2024 COURAGE TO WRITE GRANTS
The de Groot Foundation
DEADLINE: February 5, 2024
APPLICATION FEE: $22.00
INFO: The de Groot Foundation will award thirty COURAGE to WRITE unrestricted grants to writers in 2024.
Ten COURAGE to WRITE grants of $7000 each and twenty Writer of Note grants of $1500 each. These grants are meant to encourage and support writers as they further or complete a specific project. The Writer of Note grantees are chosen from the pool of finalists for the COURAGE to WRITE grants.
GUIDELINES: Applicants for COURAGE to WRITE grants may be writing in any genre. We welcome projects of fiction, nonfiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, YA, children’s books, plays, and screenplays.
WHO SHOULD APPLY: Writers over 18 years of age who are actively engaged in a writing project and for whom a monetary boost could help them further or complete a project.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applications:
are open to individual writers over 18 years of age regardless of race, ethnicity, gender orientation, education, economic situation, geographic origin or location.
must be submitted in English.
are not open to family, members of the board or employees of the The de Groot Foundation, Lando family members, reviewers, or the selection committee.
Applicants must be individuals. Companies or organizations are not eligible.
If you’ve already received a writing grant from The de Groot Foundation, please wait a year before applying again.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please read this section carefully before preparing or submitting your application. We receive grant applications through the Submittable platform. If you have an account already, click the button at the bottom of this page and login to apply. If you do not have an account, you will need to create a free account in order to apply. You can create an account here: https://manager.submittable.com/signup
Application
There are three parts to your application: 1) a biosketch, 2) the letter of application, 3) your writing sample
Your biosketch
a. A brief statement about you, what matters in your work, what you’ve written, what you want to write, and something about you as a person
b. Limited to no more than 100 words
c. Your biosketch will be inserted into a form on the application so have this ready to cut and paste.
2. The letter of application (2-4 pages) which must include:
a. An introduction to the writing project for which you are seeking support (1-3 paragraphs)
b. How this project is important (1-2 paragraphs)
c. How a grant at this time would be helpful to you and how you would use the funds (2-3 paragraphs)
d. Anything else you would like us to know about you as a writer (1 paragraph)
e. Please address the letter to: Dear COURAGE to WRITE Reviewers
f. Please double space your letter of application and use Times New Roman 12-point font.
The paragraph suggestions above are recommendations. Should you wish to add a paragraph in a section and have one fewer in another that is fine as long as the needed information is well conveyed.
3. Writing sample
a. Please submit an unpublished writing sample, which relates to the project for which you are requesting funds. Do not submit a previously published writing sample.
b. Your unpublished writing sample should be five pages.
c. The writing sample, like the letter of application, should be double spaced and in Times New Roman 12-point font.
d. Exceptions:
i. Poetry: Use your original poetry formatting. You do not need to double space the poems. There can be more than one poem on a page.
ii. Screenplay or a play: You may submit up to 12 pages of a sample using the standard formatting for plays or screenplays.
iii. Graphic novel: You may include up to 10 pages of prose and graphics for the writing sample. Please submit by PDF.
IMPORTANT: The letter of application and the five pages of your current writing project must be uploaded as a SINGLE DOCUMENT. Please make sure you have merged them as a SINGLE DOCUMENT before you submit.
Submit your application through the Submittable platform, which you will be directed to below. Make sure your document is ready and exactly as you want it to be before uploading. Once you have submitted an application, you are unable to change it.
Format:
Use Times New Roman 12-point font and double space your application document.
Numbering pages is optional.
Application Timeline:
Grant recipients will receive an automatic notification from Submittable once your application is received.
Finalists will be notified by the end of April 2024.
Grant awardees will be notified by the end of May 2024.
Review and Selection:
You’ll be sent a message when your application has been received.
Stage 1 Review: All eligible applications are read by teams of reviewers. Depending on the discretion of the reviewers, between 40 to 60 finalist applications are chosen.
