Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maatschappelijke Diensttijd (MDT)?
Maatschappelijke Diensttijd (MDT) is a program that offers youth between 12 and 30 the opportunity to develop their talents, meet people outside of their circles and to do something for others or society. The time frames can vary from weeks to months depending on the program. MDT helps youth find their own path in society and increases their social involvement.
You offer the course for free - what's the catch?
The program is subsidized through the Maatschappelijke Diensttijd (MDT), an organization that supports programs for youth in the Netherlands to participate in projects that allow them to develop their talents, make an impact in their community, and build networks, etc.
How do I know if I am eligible to take the MDT Documentary Impact Challenge?
To be eligible to take our program through the MDT pathway, you must meet the following requirements:
Be no younger than 18 and no older than 29 at the start of the program;
Be registered as a Dutch resident in the Personal Records Database (BRP). This includes target groups such as status holders, (Ukrainian) refugees, EU students, and homeless young people with or without a postal address;
Reside in the Netherlands for more than four months if they are a non-EU student;
Have not already completed 2 MDT programs.
Where can I learn more about the MDT?
To learn more about MDT, check out their website (Dutch only): www.doemeemetmdt.nl.
Can I still take the course if I'm ineligible for the MDT subsidy?
In most cases: yes. Any course where a price indication is given can be attended by individuals who are ineligible to attend under the MDT funding.
Do I need to know anything about filmmaking?
With most of our courses it is not necessary. Any course that requires some knowledge will clearly indicate it on the page.
Do I need my own gear?
For most courses it is not necessary to have your own gear- we have a selection of gear that will be used in class and that will be available to book out for your project. Naturally having some of your own equipment will give you more flexibility. For this reason, we have a small component in our courses (except our analog course) where we teach you how to use a free app on your mobile phones to be able to produce professional quality footage with your phone's camera(s). With the quality of cameras in today's mobile phones, they are more and more common in professional productions, including Hollywood!
What is with the induction day?
For participants who are joining under the MDT funding, the organisation (MDT) needs one week to process all the applications; to conduct pre-interviews, etc. This is something that we are obliged to follow as part of receiving the funding. But hey! You get to develop some great skills for free as a result :)
