How to Get a Film Grant
An independent film is produced outside of a major movie studio. Independent filmmakers rely on nontraditional funding sources for their projects. Angel investors, fundraisers, credit cards and grants are all common sources of financing for independent films. Online resources are the best place to start when finding film grants.
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Instructions
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Plan your film's budget and shooting schedule, and have a summary of your film project ready for submission. You'll need to do this to effectively pursue a grant.
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Search film association websites and industry conferences online for notices on upcoming funding opportunities. Film Independent is a basic search tool for locating grants. If you know how you plan to distribute your finished product, you will be more likely to find a grant that meets your needs. For example, if you are a documentary producer, you may seek a public television distribution deal that qualifies you to receive funds from organizations such as The Independent Television Service. However, filmmakers seeking to produce a commercial filmwork may opt for equipment grants from major manufacturers where they gain access to expensive equipment at no cost.
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Read the requirements for each grant. Grants typically require stringent qualifications for recipients including specifications of subject matter, length and format.
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Honor the deadlines. Grants may have a deadline for a letter of inquiry where they "prequalify" your film project and ask you to submit more information for funding consideration. These deadlines may be months apart. Submit multiple copies and label each of your materials.
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Tips & Warnings
If your project isn't eligible for any of the grants you find, try submitting to film contests instead. Many of them offer cash prizes or incentives.
Be patient. Grant cycles can take up to 12 months, and competition is fierce, so more than a year could pass before you receive your check in the mail.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit film image by saied shahinkiya from Fotolia.com
