Enclume Residency

For animation writers/directors

The Residency is a support initiative in the writing and development of an animation film. It has been put in place in our animation studio and is addressed to young professionals in this sector (authors, directors, and animators) who have a movie concept and want to develop it in a stimulating environment. The main purpose is to build up a production aid application form to pitch to producers. The Residency goes on for two months.

It’s mainly an artistic and material accompaniment but also a creative follow-up with experts in the field to help the residents in the writing and developing of their projects.

2025 applications open

Latest projects hosted

Why is Enclume organizing these residencies?

There is no writing grant for animated short films in Belgium. The Residency responds to this need and seeks to guide and support young directors in their first auteur film projects.

The Residencies create a real emulation in the studio, which is essential for the founders. It brings bustling discussions and interactions about contents and forms, stimulating everyone's work and research. The Residency promotes artistic projects we believe.

What is the residency's particularity?

By spending time with actors in the studio, residents keep in touch with the realities of the animation world and its actors (specialized technicians, animators, producers, etc.).

What offers the Residency to the residents?

We provide our professional material, essential for their pre-production, such as computer workstations, supplies, and film sets, to meet their needs. 

Moreover, every two weeks, residents and the team studio gather to discuss their project's progress. 

The Residency is not remunerated. It's an artistic and material support.

What are the Resident's obligations?

– They have to mention Enclume (and the SACD if the resident is supported by it) by noting that "this project benefited from a residency at the Enclume (if applicable, "with the support of the SACD") and to include their logo on all documents and files presenting the project, and if applicable in the credits of the film and on all its promotional material.

– They authorise ENCLUME ANIMATION to use certain images for the purpose of promoting the residency programme.

Who can apply to the Residence?

– The applicant must be a writer, young or experienced in animation,

– Be of legal age

– Have an animation project in the process of being written

– Not yet have a producer committed to the project.

– Speak French

How does the selection process work?

The selection committee (made up of external guests, experts and members of the studio) selects the project it wishes to support on the basis of its graphic and script originality, its filmic potential, and the relevance of the studio's support to the stage of development of the project, or to the type of project.

How long does the residency last and when does it take place?

The residency lasts two months over a period to be defined (with the two selected residents) between September and December.

What documents do I need to enclose with my application?

- Cover letter justifying the application for a residency and presenting the planned objectives (and a provisional work schedule)

- Presentation of the project (synopsis, intentions, initial graphic research, etc.)

 - CV and portfolio or extracts from previous projects

Can I take part in the residence by teleworking?

The particularity of this residency lies in the fact that it takes place in an animation studio, in immersion. By working alongside the studio's teams and partners, the Residents are in direct contact with the realities of the professional world of animation and its players (specialist technicians, animators, producers, etc.). What's more, they benefit from and participate in the studio's dynamics and artistic emulation.