| |
|
How to propose
Showcase, conference, film
Play an active role at WOMEX - propose an Artist Showcase, Conference Session or Film Screening!
To suggest an offWOMEX meeting or presentation, send an email to conference@womex.com
To suggest an offWOMEX showcase, send an email to showcase@womex.com
Read more about offWOMEX
On this page you find detailed information about how to propose a ...
The deadline for proposals was Friday 27 April 2007!
WOMEX Artist Showcase
WOMEX Conference session
WOMEX Film Screening
The Jury process
Each year WOMEX selects a new group of seven Jury members - the famed 7 Samurai - to choose the Showcase artists and Conference sessions. To keep the selections fresh and the process democratic, the Jury is entirely independent. In recent years there have been over 600 Showcase proposals each time around, along with dozens of Conference proposals, so the task is hard and the competition, spirited.
Here are some tips on how to maximise your chance of success...
Artist Showcase proposals
The deadline for proposals was Friday 27 April 2007!
The 7 Samurai have wielded their swords through 600-plus Showcase proposals during each three-day marathon.With only about three-dozen slots to fill, worthy artists inevitably are passed over, but there are ways to increase your chances. The proposal forms indicate everything that's needed, so be sure to fill them out completely.
- First, the whole objective is to convey to the Jury that you are professional and have a solid support network, the means to meet any reasonable tour schedule that might develop from a Showcase and, of course, that your music is good. Think about how you might best demonstrate this and put it all in your package.
- Next, given budget constraints, WOMEX is simply unable to fund artist Showcases. We wish it were different. That means that an artist must make it clear on the form that all the funding to appear is in hand: flights and accommodations. Sometimes, it is true, an invitation to showcase means an artist can then get subsidies for flights, but try to provide something that makes it clear that this isn't just wishful thinking.
- The better the support materials, the better the presentation. CDs, full biographies, photos, tour schedules, press clippings, video, performance footage - select carefully and well.. But remember, select the best materials, don't send everything. If track 3 on your CD is the best, tell us. And if you've got a DVD or video of your encore, use that. This is useful, because it gives an idea of what the music will be like on stage. They don't have to be broadcast quality. And if you've got a remix CD, don't send it unless you 're doing a remix show. Send the music that most resembles what you would present.
- Finally, make sure everything is in house at WOMEX at the time of the deadline: 27 April 2007. Not just the form, but all materials.
Oh, yes, one more thing... If you don't get your Showcase accepted, try again next year. Jury decisions reflect personal tastes. A different Jury means different selections.
Conference Session proposals
The deadline for proposals was Friday 27 April 2007!
The proposal form has places for all necessary details, so be sure to fill it out completely. Use marketing techniques. Come up with a snappy, lively, provocative title, and then use the subtitle for a clear, concise description of the content. And no matter how well known you may be in your field, be sure to include a good, brief bio that will help show why you are the ideal person to deliver your Conference topic. As for what the topics tend to get selected by the Juries, look over the WOMEX Guides from recent years or check our website archive and you'll see just how varied they are. However, there are some trends. They've increasingly shied away from panels with multiple speakers in favor of those that highlight more individual contributions.
The Jury tends to like the following: sessions with good, solid information of use to the world music network; talks on new trends and technologies for music; talks on culture and the politics of culture; introductions to traditions or artists; interviews with noteworthy artists; master classes in the music industry; how-to sessions... You get the idea. And remember that the Jury likes to be surprised. Suggest something radically different. But whatever you suggest, be sure to convince the Jury that your proposal simply must be picked.
Film Screening proposals
For more information: www.imz.at.
The deadline for proposals was Friday 27 April 2007!
Film proposals are independently juried by the IMZ International Music + Media Centre, Vienna. Full details are available each year on the WOMEX and IMZ websites. Here's what they advise for anyone wanting to get their music-related film into the showcase.
Obviously enough, they are looking for sheer, undeniable cinematic quality - a film that grabs the viewer, who should be moved by the way the story is told and how the message is conveyed. This means an intriguing storyline, dramatic composition, fascinating visuals and overall first-rate camera work. They welcome new/unheard/unseen subjects and niches but are open to established artists as well. Then, of course, comes the quality of the music itself.
As with all jury processes, there is always a subjective quality to the decision, but they do emphasise that connection with the viewer.
As for the technical considerations, the IMZ needs:
- Two viewing copies of good quality on an easily accessible format.
- If the film is not finished by the WOMEX submission deadline, at the very least enough rough cuts or previous works for the Jury to get a clear, confident idea of how the finished work will turn out. Then the commitment to send the final version as quickly as possible and an indication of the expected date of delivery.
- Full, precise information filled out on the online IMZ entry form (film and music credits, synopsis, etc.).
- A picture for illustrating the aesthetic of the film.
That is the sum of our advice. Be complete, but convincing and be on time.
|
 |
|
|
