Film Independent
/OVERVIEW: Film Independent is best known for its Spirit Awards, but it also awards several grants and fellowships to support filmmakers in the early stages of their careers.
IP TAKE: While Film Independent runs many fellowship and award programs for early-stage filmmakers, most programs require membership in the organization to apply. If you are in the early stages of your career as a director, producer, editor or screenwriter, it may be worth the $95 to join and explore the organization’s many opportunities for hands-on experiences, mentoring and networking. Opportunities change frequently, so be sure to sign up for the newsletter to keep up with the latest.
PROFILE: In 1981, Gregory Nava and a small group of like-minded directors, writers and producers met regularly to discuss resources available to independent filmmakers. From these meetings, Independent Future Project/West emerged and later became Film Independent, whose mission is to “to champion creative independence in visual storytelling in all its forms, and to foster a culture of inclusion.” The organization is best known for its Film Independent Spirit Awards program, which recognizes “the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers.” It also supports independent filmmaking via its Artist Development programs, which include grants, fellowships, networking and mentoring opportunities. A separate initiative, Project Involve, is “dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.”
Grants for Film
Film Independent runs the following programs to support independent film:
The organization’s prestigious Spirit Awards are awarded each year to recognize excellence in independent filmmaking over 20 in categories that include direction, cinematography, acting, writing, editing and more. It is unclear if awards are accompanied by cash prizes, but Film Independent accepts submissions for these awards each year from members and nonmembers with deadlines that fall in September and October. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony that is typically held in February of each year. Learn more about current and past Spirit Award winners here and read about the submission process here.
Film Independent’s Artist Development programs run educational and professional development programs in a range of topics related to filmmaking and award several grants and fellowships for filmmakers in the early stages of their careers.
Spirit Award Filmmaker Grants are awarded annually to three filmmakers in amounts of $25,000. These unrestricted grants support “exceptional emerging talent.” Nominations are made by in internal committee.
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Grants are awarded “to encourage filmmakers to create more realistic and accurate stories about science and technology and to challenge existing stereotypes about scientists and engineers in the popular imagination.” Grants support films at the development, pre-production and post-production phases. For additional information and guidelines email Film Independent at at artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org.
The Picture Shop Feature Film Grant provides “up to $50,000 in color correction and digital intermediate services for their fiction or nonfiction feature film.” Application is open to Film Independent members whose “feature-length fiction or nonfiction film [is] in post-production by the application deadline that usually falls mid July.
Many of Film Independent’s fellowships present opportunities for learning, collaboration and networking, but also include cash grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Eligibility, guidelines and due dates vary by program, and some programs require membership in the Film Independent organization.
Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature initiative to support the careers of filmmakers from underrepresented groups. Each year, the program invites “30 filmmakers from diverse backgrounds” to participate in a program that “provides invaluable hands-on filmmaking experience from inception to completion.” Participants are also “paired with mentors at the top of their respective fields, and receive personalized guidance to help move their projects and careers forward.” The program accepts applications from Film Independent members with an annual due date that falls toward the end of July. Check the program page for updated guidelines.
Important Grant Details:
Film Independent makes grants of up to $50,000 with grant amounts specified by individual programs.
With the exception of its prestigious Spirit Awards for independent film, grants, fellowships and other programs are geared toward filmmakers in the early stages of their careers.
Many programs require membership in Film Independent to submit applications.
Opportunities appear to change from year to year, so interested grantskeekers may wish to sign up for the organization’s newsletter.
Information about past recipients and grantees is available at some of the individual program pages.
Questions about Film Independent’s artists development programs may be submitted to the organization via email at artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org. Film Independent can also be reached via telephone at 323-556-9312.
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