Grants for first time documentary filmmakers

A massive list of winter 2019 grants all filmmakers should. The sdf emergency research and development grant applicants must reside in one of the following states. International filmmakers are eligible and applications are accepted three times a year. Most film grants require a specific type of proposal and you will really have to. I want to do whatever i can that makes the most strategic sense, but the key word is uncertainty. S filmmaker 35 or under at the time of application for the production of a short film that will be shown as a private screening with the filmmaker in attendance at the annual foundation event in salt lake city the year the grant is awarded. We understand the creative value of this work but, because of its nature, it does not allow us to see your authors voice and vision as a documentary filmmaker. Catapult film fund provides development funding to documentary filmmakers who have a compelling story to tell, have secured access to their story, and are ready to shoot and edit a piece for production fundraising purposes. Moreover, the tax deduction occurs at the time of the donation, so the return is immediate and without risk. But as anyone who has raised money for an independent film can tell you, financing is often the biggest challenge. Grants support films that address social justice issuesthe distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privilegesin a positive and meaningful way through plot, character, theme or setting and benefit the bay area filmmaking community. Easy documentary funding ten tips for fundraising and grants. The sundance documentary fund provides grants to filmmakers worldwide.

The bangkokbased film fund, run by three distinguished thai directors, doled out five grants this week to first time southeast asian filmmakers. A massive list of spring 2020 grants all filmmakers should. Film grants 2020 independent, student, documentary. Many filmmakers apply for all the grants they are eligible for, since there is such high competition for film grants. Postproduction funding is now open to films without bay area spending but that exemplify the strongest social justice storytelling. Sundance institute announces grants to 25 documentaries. Click on the name to discover the terms of the grant and apply, sort through criteria or search a specific query. Purin pictures aims to boost southeast asias promising. The roy dean grantfrom the heart productions this grant is now available for shorts and low budget independents as well as documentary filmmakers. Over the coming 10 years, production grants will be distributed to canadian documentary filmmakers. Completing and launching a documentary takes grit, nerve, and creativity. The reality is that documentary funding often comes from many different sources and so your fundraising strategy must involve casting a wide net and following any and every lead you can think of. First time filmmakers should not shy away from these opportunities. Providing development funding for early stage documentary films.

Filmmakers without borders fwb supports independent filmmakers around the world via grants and other funding initiatives. The women in film finishing fund offers grants to filmmakers working in both short and long formats in all genres narrative, documentary, animated, and experimental. Film grants 2020 independent, student, documentary, screenwriting. For first time filmmakers, particularly documentary filmmakers, charitable support is a very legitimate way to enter the business. Many first time filmmakers have the fantasy their documentary funding will come in one big check, from one big donor or foundation.

American documentary amdoc, the producing company of the pbs series pov, has launched a new granting program today that will serve as an. Brooklyn, ny may 20, 2019 the independent filmmaker project ifp announced today the 10 feature films selected for the documentary lab, part of the ifp filmmaker labs, ifps yearlong fellowship for first time filmmakers currently in postproduction on their debut feature. Funding your documentary film with equity investments. Focusing exclusively on lowbudget features, this highly immersive program provides filmmakers with the technical, creative and strategic tools necessary to launch their films and their careers. Southern documentary fund sdf is a trusted partner for veteran, emerging, and first time documentary producers across our region, helping them direct their lenses and microphones at powerful southern stories and critical issues. First time filmmakers newbie filmmakers often receive encouragement from industry standard bearers such as panavision or abel cinetech. Most student film grants also double as first time or emerging filmmaker grants. Projects will be selected 10 to 12 weeks after each deadline. I find it unlikely that your film is geared towards children but in the small chance that it is, the shaw rocket fund has a great history of. Film grants give independent filmmakers the most freedom.

Of the 38 projects selected, three are by qatari filmmakers for two short narratives and one feature documentary. The ultimate film grant list updated february 2019. Filmmakers without borders fwb is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to empowering the next generation of digital storytellers. The women in film finishing fund gives grants to filmmakers working in both short and long formats in all genres narrative, documentary, animated, and experimental. Every year, afs awards grants to emerging film and video artists in the state of texas through our afs grant. The women in film finishing fund gives grants to filmmakers working in both short and long formats, in all genres narrative, documentary, animated and experimental. First time filmmakers may submit previously directed work that is not a featurelength film but this must still be documentary, hybrid, or other form of nonfiction, such as web series.