Stage 2 Review: Finalist applications are evaluated by the final Selection Committee. This committee chooses the ten COURAGE to WRITE grantees. From the remaining applications, this committee will then pick the 20 Writer of Note grantees.
The Selection Committees are writers and writing professionals who appreciate the challenges of emerging writers. Selection Committee decisions are final. Correspondence will only be entered into with finalists and grantees.
Grantees will be asked to complete a Grant Acceptance Agreement and, if appropriate, a U.S. W-9 tax form. One year after receipt of funding, grantees agree to complete and return a one-to-three-page final report so that we can learn about your project and the grant’s impact on your work.
degrootfoundation.org/courage-to-write-grants/
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2024 LANDO GRANT
The de Groot Foundation
DEADLINE: February 5, 2024
APPLICATION FEE: $22.00
The de Groot Foundation is thrilled to collaborate with Barry Lando, award winning investigative journalist and former 60 Minutes producer, to provide the LANDO grants for immigration, migration, and/or refugee writing.
GUIDELINES: Applicants for LANDO grants may be writing in any genre. We welcome projects of fiction, nonfiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, YA, children’s books, plays, and screenplays.
WHO SHOULD APPLY: Writers over 18 years of age who are actively engaged in a writing project and for whom a monetary boost could help them further or complete a project.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applications:
are open to individual writers over 18 years of age regardless of race, ethnicity, gender orientation, education, economic situation, geographic origin or location.
must be submitted in English.
are not open to family, members of the board or employees of the The de Groot Foundation, Lando family members, reviewers, or the selection committees.
Applicants must be individuals. Companies or organizations are not eligible.
If you’ve already received a writing grant from The de Groot Foundation, please wait a year before applying again.
HOW TO APPLY:
We want all applications to be considered. Please read this section carefully before preparing or submitting your application. We receive grant applications through the Submittable platform. If you have an account already, click the button at the bottom of this page and login to apply. If you do not have an account, you will need to create a free account in order to apply. You can create an account here: https://manager.submittable.com/signup
Application
There are three parts to your application: 1) a biosketch, 2) the letter of application, 3) your writing sample
1. Your biosketch
A brief statement about you, what matters in your work, what you’ve written, what you want to write, and something about you as a person
Limited to no more than 100 words
Your biosketch will be inserted into a form on the application so have this ready to cut and paste.
2. The letter of application (2-4 pages) which must include:
An introduction to the writing project for which you are seeking support (1-3 paragraphs)
How this project is important (1-2 paragraphs)
How a grant at this time would be helpful to you and how you would use the funds (2-3 paragraphs)
Anything else you would like us to know about you as a writer (1 paragraph)
Please address the letter to: Dear LANDO Reviewers
Please double space your letter of application and use Times New Roman 12-point font.
The paragraph suggestions above are recommendations. Should you wish to add a paragraph in a section and have one fewer in another that is fine as long as the needed information is well conveyed.
3. Writing sample
Please submit a writing sample which relates to the project for which you are requesting funds. Do not submit a previously published writing sample.
Your unpublished writing sample should be five pages.
The writing sample, like the letter of application, should be double spaced and in Times New Roman 12-point font.
Exceptions:
i. Poetry: Use your original poetry formatting. You do not need to double space the poems. There can be more than one poem on a page.
ii. Screenplay or a play: Please submit a one to two page synopsis of the screenplay or play and up to 12 pages of a sample script using the standard formatting for plays or screenplays.
iii. Graphic novel: You may include up to 10 pages of prose and graphics for the writing sample. Please submit by PDF.
IMPORTANT: The letter of application and the five pages of your current writing project must be uploaded as a SINGLE DOCUMENT. Please make sure you have merged them as a SINGLE DOCUMENT before you submit.
Submit your application through the Submittable platform, which you will be directed to below. Make sure your document is ready and exactly as you want it to be before uploading. Once you have submitted an application, you are unable to change it.
FORMAT:
Use Times New Roman 12-point font and double space your application document.
Numbering pages is optional.
