The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative has revealed the 11 filmmakers to be first selected for the “Proof of Concept” program, which provides grants and industry mentorship to young filmmakers as they develop short films to pitch as larger projects to studios.
The announcement was made Tuesday at the Cannes Film Festival by Annenberg Inclusion Initiative founder Dr. Stacy L. Smith alongside Oscar winner Cate Blanchett and Emmy-nominated producer Coco Francini, who both helped establish the new initiative.
“We have been astonished by the artistry of all 1,200 filmmakers who applied to ‘Proof of Concept,’ which proves that there are so many voices out there who deserve to find their audience.