Filmmaking Grants for Short Films

Making your own movie is a very expensive project. Even if you’re just making a short film, it might still cost more than you can afford. The equipment alone can cost you thousands of dollars. This is why filmmakers often seek funding for their movies. However, when you can’t find any investors to back your project, you’ll have to seek out a grant. Many film grants cater to feature length films that will be produced by a studio, but there are a handful of grants available of indie filmmakers looking to make a short movie.

Rooftop Filmmaker’s Fund

Rooftop Filmmaker’s Fund is available to filmmakers who have screened a movie at Rooftop Films. Their grants for short films rang from $500 up to $3,000. Rooftop Films prefers that your film’s budget is less than the amount you are seeking. For example, a budget of $2,000 will be favored over a budget of $20,000. The reason for this is because they believe a film that’s budget is less than the grant total is more likely to be finished. More info can be found at www.rooftopfilms.com.

Creative Capital

Creative Capital offers grants for films every three years. The amount of the grant is usually around $87,000 in total. Part of that money includes “career development services.” To apply for a grant from Creative Capital you must be 25 years old, have five years of filmmaking experience, be working as a filmmaker and not be enrolled in school. More info is available at www.creative-capital.org.

Dean Film and Video Grants

The Roy W. Dean Film and Video Grants are available to filmmakers looking to make a film that is “unique and benefits society,” according to their website. Anyone can apply for film grant. They require you to submit a DVD of your work and/or a trailer for your project with your application. The application fee is $38. Students get a $10 discount on the fee. More info is available at www.fromtheheartproductions.com.

Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program

Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program lends 16-mm and 35-mm camera equipment to emerging filmmakers. The program started 20 years ago and is ongoing. Anyone can apply for a grant but your project must be not-for-profit.


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