Grant recipients will receive an automatic notification from Submittable once your application is received.
Finalists will be notified by early April 2024.
Grant awardees will be notified by early May 2024.
degrootfoundation.org/2024-lando-grant-guidelines/
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AT&T UNTOLD STORIES
AT&T / Tribeca Festival
DEADLINE: February 6, 2024
INFO: Untold Stories is a multi-year, multi-tier alliance between AT&T and Tribeca Festival that awards $1 million dollars, mentorship, and comprehensive support to systemically underrepresented filmmakers to produce their films.
This unique partnership has already made a major impact on inclusivity in film. Following the first four nationally-distributed films, Nigerian Prince, Lucky Grandma, Marvelous and the Black Hole, and Land of Gold, Smoking Tigers is currently screening on the festival circuit. Untold Stories’ next feature Color Book will premiere in 2024.
At the 2024 Tribeca Festival, 5 new talented and diverse filmmaking teams will pitch their original feature scripted film projects to an esteemed Greenlight Committee of industry professionals to decide who will be the next $1 million dollar prize recipient.
The winning film will be guaranteed a premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, subject to timely delivery of the film, and dedicated distribution support. The additional 4 teams will receive a $15,000 grant for development support.
Participating films receive extensive exposure for their stories through dedicated content and press opportunities. Films in Untold Stories have the potential to connect with industry and audiences alike, which has allowed over 40% of all participating films to be completed.
tribecafilm.com/attuntoldstories
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2024 SUNDANCE IGNITE X ADOBE FELLOWSHIP
The Sundance Institute / Adobe
DEADLINE: February 7, 2024 at 11 am PST
INFO: The Sundance Institute and Adobe are teaming up to find the next 10 Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellows—emerging filmmakers (ages 18 to 25) who are creating stories that bring their passion, voice, and perspective to life.
The Sundance Ignite program identifies and supports new voices and talent from the next generation of filmmakers by providing artistic and professional development to advance filmmakers to the next stage in their filmmaking. The yearlong Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellowship is open to emerging documentary and fiction filmmakers between ages 18 and 25. The fellowship begins with a weeklong lab orienting filmmakers to the fellowship and year ahead.
Throughout the year, filmmakers will:
Work with a Sundance Institute alumni mentor
Receive a $3,000 artist grant
Participate as a cohort in monthly webinars, workshops and workshares throughout the year
Receive a complimentary Adobe Creative Cloud 12-month membership, where Creative Cloud is available.
To choose this year’s fellows, we’re asking filmmakers to submit a one- to 15-minute short that shows us their artistic vision and unique voice. Submissions aren’t limited to any genre or topic — the only requirement is that they represent the filmmaker’s perspective as an artist. You will also include materials in support of a new project that you intend to work on throughout the fellowship.
For resources to help craft your submission, check out the Sundance Collab Filmmaker Toolkit.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
One entry per person.
Films submitted must be under 15 minutes long (including credits) and must have been completed within the last 12 months, as of February 7, 2024.
Accepted video file formats: AVI, FLV, MOV, MP4, or MPEG-2.
Note: If you choose to upload a .MOV file, make sure that it is not using the Apple ProRes compression. We do not support reading Apple ProRes files or raw camera formats like ARRI and RED at this time.An active project is required for the fellowship, however there is no obligation or expectation to complete the project during the fellowship.
Materials supporting a project that you intend to work on throughout the yearlong fellowship. These can include lookbooks, five pages of a script, treatments and pitch decks. Note: Materials must be in a PDF format.
collab.sundance.org/catalog/2024-Sundance-Ignite-x-Adobe-Fellowship-Application
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ADOC IMPACT FELLOWSHIP
Asian American Documentary Network
DEADLINE: February 8, 2024 by 11:59pm ET
INFO: The A-Doc Impact Fellowship seeks social justice-oriented leaders, filmmakers, impact strategists, thinkers, doers, and believers with ideas for projects that organize within and support AAPI communities to bring about long-term, equitable social change by leveraging nonfiction film, narrative strategies, or storytelling.
