Grants for Independent Documentary Filmmakers

Grants are available for independent documentary filmmakers.

Independent documentary filmmakers can apply for a grant or scholarship to help pay for the costs of producing a film. Funding is available to students, professionals and independent production companies committed to exploring and narrating unique life circumstances. In addition to project funding,a scholarship recipient also has the opportunity to expose his film to a mass audience.

The Academy Film Scholars Program

The Academy of the Motion Pictures and Sciences provides funding for the Academy Film Scholars Program. Two grants of $25,000 are provided annually to applicants who are producing cultural, educational, historical or scientific works of film. Applicants must be established scholars, writers, historians or researchers with a significant record of achievement in their field. Also, applicants must have written and published at least one book. College students and members or employees of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are not eligible for the program.

The Roy W. Dean Film and Video Grants

From the Heart Production's Roy W. Dean Film and Video grant helps to pay for producing independent documentary films. Student filmmakers, independent producers and independent production companies are eligible to apply for a grant up to $500,000. Applicants can live anywhere in the country, however, award recipients must complete their film in Los Angeles or New York to collect the goods and services. To apply for the grant, you must submit a two- to six-page proposal that details the film, budget and crew members. Samples of the applicant's previous work on DVD along with the application fee is also required.

Filmanthropy Scholarship Competition

The Philanthropy Project is a nonprofit initiative committed to using film to inspire Americans to become citizen philanthropists. Its' Filmanthropy Scholarship Competition provides 12 college student filmmakers scholarships of $10,000 to produce a film that documents an American foundation. Students must be currently enrolled at the American Film Institute, Boston University, Florida State University, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the University of Texas, Austin or the University of Southern California to apply for a scholarship. The scholarship is awarded directly to the college to help defray costs of tuition and other filmmaking-related expenses.

Full Frame Documentary Grant Awards

Every year, the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in Durham, North Carolina, awards documentary filmmaker grants for creative achievements. The CDs Filmmaker Award provides $7,500 to independent documentary filmmakers who creatively examine central issues of contemporary life and culture. The Garrett Scott Documentary Development Grant is awarded to first-time documentary filmmakers. The grant pays for travel and hotel accommodations for new filmmakers to attend the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, all access to films and attendance at a masters workshop. Grant recipients are also connected with an experienced filmmaker for mentoring.

References

• The Academy of the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences: 2011 Film Scholars Grants Program
• From the Heart Productions: The Roy W. Dean Film and Video Grants
• America Online News: Filmanthropy Scholarship Competition
• Duke University: CDs Filmmaker Award
• Union Docs: Full Frame's Garrett Scott Documentary Development Grant Applications Open