FAQs
When do I apply for the next cycle?
Applications open during the last month of every Fall/Spring semester. Visit our Instagram page or website for more information. The dates are also usually announced on the Wildcat Weekly Newsletter
How can I watch previous Studio 20Q films?
Past grant-winning films are currently being showcased on our social media pages, such as Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms. To learn more, contact us via email or social media.
How are applications selected to pitch before the jury?
All application materials must be submitted by the deadline set by the Studio 20Q executive board. Late applications will not be considered.
The jury will have at least two days to review all applications. After review, applicants will have ten minutes to pitch their project to the jury during a pre-assigned time slot. The jury will then have ten minutes to discuss questions and concerns they have for each project, which the grant applicants will have the chance to answer and clarify.
Once the pitches have taken place, all judges will rate and evaluate each project listing the strengths and weaknesses of the application. Based on this evaluation, the grant winners will be selected and announced the following day.
All applicants have the right to review the evaluation of their application to further enhance their pitches for the next Studio 20Q grant cycles.
Can a non-NUQ student, or alum of NUQ hold a HOD position?
No, unless you receive special permission from the executive board.
May I see a sample grant application to use as a reference?
Sample supporting documents and the application questions are found on our resources page.
How is the jury selected?
The jury changes every cycle and is selected based on their knowledge of filmmaking. Every attempt is made to avoid the risk of bias. Studio 20Q reaches out to individuals and asks them to be part of the jury a month before the selection process.
Are there any NU-Q specific courses I have to take before applying for a grant?
There are no required courses for grantees to take before applying to Studio 20Q. Any NU-Q student is eligible to apply. Attending Studio 20Q workshops and taking production courses, however, is strongly encouraged.
If selected, may we also crowdfund to add to our budget?
Yes.
Is the film still considered a Studio 20Q production even after the premiere?
The film project is an entity of Studio 20Q until the Premiere, after which the Grant Recipients share the rights of the film and its distribution. It is, however, required that every project funded by Studio 20Q include the official Studio 20Q logo as the FIRST opening credit, regardless of the involvement of other film production entities, such as the Doha Film Institute, in perpetuity.
Can we hire a professional to be a part of the cast or crew?
If you wish to hire professionals, the team should still adhere to the quota allowed by Studio 20Q. Hired professionals cannot hold any HOD positions and should be included as part of the 50% non-Northwestern students/alumni General Crew. Under no circumstances should a key creative role be a paid role.
Where do I find the application?
Upon announcing that we have applications open for an upcoming cycle, visit the website or social media to find the link for the online application.
Is it helpful to have a proof of concept?
Yes.
Once a grant is received, can some part of filming be done outside of Qatar?
Yes, it is possible. Certain safety issues such as travel and/or taking equipment out of the country, however, must undergo a risk assessment with the Business and Finance department. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Is it possible to acquire additional funding help from DFI?
If you receive a grant, yet still require more financial support, you can apply for a DFI grant or a NU-Q finishing grant (dependent on the yearly budget) in November of the following year (up to 5000 riyals). You can also set up a crowdfund.