Fwb filmmaking grants provide funding and support for independent filmmakers to share their stories. The grant is open to filmmakers internationally whose films explore social justice and can commit to spending time developing the work in san francisco, with priority given to bay area based filmmakers. This program brings together ten projects helmed by first or second time directors, with a special focus on underrepresented voices. Incountry filmmakers include those in africa ghana, india and china, and additional countries of production include afghanistan, nepal, senegal and egypt. American documentary, the production company behind the pbs series pov, has launched the first emergency fund for filmmakers facing unexpected losses due to accidents or natural disasters. This is especially true for first time documentary filmmakers.

The fund operates an open call submission process, and awards are announced biannually. For first time feature directors with films made with a budget that does not exceed one million dollars. Uncertainty defines the times, says publicist susan norget, who is representing five documentaries by first time filmmakers set to worldpremiere at this years tribeca film festival. The film fund selects features from firsttime directors at quarterly intervals. The garrett scott documentary development grant funds first time documentary directors for travel and accommodations to attend the full frame documentary film festival, april 811, 2021.

From preproduction to filming and post, discover our detailed list of active grants for women filmmakers. Our mission is to enable filmmakers to develop their films to the next level at a moment where funding is hard to find. Submissions must be made in either 16 mm film or 34inch video. The labs will support the creative teams as page 1 of 5. Amdoc announces first fund to assist filmmakers with. Dff grants are awarded once each year to documentary. A massive list of upcoming grants all filmmakers should. A massive list of winter 2020 grants all filmmakers should know.

Open to all first time feature documentary directors with films in postproduction. Categories include, narrative feature, documentary feature, narrative short, documentary short, animated short, and student films. My home film org, the san francisco film society gives close to a half a million dollars a year in direct cash grants to filmmakers. Right here is a talent initiative from the scottish documentary institute run in association with screen scotland and bbc that offers scotlandbased filmmakers a. Take the time to read the application and submission guidelines thoroughly and if your project is great, you should be able to land a grant to make sure it is completed.

Premiering documentaries in a pandemic international. Alabama, arkansas, florida, georgia, kentucky, louisiana, mississippi, north carolina, south carolina, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia. Overview the sffilm documentary film fund dff supports engaging documentaries in postproduction which exhibit compelling stories, intriguing characters and an innovative visual approach. List of film grants from the heart productions inc. We invite a continuing dialogue, maintain an opendoor policy, and help to rally a community in which our grantee films and filmmakers can flourish.

Grants are competitive and often require a broadcast deal, creating a chickenoregg scenario. Student film grants are available to those under age 22 or with restrictions on them being in an institution of higher learning. Granted filmmakers reflect a range of experience, including five first time feature filmmakers as well as noted documentarians fred wiseman, sam pollard and jehane noujaim. I was also inspired by how much information is out there to facilitate first time. For the filmmaker himself, a further benefit is the level of appreciation afforded by the sponsors. But 2012 has the distinction of being the first time that not one but two documentary filmmakers have won the genius title. The grant supports unique independent feature films, documentaries, web series, and short films that will make a contribution to society. Additional support will be provided in the form of advice and consulting to improve the films marketability. All you need to do to apply for the finishing fund is to have completed 90% of the principal photography of your film and have a rough cut at the time of application.

Discovering, developing and funding new filmmakers. Grants to usa, canada, and international filmmakers for. The top film grants list for every filmmaker in 2020. Funds are available for narrative, documentary, experimental, and new media projects in various. The sffilm rainin grant program is the largest granting body for independent narrative feature films in the us. This type of grant program is common in other artistic disciplines, and it seemed time for filmmakers to have a safety net, said executive director justine nagan in an announcement friday. Garrett scott documentary development grant full frame.

Ifco grants support the spirit of independent filmmaking by helping to fund. Annual program for first and second time women filmmakers. For four days, grant recipients will be given access to films, discussions, and mentorship by experienced filmmakers. If you have been successful in another industry such as writing, publishing, or theater, there is a high chance that your track record of achievement will lead to success in film funding.