Open Call for Video Production for the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women
1․Background:
The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women is launching a creative initiative to produce four short videos and four reels based on preselected and prototyped scripts. This project aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and promote community engagement and intervention. We are calling upon students and young artists to participate in this initiative by producing these videos and reels, which will be used for advocacy and public awareness campaigns, particularly during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This initiative is organized with the financial support of the European Union.
2․ Objective:
The objective of this call is to select interested students and young artists that will produce 1 short video and 1 reel. The 4 successful students and young artists will be invited to a meeting to further explain the details related the expectations, deliverables, and evaluation criteria for the production of four short videos and four reels. The videos and reels should align with the Coalition’s mission and effectively communicate the messages outlined in the preselected scripts.
3․Scope of Work:
- Script Adherence: Each successful candidate will be selected based on his/her preference expressed in relation to one of the four preselected and prototyped scripts in the motivation letter. The summaries of the scripts are provided below. The videos and reels must adhere closely to these scripts while allowing room for creative interpretation.
Scenario 1: The camera focuses on a calm-looking young woman and then a man, who both speak about the possibility of breaking the cycle of violence. As they walk towards the camera, the woman mentions raising awareness, and the man talks about guiding others. The scene expands to show a group of men and women sharing information through phone calls, leaflets, and messages, stressing the importance of supporting victims of violence by sharing hotline numbers for support centers. The message concludes with a powerful statement that individuals have the power to make a difference and collectively create a safe society, accompanied by a final screen displaying support resources and contact information.
Scenario 2. The scenario begins in a quiet neighborhood with closely situated houses, emphasizing that there are moments in every community that require our attention. A man is shown in his kitchen, pausing as he hears the sounds of violence coming from a neighbor’s house. The voiceover questions whether the viewer would take action upon hearing something concerning. The man hesitates but then decides to intervene by knocking on the neighbor’s door with a worried but determined expression. The neighbor, surprised, opens the door, and the man simply asks, “Do you have any salt?” The voiceover explains that intervention can begin with a simple question. The scenario ends with a final screen providing resources and support information, accompanied by soft instrumental music fading out.
Scenario 3. The scenario begins with a serene scene of a woman walking through a lush forest along a winding path, looking carefree and peaceful. The voiceover asks when was the last time the viewer heard of an attack by a wolf or a bear. The scene then shifts from the forest to a city, where the camera pulls back to show an apartment building at dusk. As the lights in several apartments go out, the sounds of violence are heard, and the screen fades to black. The voiceover reveals that 15 out of every 100 women in Armenia have experienced physical violence from their husbands at some point in their lives, illustrated by an infographic showing 100 women emojis, with 15 disappearing. The screen then briefly turns black, accompanied by forest sounds like birds chirping, before revealing a peaceful family scene where people are interacting harmoniously. The voiceover concludes with a call to make the home safer than the forest and urges viewers to share confidential and safe support hotline numbers with their loved ones. The scenario ends with the Coalition’s website and a QR code displayed on the screen.
Scenario 4. The scenario is set in a busy nightclub in Yerevan, filled with loud music and people drinking. A young woman sits at the bar, drinking rum or another alcoholic beverage. As the scene becomes chaotic, mimicking her disoriented state, the camera sways as she tries to stand. A young man quickly approaches her, seemingly to help her out of the club. The scene shifts to a group of young people socializing nearby. One young woman in the group notices the man and the intoxicated woman, and her expression shows concern. After some hesitation, she decides to intervene. The well-dressed young woman approaches the pair and, instead of addressing the woman, sharply asks the man, “Who are you?” The man angrily responds, “Who are you?” She calmly replies, “I’m… her friend, and we’ll figure out who you are…” as she dials the emergency number 102 on her phone. The screen then displays the text: “The perpetrator is the one responsible for sexual violence.” This message fades, followed by the hotline number for confidential and safe support, along with a graphic of a zipper, symbolizing the need for secrecy and protection.
- Video Production: Each participant (or team) is required to produce one short video (approximately 2-3 minutes long) and one reel (approximately 30-60 seconds long).
- Target Audience: The content should be tailored for the general public, with a particular focus on raising awareness among youth men and women about gender-based violence.
- Style and Tone: The videos and reels should be engaging, visually appealing, innovative and convey a strong message that aligns with the Coalition’s mission. A focus on impactful storytelling, visual clarity, and emotional resonance is key.
- Final credits: Each video should have a closing frame with the logos of the EU, the Coalition and the implementing partners (if any), and the disclaimer. The selected candidates will be provided with the logos, the disclaimer text and the sample of logo placement.
- Language: The primary language for the videos and reels will be Armenian, with optional English subtitles for broader dissemination.
- Deliverables: Finalized videos and reels in high-definition formats (suitable for web and social media platforms), along with all raw footage and project files.
4․Timeline:
- Application Deadline: September 10, 2024
- Selection Announcement: September 15, 2024
- First Draft Submission: October 1, 2024
- Final Submission: October 10, 2024
5․Eligibility:
- Open to students and young artists aged 18 to 30.
- Participants can apply individually or as a team (maximum of 3 members per team).
- Prior experience in video production is preferred but not mandatory.
6․Application Requirements:
- A CV of the applying person or the CVs of members in case of the teams.
- A portfolio of previous work (if available).
- A brief proposal outlining the participant’s vision for the videos and reels (max 500 words) based on the choice of the scenario (out of the provided 4 versions).
7․Evaluation Criteria:
- Creativity and Originality: Innovative approach to storytelling and visual interpretation of the scripts.
- Relevance and Impact: Alignment with the Coalition’s mission and potential impact on the target audience.
8․Budget and Compensation:
- A stipend/grant of 400 EURs (equivalent in AMD) will be provided to selected participants to cover production costs.
- Recognition in the final credits of the videos and reels.
9․Intellectual Property:
- All rights to the produced videos and reels will be transferred to the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Women, with appropriate credit given to the creators.
10․Submission Process:
Interested participants should submit their applications by emailing at [email protected], cc. [email protected] by September 10, 2024.
11․ Contact Information:
For any inquiries or further information, please contact Hasmik Grigoryan at [email protected]