Start your project...
Video Tour
On the left is a quick video guide that will walk you through the process of submitting a project. Or if you like, you can read on below.
HAWK|STUDIOS also has a script database. The database is an archive of scripts submitted by fellow students. They are available to be picked up and used by anyone for a HAWK|STUDIOS production. So if you have the crew and are just looking to get started take a look in our database and see if one of our scripts connects with you.
Also if you are a writer who does not want to produce their script please offer it to the Script Database.
What to expect when launching a project?
STEP ONE: If you already have a script written and formatted correctly, great job. Now all you will need is to get your crew. Move on to step two and follow the instructions below.
or
What if your project is the type that doesn't require a script? Also great! HAWK|STUDIOS needs more of that! More reality shows, podcasts, game shows, music videos, documentaries, sports...you get the idea. If you have an unscripted project, get in contact with our Development team "here" to discuss setting up a pitch.
or
If you have a narrative project in mind but have not yet fleshed it all out in a script, we invite you to come to any of the writers rooms hosted by the Development team. It's a friendly place where people get together to give and receive feedback on their projects, wherever they may be in the process of writing. It's a casual, pressure free way to share in the writers journey without having to suffer alone. "link"
Got a Crew?
STEP TWO: So, you either have your script or don't need one for the type of project you plan to make. The next step is to get your crew. This is the key hurdle in the process. HAWK|STUDIOS does not play favourites. Nor do we pick and choose projects that will be made.
We believe that what should decide whether a project gets made or not, is it's own merit. Given that no one here is able to pay people for their work, the only way projects get made is if fellow students believe in them enough, that they are willing to commit their time to see that they do. So, it is with that in mind, that HAWK|STUDIOS key criteria for a production greenlight is that a minimum of 5 people commit to crew the production for the entirety of it's schedule.
The 5 Key Crew positions that must be filled are Producer, Director, Camera, Audio, and Editor. These do not need to be HAWK|STUDIOS members. You are encouraged to recruit crew from your friends and acquaintances, as this will get you into production as fast as possible.
If you need to build a crew, you have three options. First is to pitch your project during an open club meeting. Second is, come to club meetings and get to know people. Help them with their project in exchange for them helping you with yours. Building those relationships is a great way to get started.
The third option is to join our Discord. It is open to all students. There you can chat with other filmmakers, present your project, or check one of the crew channels to find just the people you need. We have a channel for each crew department. That way people looking to get work as say a Camera Op, Sound Recordist, or Gaffer can monitor it for crew postings. We encourage everyone to join and track each department channel that they are interested in.
If you prefer option 1 and want to jump right in and pitch, get in contact with our Development team "here" and schedule a time. They can help you prepare for the presentation by developing a pitch deck as well as introducing you to people looking to crew on projects.
To sum up: If you need help building a crew and would like to pitch your project, get in contact with our Development Team. "here"
If you have the crew ready to go, download our Project Submission Form, on the right, fill it out with signatures from the crew, then attach your script. You can then submit your Project Package to our Development Team. "here"
Project Submission Form
Googoo Drive link:
What to expect once your project gets a greenlight.
STEP THREE: You have the script, you have the crew, and you've been given the greenlight. Awesome! From here your project will have an Executive Producer and a Marketing Representative assigned to it. The EP will be your personal liason to the studio. They will communicate what is expected of your production, facilitate use of the equipment by getting your camera and audio people trained/certified. The EP is there to guide by helping with pre-production. Whether with assisting through script breakdowns, hammering out a shoot schedule, or helping procure props and locations. So lean on them throughout the process. They have experience and are there to help.
Your Marketing Rep. will get the conversation started early to develop a plan with you on how to get eyeballs on your project. They are there as a tool to facilitate your vision, so utilize them accordingly. Make plans to capture the elements needed for print, posters, and trailer with them so it can be done conveniently during principle photography. Communicate your vision with them so they may distill it through the marketing as you wish.
Keep in mind that the entire process is there to facilitate and serve your projects success. Though recommendations will be made, it is you that will have the final say in all creative choices. HAWK|STUDIOS is built as a self sustaining ecosystem of volunteers, meant to help everyone involved grow and learn skills to serve them in a potential career, or for the adventure of art.
Many of us may not yet have the skills and knowledge to succeed in these roles. So, work together to learn. Invite in people who know better so that they may share their expertise with others. As everyone grows and teams expand so will the quality of productions and what's possible to achieve. The tools are available through HAWK|STUDIOS to achieve any creative goal. All that is needed is the effort and ability.
Contact us with any questions
If you have any issues, questions about launching your project, crewing up, or submitting your script to HAWK|STUDIOS, please contact...
Bee Messin
Head of Development