About B3 Origin
B3 Origin is a new mentoring programme for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic creatives working across the fields of film, digital media, the visual arts and theatre. It supports creatives in these spaces to reassess their professional practice, improve their skills, and give them the confidence and contacts to push their careers and projects to the next level.
We understand the extreme pressures that COVID-19 has placed on creatives. It has been especially hard for artists who have only just started out in the industry. We created B3 Origin to help participants navigate through the crisis and towards a career in the creative industry.
The programme will end with a pitching session, from which we will select winning projects. Successful participants will share £5,000 in project funding to take forward their ideas.
What is B3 Origin looking for?
We want to see ideas for a creative project with a fresh, original or unexpected perspective. Non-genre, genre and cross-genre films are all welcome.
We are especially keen to find emerging creative talent who have digital projects that explore new methods of storytelling. These include but are not limited to immersive experiences, mixed reality performances, ARGs, participatory design, non-linear story, multiscreen experiences, and mixed reality.
Who can apply?
To apply, you must:
Reside in the UK.
Be Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic.
Be over 18 years of age and not in full-time education (on or after Summer 2020).
Have made at least one short film OR demonstrate at least a year’s experience in a related discipline, e.g., photography, theatre, interactive media and visual arts.
Have an idea for a creative project with a fresh, original or unexpected perspective. Non-genre, genre and cross-genre films are all welcome.
How will the programme work?
We will connect you with mentors from the creative industries. You’ll meet on Zoom twice a month for four months, from November 2020 to January 2021.
The focus of these workshops will be to help you navigate your professional journey. Your mentor will help you to identify industry opportunities, expand your creative network, and increase your knowledge of the changes happening across the film and media landscape during this period.
We have designed the programme in such a way that participants can take all their meetings virtually. If lockdown restrictions ease, we’ll review if it’s safe to meet in person. If it is safe and possible to do so, we can cover travel costs for in-person meetings between mentees and their mentors during the programme’s run.
Who will lead the sessions?
Our mentors are from the screen, digital, and arts sectors. They include line producers, assistant directors, production designers, sound engineers, editors, composers and visual effects artists, as well as multidisciplinary creative practitioners who work in film and media. We select mentors who will give our participants encouragement, careers advice – and above all, the space to create.
When does the programme take place?
Key dates
The programme will run between November 2020 and February 2021.
| Stage 1: Online Workshop Sessions | 30 November - 4 December 2020 |
| Stage 2: Mentoring Programme | November 2020 - February 2021 |
| Stage 3: Presentation & Pitches | Early February 2021 |
How much does it cost?
Course fees
The disruptions caused by COVID-19 have affected everyone. For many, especially those working in the creative industries, this has also meant financial hardship. For this reason, we are running a pay-what-you-can system to give applicants the freedom and ability to join the course, however difficult it may be for them at this time (recommended cost £150).
Your course fee covers all online workshop sessions and materials. All workshops will take place on Zoom, and they will be run by mentors from the creative industry. You’ll just need a working internet connection and the Zoom app downloaded on your device.
If it is safe and possible to do so, we provide travel costs (such as round-trip tickets) for meetings between mentees and their London-based mentors during the programme’s run. In exceptional circumstances, we can also cover overnight accommodation and other costs.
What COVID-19 safety measures are in place?
The programme will take place online to allow for social distancing. If lockdown restrictions ease, we’ll review if it’s safe to meet in person.
What do I need for my application?
To apply, you will need to submit the following:
Our online application form - see link below in How do I apply? section.
Examples of your work (such as a showreel).
One idea/treatment for (1) a short-/long-form film, (2) a cross-platform project, or (3) a multimedia project where moving image is a key component.
We recommend you propose a project that is commensurate with your level of experience. For example, if you’re submitting an idea for a feature, we need to see at least a produced short or evidence of commissioned work (e.g., tv, theatre, digital media).
What to prepare
When filling out the online application form, you will be asked to tell us about your experience, you goals and your idea. Please think about what you want to tell us before you start the application. You will be asked to tell us about an experience that has changed you (up to 300 words), what has driven you to apply to B3 Origin (up to 300 words), your goals for the next 12 months (up to 400 words) and to describe your creative practice (up to 300 words). You will also be asked about your project idea, its genre, the format you want to work in, the inspiration for your idea (up to 300 words) and the support (funding/collaboration) that you would like from us.
What is the deadline?
Submit your application by 12 November 2020 18:00 GMT. The deadline (extended) is final.
How do I apply?
Make sure you have prepared the information described in the What do I need for my application? section above.
Submit your application by 12 November 2020 18:00 GMT using the button below.
Please only submit to Origin electronically. We cannot accept or return entries sent to us by post. If you cannot upload your supporting materials (showreel, short film) to our system, get in touch so that we can discuss how to send your materials to us.
The 12 November deadline is final.
When will I find out if I'm accepted?
When you’ll hear from us
By mid-November, we inform you if your application has been successful. We regret that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates.
What's the background to B3 Origin?
Like all our B3 programmes, Origin supports multicultural talent looking to break into the UK’s creative industries.
Origin is inspired by our two established creative development programmes: TalentLab and Creative Catalyst. You can find out more about these programmes by watching the videos below.
Still have questions?
If you have any queries that this page can’t answer, please email us at projects@b3media.net. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
If you’ve read the guidelines and eligibility criteria: