The training workshop will develop and produce micro-budget films.

Michel Reilhac [pictured], who recently left ARTE, and Jane Williams of the Dubai Film Festival, are to head up a new Venice filmmaking scheme, the Biennale College, a programme for training young filmmakers and producing micro-budget films.

15 selected teams – comprising at least a director and producer - from around the world will develop and produce micro-budget audiovisual works in Venice, with three projects being developed into feature length micro-budget films that will be presented at the following year’s festival and distributed online.

The three selected teams will be supported with €150,000. The 12 projects not selected will get an “online follow up.”

Reilhac told a press conference in Venice that he is excited to explore potential transmedia stories during the programme.

The programme will be run in collaboration with IFP, TorinoFilmLab, the Dubai International Film Festival and Gucci.

Applications are open now to directors of their first or second feature and producers who have already made at least three short films presented at festivals.