Studio Caribe Production

Studio Caribe focuses on the production of short (youth) films by filmmakers from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, or St. Maarten who received a Studio Caribe Development grant in 2024.

This scheme provides this select group of filmmakers with the opportunity to produce their short film following the development phase. The focus is on cinematographic quality, how filmmakers bring their stories to life visually, and how they discover and further develop their unique style. Studio Caribe contributes to enriching the range of original stories from and about the islands.

Of the 12 projects previously selected for development, up to 6 can be selected for a production grant for a short film. In addition to the grant, producers and directors receive coaching, training, and workshops to support the realization of their film plan.

Did you receive a Studio Caribe Development grant and want to learn more about applying for the production round? Sign up for the online consultation hour on December 10, 2024 here.

The first Studio Caribe Production workshop will take place at the end of May 2025. More information will follow soon.

The scheme targets screenwriters, directors, and producers of the 12 projects selected for Studio Caribe Development in 2024, aiming to produce short films in the categories of fiction, documentary, or experimental film. The script of these films should be nearly finalized.

Applications for Studio Caribe Production can only be submitted by the film’s producer:

• The producer must live and work on Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, or St. Maarten at the time of application.

• The producer must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce but does not need to be a legal entity (a general partnership or sole proprietorship is also acceptable).

• The producer must have completed and released at least one short film in the professional film and/or television sector. If not, the producer must explain in the work plan how the lack of experience will be compensated with coaching.

• The producer cannot also be the director.

The following grants are available through Studio Caribe:

• Up to €65,000, including a maximum of 15% for the producer’s fee and overhead.

This grant is used for the production of the short film, including final script adjustments, team coaching, translations, subtitles, and all other costs.

• Up to €2,500 for guidance and coaching by an experienced film or television producer.

See the Conditions section for details on preparing a budget for Studio Caribe. Full budget guidelines are in Chapter 2 of the Financial and Production Protocol.

Studio Caribe Production is subject to the following conditions:

• The project must have received a Studio Caribe Development grant in 2024.

• The applicant must be the film's producer, as described under Who Can Apply?. If the producer does not meet these requirements, the project will not be reviewed by the committee and the application will be rejected. Contact us for clarification.

• The film must have a runtime of at least 5 minutes and no more than 30 minutes (1 to 30 minutes for animation).

• The film must be suitable for screening in theaters, on television, streaming platforms, or at film festivals. It must not be a web documentary, trailer, music video, or report.

• The film must be produced within the intended budget and completed within 12 months of approval (except for animation).

• Up to 10% of the grant can be co-financed after production support is granted.

• The film must involve as much local talent as possible during production and post-production. If other locations are used, justify why this is necessary.

• Applications may be submitted in Dutch, English, Papiamentu, or Papiamento.

• Budgets must be realistic and balanced, aligned with the project type, and ensure fair compensation for all involved.

Mandatory Participation

Producers and directors must participate in workshops and training sessions in the production phase.

Premiere

All films are expected to premiere jointly at one or more festivals. Individual releases require Film Fund approval.

The evaluation focuses on:

• A clear, engaging film plan with an original, urgent, and authentic story rooted in one of the islands.

• The extent to which local talent is involved and new talent gets opportunities.

• A balanced budget using the required budget template.

Applications must be submitted by Monday, March 3, 2025, 12:00 PM GMT-4 (island time) or 5:00 PM CET (Netherlands time).

Content

The application will be evaluated by a committee with representation from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

Production and Business Aspects

Project and production managers at the Film Fund will assess the production and business aspects of your application.

The director of the Film Fund will make the final decision on the application.*

*If you received a development grant for Studio Caribe but your project is not selected for a production grant or you miss the deadline for Studio Caribe Production, you can still explore submitting your film plan to another scheme of the Film Fund. Contact one of the individuals listed below for more information.

You must include the following attachments with your application:

• A statement from the producer (max. 2 pages)
• An explanation of the use of local talent and opportunities for new talent
• A short synopsis
• Script/documentary script/film plan
• Director’s vision (max. 2 pages)
  • In the director's vision, describe what makes your film original, authentic, and urgent. Consider aspects such as the characters, dialogues, structure, and cinematographic quality. By cinematographic quality, we mean describing how you will use form and style to create a film with strong and compelling visual quality.
  • Also, explain how the style, form, and atmosphere of your film align with your previous work. You may also elaborate on the tone of the film and the characteristics of your main characters.

• Scriptwriter’s vision
• A statement from the production coach (if applicable, max. 1 page)
• Work plan
• Test material (if applicable)
• CVs of the crew members involved
• Production budget and financing plan
• Budget explanation
• Financing approvals and/or agreements (if applicable)
• Chamber of Commerce extract

Optional: To supplement your application, you may include a short visual explanation (max. 3 minutes).

Refer to the application form for more details about the required attachments.

You can apply for Studio Caribe from December 16th, 2024.

Applying is done by submitting the digital version of the application form, with attachments, via Frame. Your application is valid when you agree to our terms and conditions on the form. It is no longer necessary to download the form and send it to us signed. Only complete applications will be considered. Use this checklist before submitting your application to ensure it will be considered.

Start the application

To submit the digital application, log in to Frame. If you don't have an account, first request a new account. Apply for a new account here. Please note that this can take up to two working days. Have you received the application details? Then start your application via the button below and follow these steps:

1. Select the account you want to submit with.
2. Click on Filmactiviteiten - Studio Caribe.