Deadline: 09-Feb-2026
The Zappdoc Campus program enables aspiring directors and producers to create professional-quality youth documentaries, providing development and production funding to bring projects from concept to completion. Participants gain hands-on experience in television and cinema environments, learning essential filmmaking skills while receiving mentorship and financial support. The program supports short documentaries of 15 minutes, with funding of up to €5,000 for development and €45,000 for production.
Overview
Zappdoc Campus is a professional initiative designed for emerging directors and producers interested in youth-focused documentaries. The program allows participants to develop and produce high-quality short films while gaining practical experience in the television and cinema industries.
Program Objectives
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Provide hands-on filmmaking experience in professional environments
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Support the creation of 15-minute youth documentaries
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Offer financial backing for both development and production stages
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Facilitate mentorship and coaching for aspiring directors and producers
Funding Structure
Development Phase
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Maximum budget: €5,000
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Producer fee: €600
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Optional coach: €500
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Covers: research, test filming, and scriptwriting
Production Phase
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Maximum budget: €45,000
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Supports full production of selected documentary projects
Who Is Eligible?
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Aspiring directors and producers with a passion for youth documentaries
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Individuals or teams aiming to develop skills for television or cinema production
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Applicants must be able to commit to the full development and production process
How to Apply / How It Works
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Submit Film Plan
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Outline concept, story, target audience, and production approach
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Development Stage
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If selected, receive funding for research, test filming, and scriptwriting
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Optional coaching is available to strengthen project development
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Production Stage
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Projects chosen after development may receive full production funding
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Films are completed with professional guidance and mentorship
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Final Deliverable
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A 15-minute youth documentary ready for television or cinema presentation
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Tips for Applicants
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Present a clear and compelling concept for a youth audience
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Emphasize originality, social relevance, and creative approach
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Detail a realistic production plan and timeline
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Utilize the optional coaching resource to improve project quality
FAQ
1. What type of films are eligible?
Only youth documentaries with a duration of 15 minutes are eligible.
2. How much funding is available?
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Development: up to €5,000 (+ producer fee €600, optional coach €500)
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Production: up to €45,000
3. Who can apply?
Aspiring directors and producers aiming to gain professional experience in television and cinema.
4. Is mentorship provided?
Yes, optional coaching is available during the development stage, and professional guidance continues in production.
5. When is the next application deadline?
The next deadline is February 9, 2026.
6. Can teams apply?
Yes, both individual applicants and teams are eligible, provided they can manage the full production process.
7. What are the key outcomes for participants?
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Practical experience in professional production environments
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A completed 15-minute youth documentary
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Opportunities for career development in television and cinema
Conclusion
The Zappdoc Campus program offers a unique platform for emerging filmmakers to turn creative ideas into professional youth documentaries. By combining financial support, mentorship, and industry experience, participants develop essential skills and produce high-quality films that can serve as a springboard for future work in television and cinema.
For more information, visit Dutch Film Fund.