HBOAccess, a new four-week program created by HBO to provide project development, master classes and mentoring opportunities to emerging filmmakers, will begin accepting applications today. 

Open to diverse filmmakers who can demonstrate knowledge of camera and scripts, the competition will culminate with the selection of up to four filmmakers, each of whom will be given a budget to create short-form content for HBO.

“In the great tradition of HBO, we have created HBOAccess to find the next generation of new and powerful voices,” says Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. “We are thrilled to present this opportunity to filmmakers who might not otherwise find their way through our doors. I believe this undertaking will serve as a valuable experience not only for those who are chosen to participate, but for us at HBO as well.”

All submissions must be entered through Without A Box and require a resumé or bio and one narrative directing sample (full-length feature, short or webisode, no reel). For more information on eligibility, please visit withoutabox.com.

Timeline and Important Dates:

Feb. 3, 2014 – Application process opens at withoutabox.com.

March 3, 2014 – Application process closes (or on the date upon which submissions reach the cap of 500 applicants, whichever comes first).

March 2014 – 20 candidates will be chosen to advance to second-round interviews (conducted in person or via Skype). Candidates will be expected to discuss their project in detail. Additionally, candidates must own and assign to HBO all rights necessary to develop and produce their idea.

May 8, 2014 – Four finalists are notified.

June 3, 2014 to June 26, 2014 – HBOAccess program is held in Los Angeles. Participants must live in area during the entire program and production period, and travel and accommodations are their responsibility.

Upon acceptance into the program and agreement to the rules, the selected candidates will be paired with an HBO development executive who will serve as his/her mentor throughout the process. Together, the filmmaker and executive will develop the project submitted during the application process. HBO will provide a series of master classes taught by HBO executives and creative talent.

At the completion of the four-week development process, each project will be considered for production as a 10-15 minute film or a series of webisodes to air on various HBO platforms including, but not limited to, HBO GO, HBO, HBO’s YouTube channel, HBO.com, film festivals, charity screenings and other outlets.

And finally, as always, make sure you read all the fineprint.