Searching for aspiring filmmakers with incredible stories of a life lived by bike.

PHOTOGRAPHY: KIMBERLY ENGLISH AND VOYAGER

Some of our best films were formed outside Rapha walls, ideas brought to us from people and places beyond the reach of our own radius. Our goal has always been to tell authentic, inspiring stories that celebrate cycling with character. That’s why we’re launching the Rapha Film Fund, a programme designed to help support those with a captivating idea to bring their film to life on Rapha’s YouTube.

We encourage any aspiring filmmakers with an inspiring story about a life lived by bike to send us their pitch.

The $25,000 fund is open to filmmakers based in the USA with access to friends, family and heroes who you think could be the focus of Rapha’s next short film. As part of the fund you will receive mentorship from Rapha’s Head of Editorial and Chrris Lowe of Voyager who directed our film ‘In Tandem’.

THE FILM FUND JURY

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Fiona Percival

Brand Producer @ Rapha

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Chrris Lowe

Director @ Voyager - ‘In Tandem’

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Lucy Le Lievre

Film Creative @ Rapha

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Matt Tucker

Associate Creative Director @ Rapha

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Samuel Craven

Head of Editorial @ Rapha

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Shaun Daley

Brand Manager @ Rapha

HOW TO APPLY

 

Submissions are now open and will close on April 25 at 12pm (GMT).

All we require is:

1) Your film idea in a sentence
2) A short synopsis (your idea in a paragraph)
3) A creative statement (why you think your idea and method of storytelling celebrates ‘Life by bike’)


Five shortlisted candidates will then be invited to submit a more comprehensive pitch that can include details of any crew you intend to work alongside, a budget breakdown and mood boards. Rapha welcomes in particular submissions from groups who are underrepresented in the film industry.

All ideas submitted must be achieved within the budget provided, and the finished documentary will be between 5-15 minutes long. Pitches must be submitted under the theme of “Living life by bike”, and are limited to one submission per person.

TIMELINE

 

March 2 - Submissions open
April 25 - Submissions close
April - Rapha jury review submissions
May - Five finalists are shortlisted and invited to submit a pitch
June - Jury will select the recipient to receive the Rapha Film Fund
July - The recipient and Rapha will develop their idea
August - Filming to begin
September - Edit, grade and sound mix
October - The recipient is invited for a Q&A and screening of their film
November - Film launch

SUBMISSION FORM

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GOOD LUCK

RAPHA FILM FUND FAQ

Why are you only accepting pitches from those based in the USA?
The original Continental series was born in the US, one of Rapha’s key markets. We are seeking submissions from the U.S who can help identify unique access to truly ‘Rapha’ stories. We have a great pedigree in telling stories around somewhat euro-centric points of view and what cycling means to that audience. So we are now looking to capture insights of a more U.S-based audience.

I’ve never made a film before, should I still apply?
Definitely! This opportunity is open to anyone across the U.S., irrespective of their experience. The chosen filmmaker(s) will be given guidance by Rapha’s film team and other filmmaking professionals. We particularly encourage submissions from underrepresented groups.

What kind of ideas are you looking for?
We want to unearth the next inspiring stories of those who live their life by bike and embody Rapha’s values. Pitches must be submitted on the theme of “Living life by bike”, and your film concept can interpret this in a way that is relevant to you.

How long should the film be?
The film should be between 5 and 15 minutes long.

What happens to my submitted idea if my film doesn’t get chosen?
All submissions are anonymised for the jury. Those not shortlisted will be notified by email no later than 4 weeks after submissions close and their data will be removed.

Is this opportunity open to people outside of the U.S.A?
Unfortunately not.

Can I enter with another filmmaker?
Yes, we accept submissions from solo, duo, teams, co-operatives etc. Only one idea can be submitted per any of these groups.

Who decides which film is selected?
Led by Rapha, our Head of Editorial, Associate Creative Director, Brand Producer, Film Creative and Brand Manager will choose the shortlisted submissions and eventual winner, alongside Chrris Lowe who directed our film, In Tandem.

Will I get paid for my film?
The prize of this film fund is to create a short documentary film with a budget of $25,000. Within each film’s budget, teams must ensure that filmmakers and everyone involved in the production are fairly paid.

What if my film already has partial funding? Do you allow match funding?
No. For the purposes of this film fund you must work within the budget of $25,000.

I'm having issues making my submission.
Please contact: raphafilmfund@rapha.cc with any questions.