Real to Reel is a mentorship project for filmmakers with a passion for hip hop culture.

We’re inviting five creatives to bring a passion project to life by producing 2–7 minutes of innovative hip hop content for Breakin’ Convention’s BCTV channel.

As part of the project, you’ll also collaborate with a local theatre to create a video that captures the energy of their community for the Breakin’ Convention Tour.

Between 9 May and 6 June, Breakin’ Convention, the international festival of hip hop dance theatre, tours to nine UK venues:

Canterbury, Newcastle, Nottingham, Coventry, Glasgow, Brighton, Poole, Doncaster and Blackpool.

We’re looking for filmmakers based in or near these cities.

See full tour schedule here

REGISTER FOr Real To Reel

This project offers the opportunity to develop your skills, broaden your network, and present your work to a wide audience, guided by industry professionals throughout. If you’re interested in being a part of the project, read on.  

PROJECT CRITERIA 

Breakin’ Convention recognises the wealth of film-making talent across the UK, and we want to showcase it. We’re looking for innovative filmmakers who understand hip hop culture and want to tell unique stories that highlight its positive impact. 

We want film-makers who can contribute to the vision of Breakin’ Convention. 

We don’t set any age or professional level-based criteria for doing the project, but you will be required to have access to:  

  • Your own equipment: camera, lenses, microphones, monopods/tripods 

  • Access to editing software  

  • Experience creating film or digital content 

  • A passion for making digital work 

  • An understanding of hip hop culture 

Please note: this opportunity is for solo filmmakers, not production companies. 

Film brief 

Your commissioned film must be rooted in hip hop culture, but the format is entirely up to you e.g. documentary, interview or concept video.

Your film should:

· Engage audiences and shine a light on its subject

· Be 2–7 minutes long

· Focus on an aspect of your local hip hop community: dance, rap, graffiti, DJing or MCing

Breakin’ Convention works with local dancers, graffiti artists, DJs, MCs and other community figures in each tour location. We encourage you to collaborate with artists in your area and spotlight local talent.

Suggested ideas include:

· Documenting an artist’s journey to Breakin’ Convention

· Interviewing key hip hop figures in your community

· Filming a performance in a sitespecific location

We’re open to hearing your ideas.

You will also work with your local venue to create a short recap video or communityfocused film as part of the commission.

Finances

Participants will receive a fee of £750 to support the creation of their work.

Key dates

Application Deadline
Sunday 8th February

Successful Applicants will be notified
Friday 20th February

Introductory Zoom Meeting incl participants & mentors
Week Commencing 9th March *subject to availability*

Commission & Mentoring Period
9th March – 15th June

Breakin’ Convention Tour
9th May – 6th June

You will be required to travel to your local venue during this period.

See your local venue tour dates here.

 

Mentors will be announced shortly, as we’ve got some incredible industry figures ready to support you. 

 

What is BCTV? 

Launched in 2014, BCTV is an online video channel/platform which captures Breakin’ Convention’s work and the artists we work with - from live performances to interviews, short documentaries and conceptual videos. It provides a slick insight into our world and gives an international platform to the plethora of talent that we work with. We create stylised, dynamic and original content from our existing programme/projects and extensive network of dancers and hip hop artists that is greatly needed in the realm of hip hop.