Applicant Information

Overview

Our goal is to create bonds between USC filmmakers, which will help launch careers and band talented folks together throughout their careers. After graduation, many alumni feel stranded. First Team provides a support system that encourages collaboration between disciplines.

First Team Networking Event

To kick everything off, SCA network alums will bring their ideas and enthusiasm to the Robert Zemeckis soundstages. They will participate in a speed‐networking session like speed‐dating. Writers will meet directors and producers and “thrice‐ versa” for mini‐meetings.

Choosing Teams

After the networking event, participants are encouraged to read scripts, watch reels, and meet with each other to discuss the projects further. Participants will choose a project that interests them as well as teammates they click with. The idea for the project can come from any discipline – writers, directors, or producers. The person originating the idea must be on the team.

Each First Team consists of at least one writer, producer, and director who agree to work together on a specific project – feature, short, web series, interactive game, etc. The teams have one month to register with the program.

Momentum Seminars

At that time, we’ll hold our first momentum seminar. Our momentum seminars will be designed to help the teams propel their projects forward and get them ready for Hollywood. Industry professionals will be invited speak to our teams and provide advice. Topic areas will be chosen based on our teams’ needs. If 15 teams are stuck on financing, you better believe we’re going to have an expert address it. Possible topics include the following: financing, legal, development, pre-production, distribution, and marketing.

Industry Affiliates

Once your project is industry-ready, we’ll alert our industry affiliates. They will choose which projects they want to read and teams they want to meet.

Participant Selection

Each participant needs to agree to the program’s terms and agreement, then fill out the online application form. Applying to the program does NOT guarantee attendance. Please see the rules of participation for more information.