Dos and Don'ts

These are some guidelines for you to consider as you write your proposal and begin work with your mentor. If you have any questions about how to proceed at any stage in this program, make sure to talk to Joe or Chris.

Proposal

DO: Make sure your project is feasible for the limited money and time for the production. The simpler the concept, the less money you will need for the production.

DON’T: Submit a rough draft of your script or outline. Have someone read the script and give you suggestions to improve it.

Budget

DO: Other than production, use a portion of the money towards a thank you gift for your mentor.

Keep receipts and give them to Joe or Chris at the end of the program. Also be sure to give back any money that was not used.

DON’T: Use your grant money towards personal things or to pay crew and cast members.

Blog

DO: Make sure to post to your blog any new changes or developments throughout your production time.

DON’T: Post clips, photos, or text that have no relation to your project.

Communication with Mentor

DO: Make sure that you invite your mentor to the screening and that you send a thank you card at the end of the program.

Keep it professional when emailing with your mentor. For example:
Hi Rob,
I have updated my blog with new developments on my project for the New Work Mentor grant program and would like you to take a look at what I have done and reply with any suggestions.
Thank You,
Veronica

Please be patient when waiting for your mentor’s response. If you are having problems communicating with your mentor, please ask Joe or Chris for help.

DON’T: Use slang or abbreviations or talk to your mentor like you would talk to your friends. Your mentor is there to help you with your project - he/she is not your homeboy. For example:

Wats up Rob,
How u doin! Hit up my blog. There’s some new stuff. Tell me what u think.

Peace,
-V