For Filmmakers Who Need Money! 2020 Fall Grants You Should Know About

Carole Kirschner - fund your film 2020.jpegCarole Kirschner - fund your film 2020.jpeg

Hi All,

Like most things in 2020, a lot of filmmaker grants are at a standstill.

Fellowships, and development money that used to be awarded annually, are currently “on pause”, and organizations and funding bodies that were once reliable are now just trying to survive this unprecedented year themselves. 

So, are there any grants available at all, or should we all just write off 2020 now and hibernate until the new year?

The good news is, even though the funding landscape has changed, there are still plenty of grants available to help you write your next great script, or to finally finish that ‘soon-to-be’ award-winning film.

Here’s a list of 2020 Fall Grants with upcoming deadlines (use your best judgment for which ones might be right for you):

ScreenCraft Film Production Fund & Diversity Award Fund

Whether you have a great screenplay or a film that’s already started production, Screencraft and Bondit are considering a wide range of projects for this fund: “from standalone screenplays, to fully packaged projects seeking finishing funds. If your aspirations are solely to become a produced screenwriter, you can rely on ScreenCraft and BondIt to package the winning script with a talented director and in-house production resources with up to $30,000 in cash financing.” Also, new to this fund this year, is Screencraft’s inaugural Diversity Award: at least one recipient selected for these funds will be from an underrepresented background (as defined by the WGA Diversity report).

Final Deadline: November 30th

The Roy Dean Grant/From the Heart Productions

Do you have a blazing hot script that has a social message? The Roy Dean Grant is giving out $3,000 in cash, and over $30K of in-kind services to projectsthat, “expose, and bring, important information to light; as well as films about little known people when there is a good story.” This fund is open to short films, features, and documentaries that have a budget under $500,000. Check out the official info page for tips for entering and winning.

Fall deadline: October 31st.

Sundance Creative Distribution Fellowship

Do you have a film you deeply believe in, but don’t feel like you have the resources or skills to give it a proper release? This fellowship not only provides funding to help you release your film to the world, but also provides guidance and expertise from the incredible artists, mentors and producers at the Sundance Institute: "We are seeking films at all budget levels featuring distinctive, singular voices. We will select three or four films on a rolling basis, and we will support fellows during their initial release period (6 - 12 months).” If you have a film that is finished or in post-production stage, this fellowship might be for you.

The deadline for this fellowship stays open until it’s full, so get those applications in now!

SFFILM Rainin Filmmaking Grant

SFFILM Rainin is the largest granting body for independent narrative feature films in the US. If you have a feature that tackles social justice issues in a unique way, this is the time for it to get made.SFFILM offers development grants for up to $25K, Post-Production Grants of $40K, and other support like their 6-month FilmHouse residency. “Grants support films that address social justice issues - the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges - in a positive and meaningful way through plot, character, theme or setting and benefit the Bay Area filmmaking community in a professional and economic capacity.” The program is open to filmmakers from the US and around the world who can commit to time developing the film in San Francisco.

Applications open this month, deadline TBA.

Panavision's New Filmmaker Program

Do you have a finished script but no equipment to make it? Check out the New Filmmaker Program from Panavision: "The New Filmmaker Program loans film or digital camera packages (based on availability) to filmmakers for student thesis films, “low-budget” independent features, showcase reels, Public Service Announcements, or any other type of short not-for-profit project.” 

The application for this program is on a rolling basis, but it’s a popular program so be sure to submit your application at least two months before you plan to shoot.

If you do apply for a grant, contest or fellowship this fall, best of luck! Someone’s going to get them, why not you?

Do you know a Fall or Winter 2020 grant that should be on this list? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!

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