Sandbox Films Request for Proposal: THE INFINITE POSSIBILITIES OF MATH

A new development initiative by Sandbox Films aimed at discovering and funding feature documentary projects exploring the creativity and possibilities of mathematics.

 

Project Background

From the scientific and cultural implications of meteors falling to earth, to the bold new world opened up by groundbreaking gene editing techniques, to new horizons of understanding made possible when Western and Indigenous systems of knowledge come together, our films revel in illuminating the beauty and wonder of scientific inquiry. Driven by the artistic vision of their directors, our films push the boundaries of the science documentary form to enagage and delight audiences with science’s large and often mystifying questions.

Although our films have covered a wide variety of topics within science, we have yet to produce a film that focuses on what has variously been called the language, handmaiden, and even foundation of science – mathematics. A frequently maligned subject due to its perceived inhumane and difficult abstractions, math has nonetheless provided humanity a pathway to its most staggering insights and achievements. 

 

Project Summary

Our aim is to fund the development of feature-length films that showcase math’s connection to beauty, wonder, and creativity. We are seeking projects that look beyond the mere utility of math to highlight its aspects that resonate with a general audience – mathematics in the rhythms and patterns of everyday life; mathematics in fashion, music, and art; mathematics in sports; mathematics as a way to achieve the impossible; mathematics as the driving force behind a person’s quest for truth and understanding of the world around them and their place within it. 

 

Project Goals & Target Audience

We are seeking development proposals for feature-length, artistically unique, narratively compelling documentaries with stories tightly connected to math and/or mathematical concepts. 

Upon submission of required proposal materials outlined in Proposal Requirements below, Sandbox Films will make a decision on whether or not to fund the project’s development. 

Proposals selected for funding will be required to provide Sandbox Films a substantial work sample (5-20 minutes introducing participants, themes, and stakes on which the full film would focus), a line-item budget and finance plan, a treatment or deck, as well as a shooting schedule and timeline for the full film upon completion of their development period.

Additionally, pushing the boundary of scientific storytelling is not solely a matter of subject matter, it also depends heavily on the artistic vision behind the film. As such, we believe that an artist-driven film that approaches a more traditional road into a mathematical documentary could nonetheless be capable of creating something original and engaging. We also believe that boundaries are moved when the voices behind and in front of the camera are those not traditionally given a role in the creation of certain stories. As a result, we encourage applicants to consider the role of diversity, in all its forms, in their proposals.

 

Proposal Requirements

  • A written treatment including: a description of the project and its connection to mathematics, the artistic approach, why you are interested in the topic, how the film would appeal to a general audience and (optional) any secured access. 
  • A brief statement of your past work and how it connects to your work on this project.
  • Links to relevant past work.
  • Development budget estimate (does not need to be line item budget) for completing the deliverables mentioned above. A line item budget will be requested should the project advance to the finalist stage.

 

Development Budget

We encourage proposals to seek a development budget around $50,000 USD. However, we will evaluate all budgets in relation to the aims of the proposal.

 

Key Dates

Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until February 28, 2025.

Filmmakers will receive notification of their project status by June 2025.

 

 

Eligibility/FAQ:

  • This RFP is for development proposals for feature documentaries. We will not accept short documentaries, series/episodic, or fiction film proposals. 
  • This is an invitation-only RFP. However, if you know of a filmmaker who is working on a relevant project, please share their contact information with marcus@sandboxfilms.org so we can extend an invitation.
  • Hybrid films are welcome to apply as long as the scientific/mathematical merit of the concept is sound.
  • This opportunity is open to filmmakers internationally and at any career stage.
  • No sample footage is required for this application but we are happy to review should you have materials to share.
  • Should you have a relevant math-focused documentary feature that has advanced past the development stage, please be in touch! While not a fit for this particular development initiative, our team eagerly accepts science and math-focused pitches on works-in-progress up until early post-production. 

 

Should you have any additional questions, or if you require additional support or accessibility accommodations to complete this application, please direct inquiries to Marcus Wright – marcus@sandboxfilms.org