A-Doc will award three (3) Impact Fellows a grant ($20,000) towards the implementation of their Impact project and a year-long fellowship program (12 months, March 2024 – March 2025), designed for the Impact Fellows to be in community with a cohort of peers, collaborators, co-conspirators, and leaders within the documentary film and social justice ecosystem. A-Doc will carefully craft the program to be tailored towards the needs of each Impact project to provide the optimal amount of support and mentorship required. Fellows are expected to complete their proposed projects by the end of the fellowship.
GUIDELINES: We will consider projects that focus on one or more of our broad goals of the Impact Fellowship supporting individuals leading projects within AAPI communities to bring about long-term, equitable social change that leverages an aspect of nonfiction film, narrative strategies, or storytelling. In our view, there are numerous, intersecting issues that have historically and continue to impact our AAPI communities—for example, working-class immigrants fighting exploitation and gentrification; combating the rise of anti-AAPI hate; campaigns to decriminalize massage therapy; undocumented folks fighting for a pathway to citizenship; as well as efforts to envision and create alternatives to our current systems and structures that negatively impact AAPI communities.
We expect applicants to make the case that their projects have the potential to contribute something valuable to the debate and discussions around AAPI movements. We are living in unprecedented times, where issues impacting the AAPI communities are exceptionally complex and involve an array of interrelated social, economic, political, and historical dynamics. As such, to the extent that it’s relevant to applicants’ proposed work, we encourage applicants to demonstrate how their projects fit within the current social and political moment, and AAPI movement and organizing work past and present. We encourage applicants to contextualize their projects, and propose how the project moves us toward a more just and equitable society for our AAPI communities.
Who is the Impact Fellowship for?
While we do not limit how any applicant identify as part of their craft and work, here are some examples of who the Impact Fellowship is for:
Filmmakers / Impact Producers – While the Impact Fellowship is not designed to support a film’s impact campaign, it can support an individual—who can be a part of a film project—to better position their already in place or envisioned strategies for impact. There will need to be distinction that the award is not directly supporting an impact campaign or production costs, but instead is building off the impact work.
E.g. A filmmaker with an ongoing impact campaign who intends to use the funds to pay for the campaign costs will not be eligible.
E.g. A filmmaker, who is committed to impact work in film, wants to use the funds to create filmmaking workshops for AAPI youth as a way of democratizing access to the medium. This can be eligible.
Social Justice Activists / Organizers – You are an activist / organizer working within AAPI communities that is seeking to create a new project that ensures our people are seen, heard and empowered.
E.g. You work at an organization that leads campaigns directly working to support AAPI communities, and you want to lead a storytelling workshop of oral traditions that shares knowledge, art, ideas and cultural materials that are received, preserved, and transmitted orally from one generation to another.
Community Leaders – You are a leader and/or directly impacted member of an AAPI community that is working to address an issue that impacts your community.
Policy Makers – You are working to create structural transformation for AAPI communities through policy advocacy, and you want to leverage non-fiction film or storytelling as part of your work.
INFO SESSION & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Watch the recording of the Impact Fellowship Info Session HERE. Check out a compiled FAQ list HERE.
KEY DATES:
Info Session: January 11, 2024 at 7pm ET — Watch the recording HERE.
Applications Closes: February 8, 2024 at 11:59PM ET
A-Doc Impact Fellowship Review Period: January 11, 2024 – February 15, 2024
Award Notification: February 22, 2024
Fellowship Period: March 2024 – March 2025
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macdowell fellowship: 2024 Fall/Winter
MacDowell
DEADLINE: February 10, 2024, at 11:59pm ET
INFO: The Fellowship application period for 2024 Fall/Winter residencies at MacDowell is now open!
MacDowell encourages artists to apply in any stage of their career, and from all backgrounds and countries. We invite applications in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. If your proposed project does not fall clearly within one of these artistic disciplines, contact the admissions department for guidance at admissions@macdowell.org.
