct 1st
Residents
Oct 1st
Fellows
Rules
*Please note that our eligibility requirements have changed.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Fellowship focuses on Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
1. Applicant must be at least 21 years of age before the start of the Fellowship Program (i.e., before June 1, 2023).
2. Applicant must be a writer and may or may not also be a director, actor, performer or producer.
3. Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, or a Permanent Resident with unrestricted authorization to work in the United States of America.
4. Applicant must have representation with a guild-registered talent agency and/or management company.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To qualify as a potential Fellow, an Applicant must, in the last three years, satisfy one or more of the following conditions:
-Has previously been staffed and credited in a writing capacity on a produced U.S. scripted television series;
AND/OR
-Has either written OR written and directed a produced feature film;
AND/OR
-Has written and directed a short film that screened at a noted film festival—e.g., Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, Toronto, Venice, SXSW, Telluride, etc.
AND/OR
-Has written a spec feature screenplay (either original or based on underlying material) that was optioned or purchased by a recognized U.S.-based producer, distributor or studio.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants must submit a complete application package by April 15, 2023 that includes the following:
1. A complete APPLICATION FORM. Incomplete or illegible application forms may be grounds for disqualification.
2. A WRITING SAMPLE, screenplay or teleplay. The title page of your script sample should show only the name of your script (and a WGA registration number, if applicable), i.e., do not include your name, your representative’s name or any contact information either on the title page itself or anywhere within the script. The writing sample must be written solely by you, the Applicant, i.e., no shared credits or writing teams, and script cannot have already been produced. Please submit your Writing Sample in the section designated “Project PDF” on the first page of the application process. (Your 2-3 Project Ideas will be submitted later in the application process)
3. Minimum TWO (2) and maximum THREE (3) IDEAS, either original or IP-based, that you aspire to develop into either a feature film or television series. We are genre agnostic. A maximum of one of these ideas can already be in screenplay form as long as the rights to the screenplay are free and clear, it has not previously been exposed to the market place, and that it is WGA registered. (Aforementioned writing samples may be WGA registered but are not required to be.) We would encourage you to have at least one of the ideas above be IP-based (a novel, comic book, video game, remake, etc.). For any IP that you are planning to option using the Rise IP fund, before sending in your application, please make sure that either the rights are available or that it is in the public domain. Include a brief outline on how you plan to adapt it.
4. The RELEASE FORM must be completed, signed, and dated in order for an application to be accepted.
5. A RESUME outlining your professional writing credits and other experience. Please do not enclose resumes that are longer than two pages.
6. A PERSONAL ESSAY on life experience(s) you’ve had that have influenced your writing and the stories you want to tell. 500-word maximum.
7. A 30-SECOND VIDEO explaining why you're right for the Rideback Rise Fellowship and what you hope to get out of the Fellowship.
8. Contact information for TWO (2) entertainment industry professionals you have worked with who can provide a recommendation for you; such as network, studio, and production company executives, producers, and showrunners. Please DO NOT include contact information for agents, managers, or lawyers.
After the Rideback Rise Selection Committee has reviewed all the applications, we will narrow it down to a smaller group. If you make it to that group we will contact you to re-confirm both your availability for the Fellowship (June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024) and to organize an in-person interview. We will select the five fellows at the end of the interview process.
Please read all instructions and FAQs carefully before you begin your submission process. Applicants can only submit their application package once. Any errors—or multiple submissions—may disqualify your application. Rideback Rise reserves the right to alter the submission process and requirements at its sole discretion. For more eligibility and submissions information, please check the Frequently Asked Questions portion.
SUMMARY
-Rideback Rise will provide each of the five selected Fellows with a stipend of $50,000 paid monthly over the course of 12 months. In return, for the duration of the Fellowship, each Fellow agrees to work on generating a market-ready project (e.g., screenplay, series pitch and bible, pilot script, etc.) and meet certain milestones along the way which will vary depending on the Project.
-Each Fellow will have access to up to $25,000 from our IP and Visual Development Fund in order to option IP or create proof of concept materials.
-Rideback Rise does not take ownership in any Fellows’ screenplay or any other materials created under the Fellowship. Fellows remain the sole owner of their projects.
-For projects that are set-up for commercial distribution, Rideback Rise will be eligible to receive a small passive royalty participation. All potential revenues attributed to Rise will be used to fund future Rise Fellowships.
-At the end of 12 months, Fellows will work with Rideback Rise executives to choose the next steps for their project. This may include continuing work with the for-profit Rideback production company, or transitioning to other producers. The overarching goal of the Fellowship is to help the Fellow achieve their best version of success with their work.
KEY DATES
March 15, 2023 – Application Period Opens
April 15, 2023 – Application Period Closes
May 15, 2023 – Select and Interview top ten (10) finalists
June 1, 2023 - Five (5) Fellows announced and Rise Fellowship begins. 15 Rideback Rise Residents are announced concurrently.
May 31, 2024 – Fellowship Ends
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes someone a good candidate for the Rideback Rise Fellowship?
You will need to be a commercially-minded storyteller who is enthusiastic about creating fresh, compelling content that can be released to a wide audience. You will have already developed a vision of your own, but you will be open to input from your peers and keen to benefit from their counsel. You will have the self-discipline necessary to get the work done on your own project and be willing to function as part of a group and share your experiences.
What makes a project idea suitable for the Fellowship?
