Writing and directing a documentary on whales
from November 4, 2024 to December 20, 2024
The objective of this residency is to bring together 8 writer-directors to write and produce a 13-minute documentary on Mediterranean whales.

About
The objective of this residency is to bring together eight talented writer-directors to design and produce a 13-minute documentary on Mediterranean whales. During this residency, participants will have the opportunity to explore in depth the fascinating world of these majestic marine mammals, focusing on their habitat, behaviors, and conservation efforts to protect them.
Residents will benefit from a creative and collaborative environment that is conducive to innovation. They will work together to develop a captivating scenario, shoot and edit a documentary film that will raise public awareness about the preservation of Mediterranean whales. Residents will have access to whale specialists, a coach who will follow them throughout the residency, technical advice for filming and a specialized team for post-production. Experts in marine biology and conservation specialists will also be involved to share their knowledge and enrich the project.
In addition to intensive work sessions, participants will have access to training workshops on shooting techniques.
This residency aims to create a moving and informative documentary film, capable of reaching a wide audience and promoting the protection of whales and their marine environment. Participants will come out of this experience enriched, with increased skills and an expanded professional network.
Residents
FAQ
What is the duration of the residency?
Depending on the themes, a residency can last from one week to several months, which gives participants enough time to immerse themselves in the environment and carry out their projects successfully.
Who can participate in a residency?
The residency is open to artists and researchers aged 21 and over and of all levels of experience. Priority is given to those who wish to exchange with their peers or with other creatives from other disciplines. The selection is based on an application file, which includes a project proposal, a portfolio and a statement of interest. A panel of competent experts reviews all applications.
Are there any costs associated with the residence?
All essential expenses are covered: accommodation, full board, housekeeping, consumables, round-trip transportation, as well as access to shared tools and spaces required for collective projects. Residents remain responsible for their personal expenses and any specific costs related to their individual projects. An artistic grant is also awarded to support each residency.
Does the residency include coaching or mentoring?
Each residence is specific. Depending on the themes, participants can have access to personalized coaching and mentoring from renowned experts in their field. Storytelling and pitch training workshops are also often included in programs to help residents better value their work.
Are international applications welcomed?
We welcome applications from around the world for a portion of our residencies. The diversity of perspectives is highly valued in our program and the common language is English.
Please consult the specific residences to see which are in French and which in English.
Are-the residents alone on site ?
During the winter residency periods, Rocabella focuses on its artist-in-residence program.
What is a creative residency in La Rocabella?
Artistic residencies are periods during which artists and creators come to work on their projects around a specific theme. Residents are supervised by a specialist mentor and can benefit from advice from professional artists or specialists to enrich their creative activity.







