for the story you cannot let go
it starts
with your
story.
a new creative opening. an independent point of view. tell us what draws you to it.
vfilm is an independent accelerator for u.s.-based creators and emerging studios drawn to the opportunity in vertical micro film. your voice and your ambition are the starting point.
for people with something to say
bring an interest in original storytelling and the creative experience that shaped it. a short introduction can begin a conversation about where that interest might lead.
introduce yourself and your interest. availability, participation terms and any further commitment are confirmed directly when a possible fit is being discussed.
01 / who this is for
a voice of your own.
an interest in what comes next.
vfilm is for u.s.-based independent creators and emerging studios interested in the next possibilities for original screen storytelling. that interest can come from writing, filmmaking, visual practice, performance, editing or experience with ai and hybrid media. the public invitation is broad enough to recognize different backgrounds while keeping the focus on people who want to make work with a point of view.
the attraction is a creative opening with room to develop. audiences are encountering stories in new settings, and changing production capabilities give more people reasons to consider what they could make. vfilm is interested in the voices that might emerge from that combination. a distinctive perspective can come from a place, a community, a professional life or an experience that has not yet found its expression on screen.
an existing studio is one possible starting point. an individual creator with an established body of work, or a practice moving towards a new format, brings a different context. a first conversation can establish whether that context relates to the program's current focus and available support. an introduction does not depend on presenting yourself as a company you have not yet built.
interest in the opportunity and readiness for a particular activity are separate questions. time, location, current commitments and the type of support being considered all affect whether participation makes sense. the public pages introduce vfilm's direction. the detailed terms of any relationship belong in a direct discussion before a decision to participate.
02 / the creative opening
more room
for original voices.
vfilm's interest in vertical micro film begins with the possibility of a wider creative field. a screen that people carry throughout the day gives narrative another place in everyday life. compact episodes can make a continuing story accessible in moments that do not belong to a cinema visit or a long viewing session. that change creates a reason to consider which stories and voices could find an audience there.
ai adds another dimension to that opening. as creative capabilities become more accessible, smaller teams may be able to consider ideas that were previously difficult to attempt. vfilm sees an opportunity for more people to participate and for a greater variety of stories to reach the screen. this is a view about what may become possible, rather than a promise that a tool, a format or participation will produce commercial success.
american storytelling contains regional experiences, communities and cultural perspectives that cannot be reduced to a single audience description. independent creators are close to many of those experiences. the appeal of a new format is partly the space it may make for that specificity. original voice remains relevant as the means of production and routes to an audience change.
the opportunity page explains the wider market context. the independent studios page describes vfilm's longer-term creative ambition. neither page asks you to accept that every project will work. they explain why this is an opening vfilm considers worth taking seriously, so that a conversation can begin with a shared understanding of the purpose.
03 / work and independence
independent work.
clear relationships.
your relationship to your work matters. a sample can represent an individual contribution, a collaboration or work made for a client. being clear about that relationship helps an initial conversation remain accurate. a public link does not imply that every person connected with it has agreed to a new use, and an introduction does not transfer ownership of the material it mentions.
- your contribution
- the part you made or were responsible for provides useful professional context. collaborators retain their own contributions, and accurate credit remains important when work is discussed.
- your permissions
- the initial contact should concern material you are entitled to share. any later request to circulate, show or reuse work needs the permissions appropriate to that purpose.
- your availability
- participation has to fit the time and circumstances of the person involved. the relevant calendar, expectations and responsibilities are discussed before a commitment is made.
keep confidential materials, private client files, identity documents and sensitive financial information out of the initial form. a general introduction is enough to establish the subject of a conversation. if restricted material becomes relevant later, the access arrangements can be addressed separately. the privacy notice explains the present website and contact process, and the website terms distinguish an introduction from a project agreement.
04 / the first conversation
an introduction.
no commitment yet.
review your introduction, then send it through your email app or copy it into a message to [email protected]. vfilm receives it only when you send the email. preparing a draft does not reserve a place or confirm participation. keep your sent message as a record of the introduction.
where a possible fit and availability allow a further conversation, participation can be considered in its actual context. the calendar, support, any fees, included resources and project terms are confirmed before you decide to join. program participation, ownership arrangements and any later commercial relationship are separate matters. expressing interest through this page does not authorize a payment or commit you to one.
the program page provides the public introduction to the offer. if your interest concerns an institutional relationship, a technology company or a content collaboration, the partnerships page may be more relevant. you can also contact [email protected] directly without using the form.
before we begin
a few things to know.
who is the program for?
the focus is u.s.-based independent creators and emerging studios interested in original vertical micro film. backgrounds and creative experience can differ. any actual participation depends on the program's current focus, availability and an agreed fit.
do i need to already work in this format?
an introduction can come from an existing creative practice that is exploring the format. your present experience provides context for the conversation. interest alone does not establish admission, and any specific participation expectations are discussed directly.
can i get in touch from outside the u.s.?
the creator program's public focus is u.s.-based participation. inquiries about other forms of collaboration can be directed to [email protected] or the partnerships page. the relevance of any proposed relationship depends on its actual circumstances.
who controls the work and its rights?
participation does not automatically transfer your intellectual property, future work or likeness. ownership, editorial control, permitted uses and any revenue participation should be addressed in the relevant agreement before work begins.
when does the next cohort start?
dates and availability are confirmed directly when a relevant participation opportunity is under discussion. the website does not publish a fixed start date or reserve a place through this form.
what are the fees and included resources?
any participation fee, included resources and scope of support are confirmed before you decide to participate. an introduction does not commit you to a payment. program participation and investment are separate decisions.
does an introduction guarantee a response or admission?
no. an introduction opens a possible conversation and does not guarantee a review, interview, response deadline or selection. vfilm also does not promise investment, distribution, employment, paid work or a particular audience result through participation.
does preparing the form send my information?
the form prepares a draft locally in the page. it reaches vfilm only if you send the email. you can revise or discard the draft, or write directly to [email protected]. the privacy notice describes the distinction between the page, your email service and the hosting platform.
