How to Apply for a Film Grant
Filmmaking is an expensive endeavor. Whether you create a short film, documentary or feature length narrative, you need financial resources to pay for the preproduction, production and editing aspects of the project. Film grants can alleviate some of the financial demands of a film project, provided that you use the funds to complete the project in a timely manner. You can apply for a film grant year-round through a number of institutions in the United States and abroad.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Fill out the application form provided by the institution offering the grant. The application form will usually request all of your relevant contact information, the name of the project, the project's genre, a brief description of the project, the requested grant amount, and names of crew members. Usually, you must include a check to cover the application fee.
-
2
Create a synopsis that describes the film from beginning to end. The synopsis should not merely summarize the film; it should read like a short story that is interesting to the reader. You should keep the synopsis to a page or less.
-
-
3
Write a statement of purpose for the film. Your statement of purpose should describe why you feel that the story needs to be told, as well as your motivation for creating the project. The statement should briefly explore and explain any prevalent themes in the piece. You are essentially explaining to the funding organization why this film deserves funding.
-
4
Make a production budget for the project, or include any existing budget information if the project has already started. The budget should include any money you already have, services you have obtained "in kind" (services and equipment that are essentially donated), and other funding sources. The budget should clearly show the amount still needed to carry the project through to fruition.
-
5
Include your project's production schedule so the committee knows when to expect a finished product. The production schedule should include all dates from preproduction to final editing. The funding organization will want to see that you have the project thoroughly planned out.
-
6
Attach the screenplay and any relevant materials that can help the organization visualize your project, such as storyboards, concept drawings and production photographs.
-
7
Include a copy of your reel or previous work that is similar to this project. Your previous work is extremely important in the grant process; it gives the funding organization an idea of your abilities as a filmmaker.
-
8
Create a crew biography that lists the names and backgrounds of key players in your production. If it appears that you have a competent and experienced crew, you may be more likely to receive a grant.
-
9
Compile all of your grant materials into a legal envelope, and mail the package to the funding institution before the grant deadline. You should include your application fee with the other materials.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The funding institution is going to read a lot of grant proposals, so you should create a concise synopsis that grabs their attention.
References
- Photo Credit film image by saied shahinkiya from Fotolia.com