Ideas should be built on an Applicant's strong voice and specific point of view while bringing new perspectives on concepts, characters, themes, genre and/or worlds. Ideas should feel commercial yet distinct.
Do I need to reimburse Rideback Rise for its investment?
No. And, as stated above, Rideback Rise does not take any ownership of any scripts, outlines, treatments or other materials that are either submitted as part of your application or subsequently created as part of the Fellowship.
What is the Rise Fellowship time commitment?
The Fellowship will begin on June 1, 2023 and run through May 31, 2024. Each individual’s hours and activities may vary, but Fellows should expect regular meetings with their Mentors, other industry professionals, Rideback Rise executives and the Rideback Rise Head of Content, as well as ongoing interaction with other Fellows, and participation in weekly activities.
What are Fellows’ obligations to Rideback Rise?
Fellows must be available to actively participate in the Fellowship curriculum, attend all scheduled sessions and in general fulfill any tasks required of them including meeting certain milestones on their projects. Whilst the Fellowship is non-exclusive, please inform us of any pre-existing commitments you have that may conflict with it.
Are there extensions past the 12-month commitment?
Participation beyond the 12-month duration will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the needs of the project.
What is the acceptable format for submitted material?
Please submit all material in PDF format on the Application Page.
Is there an application fee?
No.
When does the application period open?
Submissions open at 12:01am PDT on March 15, 2023
When will the application period close?
Submissions close at 11:59pm PDT on April 15, 2023
When will interviews be held?
Interviews will be held at the Rideback Ranch in Los Angeles from May 15, 2023 onwards.
Are Fellows allowed to participate in other programs similar to this one in concurrence?
No.
May Fellows work on other projects during the Rise Fellowship?
Yes. Fellows are non-exclusive and have the option to develop other projects so long as they are able to fulfill their commitments to the Fellowship.
How many Fellows will be selected?
We will select five (5) Fellows. We will also select fifteen (15) Residents.
If selected for the Rideback Rise Fellowship, will I be guaranteed a produced script?
No.
How are the matches made between the Creators and Producers/Showrunners?
Matches are made based on career interests and Producer/Executive/Showrunner availability. Fellows will meet with several mentors before being matched.
How will I be informed as to whether or not I have been chosen to participate in the Fellowship?
Selected Fellows will be notified directly via phone and/or email as well as through their reps. Those not selected will be notified via email.
If I am selected as a finalist to participate in the in-person interview, will Rideback Rise reimburse my traveling expenses?
No.
If I am selected into The Rideback Rise Fellowship, but do not live in Los Angeles, will Rideback Rise reimburse my relocation costs?
No.
Must I be present for the duration of the Fellowship?
Yes.
How do I know my submission has been received?
Once you click on “Complete Order,” you should see a message on your computer verifying receipt. You will also receive a confirmation email.
Will you contact me about the status of my application?
No. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot provide status updates or notify those who have not been accepted.
Can writing teams apply?
No.
May I apply to The Rideback Rise Fellowship using a script I co-wrote?
No. You must be the sole author of any material submitted with your application.
Do I need to have literary representation (agent and/or manager) to apply?
Yes. Agents must be guild-franchised and managers must be with recognized firms in good standing.
If selected into the Rideback Rise Fellowship, will I need to disclose current projects in development and attachments?
Yes. Any projects in development must be disclosed in writing during the application process.
Are scripts not registered with the WGA prior to submission acceptable as one of my designated project ideas?
No. Any scripts submitted as one of your two (or three) project ideas must be registered with the WGA prior to submission. Scripts registered with any other organizations or affiliations will not be accepted. Scripts submitted as writing samples are not required to be WGA registered.
Who will review my submission?
A combination of producers and executives affiliated with Rideback Rise along with professional readers will review all submissions.
Do I have to submit a release form for my script?
Yes.
Where can I find the Release Agreement form?
The Release Agreement can be found on the application page.
How do I submit the release form?
After you have read and approved the release agreement, please print the form and fill out all required fields. The completed and signed agreement should then be scanned and uploaded as a PDF document onto the application submission site.
Are digital signatures acceptable?
No. The release form must be hand-signed. Applicants who fail to upload a completed and hand-signed agreement will be disqualified.
What is the purpose for providing a resume?
Your resume will provide understanding of your work history and insight to your individual life experience.
How long should my resume be?
Your resume should be no longer than two (2) pages.
Do I need to provide a cover letter?
No.
Should I provide a list of my completed scripts in my resume?
No.
Should I provide a list of my references in my resume?
No.
What should I focus on when writing my personal essay?
The personal essay is an opportunity for Rideback Rise to know you as a storyteller. Thus, as you prepare your essay, consider what makes you and your voice unique.
What should I be cautious of when writing my personal essay?
Be careful not to repeat your professional history in your essay as that information will be represented by your resume.
How long should my personal essay be?
Personal essays should be 500 words or less.
Are industry recommendations mandatory?
Yes. Recommendations from two (2) industry professionals (not including agents, managers or lawyers) are necessary to be considered for the Rise Fellowship. Please provide name, title and contact information for your two references.
How is “industry professional” defined?
Industry professionals are persons who currently or previously worked in entertainment media (e.g., film, television, streaming services, etc.). Examples are network, studio and production company executives, producers and showrunners.
May I provide a recommendation from my literary representatives?
No. Recommendations from representatives (e.g., agents, managers or attorneys) will not be accepted.
