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Frequently asked questions

Travel Film Scholarship 2019

Applications have closed.

Eligibility

  • I speak very little English. Will this be a problem?
    To be eligible, we do require you have a conversational level of English. To get the most out of this mentorship, you will need to be able to communicate with your mentor, Jenny Nichols, who only speaks English.
  • Can professional filmmakers apply? Am I considered a professional filmmaker?

    Have you been regularly commissioned to make films (in any genre) or derive more than 25% of your income from any aspect of filmmaking? If so, you would be considered a professional and therefore not eligible to apply.

    If you're still learning the craft of filmmaking and if creating films is responsible for less than 25% of your income, then you’re eligible to apply. This may mean you have had a few films commissioned in the past, or keep a regular video channel of your own – but it isn’t your full-time gig.

    We appreciate that the filmmaking industry is difficult to break into and there are a lucky few who can count themselves as professional full-time filmmakers. This scholarship is a learning experience for a budding filmmaker and the judging panel will be selecting the person who they feel will most benefit from the learning opportunity.

    So, whilst we are not stipulating exactly what does and does not constitute a professional, please consider the spirit of the mentorship program and whether you think you would make the most ideal candidate.

Applications

  • Can a pair or team submit an application?
    No, each film must be submitted by an individual filmmaker. While in previous years we have allowed team submissions, this year we're looking for an individual applicant, who need nothing more than a camera and a sense of adventure to unearth a great story.
  • Can I make a video in my local language with English subtitles?
    Yes, you may submit a film in your local language. However, if people in your film are speaking a language other than English your film must include English subtitles. Keep in mind that English skills are paramount as the scholarship mentor Jenny Nichols only speaks English.
  • Can I include photos, music or animation in my film?

    Photos: Yes, you can use photographs in your film. However, a film compiled solely of photographs will not be considered – you need to demonstrate your skill with the moving image.

    Music: Yes, you can include music in your film. However, please be aware, you will need to follow the guidelines outlined by YouTube & Vimeo. If you use copyrighted music, you run the risk of your entire audio track being stripped from your video.

    Animation: Yes, you may have some animation, but you must still adhere to the brief.

  • Do I have to interview someone in the film? Can I interview myself?

    Being able to interview a subject is an important skill in documentary making. Your film should showcase your ability to coax a good story out of your subject. To fulfil the scholarship brief you will need to interview a traveler with a great story – show us how they traveled and the emotions they felt during their experience. You will find out what they have done, where they have been, what kind of person they are, and why you find them interesting. We want you to bring to life their compelling travel story to life and share their unique philosophies, quirky travel rituals and fascinating curiosities.

    You cannot interview yourself about your own travel experience. The brief requires you to creatively tell us about another traveler's experience. You may be a part of their story. However, you need to show our judges that you can interview another person.

  • Can I use footage shot by someone else?
    While the majority of the footage should be your own, you may use some footage captured by someone else, provided you have permission to use it within your film. By applying for this scholarship, you warrant that your application is original, owned by you and is in your own words.
  • My film is under/over three minutes is that okay?
    All films under three minutes will be considered. If you watch our previous winning films they're all between two and three minutes, so make the most of the timeframe provided. If your film is over three minutes, it will not be judged – no exceptions will be made.
  • Will the film I apply with will be available for the public to view?
    Yes, your film must be publicly available to view and will be publicly displayed on our website. If your film is behind a password-gate, it will not be considered. If you would like your film removed from the World Nomads website please email scholarships@worldnomads.com with the title of your film. Please note, your contact details will not be made public.

The trip

  • What will the scholarship winner receive?
    The successful applicant will receive the following:
    • Return economy airfare from the nearest international airport to Malaysia.
    • A 10-day, all-expenses-paid trip in Malaysia, including a 3-day post-production workshop
    • Mentorship with professional filmmaker Jenny Nichols through the 10-day trip.
    • $1000 USD worth of audio equipment courtesy of RØDE Microphones.
    • A Lowepro camera bag of the winner's choice (up to the value of $150 USD) and Langly camera accessories.
    • The cost of any relevant visas and vaccinations and travel insurance for the duration of the trip from World Nomads.
  • What will I have to produce during and after the trip?

    To start, you'll be assistant to scholarship mentor Jenny Nichols as she makes a short documentary about non-profit organisation, The Reef-World Foundation.

    Then, you'll get your own chance to make a film. Under Jenny's mentorship, you'll be shooting a short five to seven-minute travel documentary. To end the trip, you will attend a 3-day post-production workshop in Malaysia to commence your editing work. Within two months of your return, you will complete your video and submit the piece to World Nomads for us to share with the world.

    You will also be required to keep a daily diary about your time on the trip and write about your experience on the World Nomads website.

  • Will I need to bring my own equipment? If so, what gear do I need to bring?
    Yes, you will need to bring your own equipment. You will need to have a camera capable of capturing reasonably good quality video and audio. DSLRs and camcorders are preferable, GoPros and iPhones are less preferable – simply because you are limited in what you can do with them. However, if you are able to demonstrate you have an excellent eye for a story and an excellent grasp of visual language, we will look past gear limitations.
  • What will the mentorship entail?
    Every day on assignment, you'll catch up with your mentor Jenny to review footage, discuss story direction and ask her your filmmaking questions.
  • How can I prepare for my trip?
    Prior to departure, we'll work with the winner to flesh out themes, story lines and potential filming ideas. Then, we'll let you loose to research and get amongst it!

Troubleshooting

In partnership with:

Røde Microphones

Search for submitted applications and check out the competition. 

View applications

Have a question? Ask us below. 

Please note, due to the large number of questions we receive, any question already answered in the above FAQ section or within the comments section will not be answered again.

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