What is TakeTen ?

TakeTen is a joint initiative between Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity and Film
Companion. The program aims to find and fund 10 filmmakers from India
through this application process as detailed out below. We are looking for the
next generation of storytellers who can wow audiences with their originality. We
believe stories that impact lives can come from anywhere and be told by anyone.

How To Apply

You will need to submit the following:

● Application Film:
○ You will need to submit an application film that can be up to 2
minutes, shot entirely on your phone on the topic: ‘My India’.

● Pitch:
○ The TakeTen theme for 2022 is ‘Home’. You need to send in a log line
and a short film summary (in 250 words) on the short film you’d like
to make. The log-line & summary have to submitted on the theme
“Home”

What is a Log Line?

A logline is basically a one-or-two sentence summary that gives the reader

essential information about your film. There are four elements that make up a
logline- protagonist, inciting incident, protagonist’s goal and central conflict.

To know more, check out our blogs

How do you write a Summary for your short film?

Your summary is a brief explanation of the idea behind your short-film. It should
have all the major plot points and it should portray the journey of your main
characters. Think of your summary as a selling tool that you’ll use to convince us
about your idea. If your short-film has plot-twists or suspense, the summary
should reveal them to us.
Who can apply?
Absolutely Anyone! As long as you’re 18 or above, and an Indian citizen and a
resident of India, you’re more than welcome to apply. Your short can be in any
language with English subtitles. We’re looking for passionate and dedicated
storytellers who want to tell their story.

FAQs

● What if I don’t have access to YouTube to upload my application film?

You will have to make an account on YouTube and upload your 2 minute
application film. You will then paste the unlisted link on the form to participate in
TakeTen.

● My application video is 2 minutes 1 second long. Will it be accepted?

No. Films more than 120 seconds will not be accepted, inclusive of any titles and
credits.

● I am an Indian citizen, however I study abroad. Will my application be

accepted?
No, the programme is only open for Indian Nationals and residents above 18 years
of age.

● I am 17 years old and about to turn 18 in the next few months/days. Will my
application be accepted?
No. You must be 18 years of age while applying for the programme.

● I don’t speak English. Is that okay?

Yes! You can submit your application film in the language of your choice - English,
Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu. Click on the
icon at the top-right of the page to switch to a language of your choice.

● Where is the 6 day training session going to be held?

The training will take place virtually. Stable internet connection and access to a
video calling software is needed.
 ● Can my film be an animation led film for the application film?
No. It cannot be an animation-led film. You would need to shoot the application
film entirely on your phone, on the topic ‘My India’.

● My film has been published & distributed in public. Am I eligible to apply?

No. Films that are in current circulation, or published prior to you submitting the
application will be disqualified for the programme. The same applies for a public
youtube link.

● Can I submit more than 1 idea for the Pitch?

No. You cannot! Kindly submit your best idea.

● If I submit my application and idea and it is not selected, will Netflix or Film
Companion have rights/access to the idea after the competition?
No. All ideas will be deleted by the curatorial panel if not selected.

● Do I need any experience to participate in this program?

Some basic level of film understanding and comprehension is required, however
the programme is open to amateurs as well.

● How do I upload an unlisted link on YouTube?

Sign in to your YouTube Account to upload a video. Once you upload your video
with the necessary details, click next. After the video is uploaded, you will find the
option of visibility. Click the ‘Unlisted’ tab below and save the settings.

● What is the difference between ‘My India’ and ‘Home’?

‘My India’ is the topic for your 2-minute application film (you need to shoot this on
your phone) . ‘Home’ is the theme for TakeTen this year. Your log line and
summary need to be based on the theme ‘Home’. All of these will be required as
a part of your application.

● If my idea requires it, can I ask for a higher funding?

No. You need to make the film within the allocated budget of INR 7 Lakhs,
inclusive of taxes, if selected.

● If I get selected for the TakeTen programme will my film be published on

Netflix?
No. On getting selected, the film you make as a part of TakeTen will feature on the
Netflix India Youtube Channel.

● Why has Netflix partnered with Film Companion for this initiative?
Both Netflix and Film Companion strongly believe in the importance of
promoting emerging filmmakers with unique voices. We also recognise that
many emerging filmmakers struggle with finding the right resources and visibility
to enable them to fully unleash their talents and develop their creative careers.
This programme is a step towards reducing this gap and enabling these
storytellers to showcase their content to a large audience.

● What do the topic ‘My India’ and theme ‘Home’ mean?

For both the application film topic - ‘My India’, and the programme theme -
‘Home’, we are looking at your personal take on the subjects through the medium
of film. They can be interpreted in any way that resonates with you personally. We
are looking to see how you visually capture the essence of the topic and theme in
your craft.

● How do I apply
Please follow this website to start your application. Applications will open on the
7th February, 2022 via this website. You will be required to fill out an online form.
You will be asked to submit a 2-minute short film on the topic ‘My India’ (shot on
your phone) and a logline and summary of your idea based on the theme ‘Home’.

● When do applications open?

Applications will open on 7th February, 2022 via this website. Please note that only
the first 200 applications will be accepted.

● Are you looking for filmmakers from specific countries?

The programme is open to emerging filmmakers who are citizens and current
residents of India. We would like this group of talents to be truly inclusive, no
matter what your language, race/ethnicity, caste, gender, or sexual orientation.

● Is this program open to filmmakers outside of India?

The filmmakers will need to be residents of India, as well as Indian Nationals.

● Should my application film be short horizontally or vertically?

The application film must be shot horizontally.

● Who will select the finalists?

Led by Film companion and Netflix, selection will be done by a curatorial team
composed of industry experts from across India.

● Will I win anything?

Each of the 10 finalists will receive a funding INR 7,00,000/- (inclusive of taxes) to
develop, shoot and post-produce their films. They will be assigned a consulting
producer. These short films (5-10 minutes long) will be featured on the Netflix
India Youtube channel. In addition, each of the 10 finalists will have access to a 6
day virtual filmmaking workshop by the best in the industry.

● How will the winners be selected?

A curatorial team will work in 3 stages. In the first stage the curators will go
through all the completed 200 applications and based on the application film of 2
mins as well as the log line and summary they will decide the top 50 finalists.

In the second stage, the top 50 applicants will get a chance to pitch their logline
and summary idea to the curators via a 15 minute video call. Through this stage,
the curators will decide the top 20 applicants.

In the third stage, the top 20 will write a shooting script based on their idea and
based on these scripts, the curatorial team will choose the top 10 finalists.

● Will I receive funding to make my short film?

Each of the 10 finalists will receive a funding of INR 7,00,000/- incl taxes to develop,
shoot, and post-produce their films. They will be assigned a consulting producer.
Within each film’s budget, teams must ensure that filmmakers and everyone
involved in the production is fairly paid.

● Will the INR 7Lakh fund to make the short film be audited?
Yes, the participants will be expected to maintain a budget sheet with all
supporting documentation as well as bills, and report the same to your consulting
producer.