International

F.A.Q. Timbuktu

^{Can the videos be sent in in their original language, or is a translation required?}

^{We need three versions of every story:}

^{1) For the website we need a version dubbed in English (voice-over translating the words from the people being interviewed). This voice-over must be added later, in editing, not during the shooting.}

^{2) For television, we need an original language version. We will then subtitle the video in Dutch.}

^{3) For subtitling, we also need a written transcription of all spoken word, with time codes.}

^{I have no short films, can I send in longer ones for my application?}

^{In that case, please send us the first 10 minutes or so of your longer film, otherwise the files will be too big to send via the internet (YouSendIt).}

^{Will the Timbuktu project be compatible with my other (fulltime) job?}

^{We estimate that Timbuktu will need a 5 minute story from you every three weeks. A story will usually take one day of preparation, one day of filming and one day of editing, transcription and uploading. In total that is 3 days, every 3 weeks. The project will run from January 2008 until September 2008. This adds up to approximately 40 days work, in a time period of 9 months. We will not guarantee you this amount of work, it’s an estimate only. The actual amount depends on many factors.}

^{Will I have a permanent working relationship with VPRO for Timbuktu?}

^{The project will run from January 2008 until September 2008. During that period, you will have a freelance working relationship. You may suggest stories to us, we may ask you to shoot stories, but there will be no obligation from either side. No guarantees will be made about the amount of work that we may ask you to do.}

^{How often do I need to send in video stories for Timbuktu?}

^{We estimate that Timbuktu will need a 5 minute story from you every three weeks. A story will usually take one day of preparation, one day of filming and one day of editing, transcription and uploading. In total that is 3 days, every 3 weeks. The project will run from January 2008 until September 2008. This adds up to approximately 40 days work, in a time period of 9 months. We will not guarantee you this amount of work, it is an estimate only. The actual amount depends on many factors.}

^{What sort of subjects and stories is Timbuktu looking for?}

^{Personal stories about the lives of our correspondents, current affairs, news items, lifestyle and trends will all be part of the show. Our correspondents will give unique insights into their lives, their countries, their news and their lifestyles. We may also ask you to shoot stories that we suggest and that our team in the Netherlands have found about your country because it was reported for example in a magazine or newspaper. The programme is not a hard news show, but a mix of lighter subjects and more serious items.}

^{What will my work area be – the whole country, or just part of it? Will I be traveling much?}

^{We want you to cover your entire country. If travel is very time consuming, we may restrict the working area to a zone that you can travel in 1 day. If you need more travel time, we will decide on a case-by-case basis, depending on the cost.}

^{How much will you pay me; and how?}

^{We will pay according to your local standard, related to the time spent on your story. We will make standard contracts, giving us the right to use the material internationally.}

^{If possible we will transfer the money to your bank account. If that is not possible, we will find a personal solution.}

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