Grants for Feature Films
Raising money for feature films can take years. When producers don't have immediate access to capital, they must seek grants, loans and private investors to help finance the production of their movie. Filmmakers may seek grants especially because they do not have to be paid back no matter how successful -- or unsuccessful -- the film becomes.
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Time Frame
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Grants for feature films are available year round. Start your grant research a year in advance to adequately prepare your proposal. Once you submit your application or letter of inquiry, it may take months to receive feedback from the grantor. Feature film grant cycles are commonly one year in length. This means that it may take a year from the date you apply to receive your grant money.
Types
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Grants for feature films come in all types. There are grants for film equipment, post production, film processing and film festival marketing. The more specific you are in your intentions for seeking a grant, the easier it will be for you to locate a grant that meets your specific needs.
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Legal Status
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Most feature film grants are not for individuals. You must have a legal entity established for your film before you can pursue a grant. Consult with an attorney well-versed in independent film financing to ensure your legal structure makes sense for your film's budget and marketing goals.
Amounts
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Film grants vary in their amounts. As feature film grants rarely cover the entire cost of production, you will find many grants ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars to cover various aspects of the production process. For example, a post-production grant for a feature-length documentary might range between $1,000 to $5,000.
Competition
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Competition for feature film grants is fierce. Prepare your application materials by researching the grant-making organization's goals and past recipients. Compare your project to winning projects to determine whether your project is in alignment with the grant's stated mission. Create a compelling stance that will distinguish your project from the overflow of applications the organization will likely receive.
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References
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