Digital Storytellers Lab

What elements do I need to upload with my application?

• You can download and preview the application in this PDF. Applicants will answer a few questions about their past creative experiences and growth goals for the fellowship, provide references and a CV, and upload short introductory video plus a 1-2 page project pitch or concept brief.

Why do some projects receive $10,000 and others $18,000?

• This year we’re offering different options for different types of projects. For creators who want to create, produce, and make public their content during the course of the yearlong fellowship, we offer $18,000 grants. For those who prefer to spend the year in development– researching and writing scripts, and preparing materials for future launches, we offer $10,000. Both the development and production tracks require fellows to follow a specific schedule of output milestones. 

I applied for the previous cohort. Can I reapply with the same project as last time?

• Yes. We had hundreds of applications during the past three years and only had limited space for fellows, so many wonderful candidates and projects did not make it to our final round. Additionally, some projects may be a better fit for our new parameters than they were last time. And again, please note that we are unlikely to accept more than a few podcast producers to the cohort, so consider your format carefully.

Can I submit proposals for two different projects?

• Yes, although we don’t encourage this. We prefer that you think hard about the project you’re most ready to work on, and would most like to start if selected for this cohort. If you decide to submit two pitches, make sure to clearly delineate them in your application and uploaded files.

Am I allowed to apply as a two-member creative team?

• Yes, teams may apply with a joint project, but the funding guidelines remain the same regardless of how many people are involved. If accepted, teams must designate one member to attend all the convenings (in-person and virtual). Please submit one application and include a CV, work sample, and references for each member of the team, or one work sample that was co-created by the team.

Is this program meant for young creators or will you consider older applicants?

• We would be delighted to hear from a wide range of applicants, including applicants of all ages (21 and up), and we are building a cohort of people who will benefit in diverse ways from the program. We see the Lab as investing as much in people as in their projects: successful applicants will be committed to participating fully in all aspects of the program, will demonstrate their ability to carry out their proposed project with the right support, and show potential to continue in the field into the future, regardless of their age.

What if I am a great storyteller/musician/artist/journalist but have zero digital or audio/visual media experience?

We’ve designed the program to include a small handful (3-5) of experts in their fields, who don’t have media experience but would like to bring their work to digital platforms. These experts should have some comfort with digital media platforms, and should plan to spend most of their funding on production partners like videographers, audio producers and marketers with whom we’ll help you connect. 

Apart from these experts, this is mainly a program for experienced media creators. We will offer high level creative support at our meetups and through our mentorship program but we will not be teaching basic technical skills.

I’m an established media producer/artist/journalist, but I’m not sure I have time for all this travel and meetings given my job – should I apply?

• We are looking for applicants who will participate fully in all aspects of the program, and will benefit significantly from the program beyond the financial support. If this doesn’t feel right for you, perhaps you’d be interested in working with us as a mentor or presenter? Contact us at digital@jewishwritersinstitute.org

What if I live abroad right now but will be in North America in the fall?

• You must be living in North America when the program starts in August, eligible to work in the US, Canada, or Mexico, and receive payments in your own name. We will not make travel arrangements from airports outside of North America and are unable to subsidize international airfare.

What do you mean by “storytelling?”

• The Lab is interested in storytelling as a way to engage audiences with the breadth and depth of Jewish life, text, ritual, history, etc. We’re defining “storytelling” broadly – projects may use highly scripted narratives (fiction or nonfiction) or more improvisational, conversational, visual, or musical forms of  sharing “stories.” Projects can live in different genres – comedy, journalism, documentary, kids entertainment, and more – but they should be produced for new media platforms and go beyond delivering a lecture to your phone or posting videos of your stand up act online. Interview formats that deliver compelling stories and are highly produced will be considered.

I am producing a feature film or documentary. Can I apply to the Lab to develop supporting materials?

• We are supporting creators in the development of episodic, digital-first projects – not funding film projects. We are unlikely to accept proposals like this unless the proposed project can stand on its own and is not just promotion for your film. Our sister program, the Screenwriters’ Lab, is also accepting applications for feature length projects. Please check out the information on our website. 

I have a major life event (birth, wedding, etc) happening during the retreat schedule. Can I attend virtually?

• We are building a cohort as much as we are building projects, and we believe in the power of gathering in-person to build our community as well as our skills. Because of this, attending our three in-person convenings is mandatory.

What is the plan for a retreat in Israel given the uncertain situation in the region?

• We are working with an experienced tour planner to create a safe, educational, and enriching experience in Israel. Safety and security of our cohort is our top priority.

I have a personal situation or special need that may impact my participation in an in-person convening (a disability, mobility issues, nursing a baby, etc.) Can you accommodate this?

We will do our best to support your participation. Please contact us with the specifics of your needs at digital@jewishwritersinstitute.org