Q: How do I apply to QYS?

A: See QYS page for all application info : https://actratoronto.com/queer-your-stories/queer-your-stories-application-form/

Q : If I submitted a short to QYS in previous years, can I resubmit?

A: Of course, welcome back! You are welcome to submit the same project again (we’re always happy to read how your project has evolved since your last submission) or a totally new one!

Q: What should I include in my ‘Pitch:?

A: Along with the submission materials outlined on the QYS Call for Submissions page, try to answer the following questions:
What is your film about? Why do you want to tell this story? Who might benefit from seeing a film like this? What do you want it to look, sound and feel like? How are you going to do that? Who are you making it with? Why this team?

Q: What is the jury looking for?

A: A great short film! The jury will be asked to evaluate these three categories, each worth 10 points:

Q: Can I submit a documentary to this competition?

A: Queer Your Stories was created to promote and create performing opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ ACTRA members. As a result, all on-camera performers must be ACTRA Toronto members or permittees, and preferably from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. If you feel that your project can still meet this criteria, with some 2SLGBTQIA+ members behind the camera as well, your application would have a great shot. However, if you feel like these criteria put your project at a disadvantage, we would suggest focusing your efforts on documentary-related funding bodies, such as the OUTSpoken Documentary Film Fund or other documentary production funds.

Q: How can I find key creatives and crew to fill out my team for my application?

A: QYS subcommittee has been collecting Production Resources.

Q: Sponsors for QYS are amazing, where can I get more funding?

A: A great place to start is locally! Are there local restaurants in your area that you think could be interested in sponsoring catering? Are there local businesses that can help with props or costumes? A great option for further funding can also be crowdsourcing campaigns or hosting fundraiser events. 

Q: Who do I contact at ACTRA to get more information about the low-budget options for production?

A: For more information, you can reach out to info@actratoronto.com, subject line: “Queer Your Stories Low Budget Production”

Q: I don’t have a project to submit, but I would love to offer my skills to other projects being submitted (as Writer, Director and-or Producer), where can I share my info?

A: You can add your information to our Queer Your Productions contact list. This list can be shared internally to applicants and other committee members looking for collaborators.

Q: Will I have to pay taxes on the cash donation?

A: No. As all of the funds will go toward the production of a short film, they will not be considered taxable income.

Q: If the project is successful, would we maintain the rights to the project?

A: Filmmakers retain rights to their project according to the ACTRA agreement under which the film is produced. QYS exists to provide opportunities for queer-identified ACTRA Toronto members. This is not intended to be a revenue stream for the committee, the union, or Inside Out. It has always been our hope that both the films and the filmmakers will find success beyond the competition and the premier. Past films have gone on to screen at other festivals and enjoyed a robust life of their own. Any music created during in-kind post-production work with TA2 Sound + Music will remain under their ownership.

Q: Does the prize money come with any caveats when it comes to profit participation and/or remuneration in regards to InsideOut and its involvement?

A: Should the film generate any profits, any and all profits should be collected by the winning team. Filmmakers should be mindful of their ACTRA agreement and how this may affect compensation for performers should the film find success beyond the premier. The winning team must commit to using exclusively ACTRA performers, with all queer characters played by queer-identified performers. As much as possible, all performers should be queer-identified. Premiering at Inside Out is a condition (and a benefit!) of winning this competition, and the credits must acknowledge the support of outACTRAto, ACTRA Toronto, Inside Out, and all other sponsors.

Q: What are some costs that we may not be aware of?

A: Though we have many generous sponsors donating in-kind rentals, these rentals do not include insurance. Proof of equipment insurance is required in order to collect your rentals. Please see our Production Resources document as a starting point.

Q: Who were the previous winners?

A: Click here.