The Classics ReFramed
Three Digital Stage & Studio Commissions
From Swan Lake to Romeo & Juliet, some much loved dance shows are returning to Sadler’s Wells’ stages this year. To celebrate this, we’re launching a new Dance on Screen short film commission The Classics ReFramed, seeking three unique film projects that take inspiration from the classics but reimagine them for our times.
Three Dance on Screen short film commission opportunities are available. The selected projects will receive £5,000 each to make a five to eight minute film inspired by the theme, The Classics ReFramed. This commission is open to dance artists of all styles and practices, as well as other creatives collaborating with dance artists. The films will ask: How can we reimagine the classics for our times? What messages from these stories continue to resonate with artists and audiences?
For films where the artists are available to record in London, you will have the opportunity to work with the Sadler’s Wells’ filmmaker who will record and edit your piece. For films taking place outside of London, the Sadler’s Wells’ producers can work with you to help shape your idea and source a filmmaker. All costs including external filmmakers and equipment will need to be covered within the £5000 commission.
The final pieces will premiere here on Digital Stage in early 2025 and will also have a screening at the new Sadler’s Wells East venue.
The deadline for entry is 9am BST on Friday 31 May 2024.
To apply for the commission, please fill out the form below to share more about your creative work and a summary of the idea you’d want to bring to life through this commission. If you have any questions about this application, please email the team at DigitalStage@sadlerswells.com
To help inspire you, please have a look at some of our Dance on Screen films here:
What is Digital Stage?
Digital Stage is Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage & Studio department’s digital home: it showcases dance films, documentaries, workshops, podcasts and more. All of our content is free to access, and occasionally we host pay-to-access films. Explore Digital Stage here.
What is a Dance on Screen film?
This style of film shows artists performing but have been specifically created to be watched on screen. These films challenge perceptions and push the boundaries of what dance and film can be. Explore other films in this series here.
Who can enter this Dance on Screen film commission?
This commission is open to dance artists of all styles and other creatives who collaborate with dance artists. This opportunity is for those aged 18+ and artists can apply either individually or as a group of company – but the total fee will remain £5,000 for each commission, regardless of the number of individuals involved.
Which filmmaker and creative team will we work with?
During this commission, you will work with the Sadler’s Wells’ team to create your Dance on Screen film. The producers can support you in shaping your idea and with the film’s budgeting and logistics.
For artists who can record in London, you will have the opportunity to work with the Sadler’s Wells’ filmmaker, who will record and edit the film and provide some of the filming equipment. If you are applying and would not be available to film in London, the Sadler’s Wells’ producers will help with sourcing a filmmaker who can work in your location. If you have a filmmaker or other creative partners you typically work with and would like to work with on this commission, please include this in your application. All costs including external filmmakers and equipment will need to be covered within the £5,000 commission.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 9am BST on Friday 31 May 2024. Artists will then be shortlisted, and all artists will be contacted by Monday 8 July 2024.
Filming will take place in the autumn of 2024.
Where and when will the films be shared?
The films will premiere here on Digital Stage in early 2025 and will also have a screening at the new Sadler’s Wells East venue.