We also encourage you to watch our “How to Apply to MacDowell's Residency Program” video on our YouTube channel for detailed instructions on our application process.
MacDowell has no residency fees, and to defray expenses that accrue during an artist’s stay, we provide need-based stipends to cover rent, utilities, childcare, and lost income from taking time off from employment, as well as reimbursements for travel to and from the residency.
Fall/Winter residencies will take place between September 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025.
macdowell.org/apply/apply-for-fellowship
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2024 RESidencies
Vermont Studio Center
DEADLINE: February 15, 2024
INFO: Vermont Studio Center is pleased to invite applications for its residency program for writers working in all genres. The Maverick Studio Building offers views of the Gihon River and daily inspiration.
Accepted residents will enjoy access to:
Visiting Artists & Writers Program
private accommodation
private studio space
delicious fresh daily meals
Residency sessions are approximately 2-, 3-, and 4-weeks. Each residency offers a supportive environment where you can further develop your writing projects, finish your manuscript, make deep revisions, start a new project, and more.
Vermont Studio Center accepts writers working in all genres, and includes the following:
fiction
creative nonfiction
poetry
screen/playwriting
hybrid*
translation
vermontstudiocenter.org/fellowships
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The Diverso Fellowship
Diverso
DEADLINE: February 20, 2024
ENTRY FEE: $25
INFO: DIVERSO is a student-run film nonprofit dedicated to changing the face of entertainment by empowering the next generation of underrepresented storytellers.
In partnership with THE WRITERS GUILD FOUNDATION, we have created The Diverso Fellowship: a paid internship program for minority student screenwriters.
Vetted by a rigorous committee of industry readers, four talented students will spend ten weeks over the summer fine-tuning a writing sample with a personalized mentor, attending panels and classes with industry leaders, and learning from the best by shadowing in a writers' room.
Selected students will receive a $6,000 stipend to support a part-time commitment over 10 weeks. Interns are expected to make a 20-hour commitment each week. The internship program will be hosted virtually over the summer (tentatively set for June 6th - August 19th).
BENEFITS
$6000 Stipend
Distribution to Agencies and Production Co's: Fellows' scripts will be sent to over a dozen agents and producers at different companies including A24, Blumhouse, Anonymous Content, Paradigm, United Talent Agency, and more.
Virtual Panels with Top Industry Professionals:
Previous speakers include:
The Daniels, EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
Shaka King, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH
Jessica Gao, RICK & MORTY
Amy Aniobi, INSECURE
JD Dillard, STARWARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
Dennis Liu, RAISING DION
General Meetings: Our fellows will be set up on 5+ general meetings with executives from studios and production companies. Previous companies include Plan B, 3Arts, Paramount, Universal, Big Beach, JuVee, Tornante, and more.
Mentorship: Like our Minority Report and Black Writers in Focus programs, Fellows will be matched with experienced writers in the industry based on their personalized style and experience. Mentors provided both career and script guidance. Previous Diverso mentors included:
Charles Rogers, SEARCH PARTY
Charise Castro Smith, ENCANTO
Ifuoma Ofordire, LOVECRAFT COUNTRY
RULES:
At the program's request, Coverfly will automatically remove your title page for you if you include one when submitting to this program.
Please read all instructions and FAQs carefully before you begin your submission process. Applicants can only submit once per category. Any errors or multiple submissions could disqualify your application.
SUBMISSIONS INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants must be Underrepresented writers currently enrolled in a university as an UNDERGRADUATE or GRADUATE student (Class of 2024 Graduates are eligible). They may be graduating at the end of the 2024 calendar year. For eligibility and submissions information, please scroll down and read the Frequently Asked Questions portion.
Please ensure your submission has a cover sheet with only the TITLE of the screenplay. The author's name must NOT appear anywhere in the script in order to preserve anonymity in the judging process. Please specify genre when submitting material.
SUBMISSIONS FORM:
After submission on Coverfly, applicants MUST fill out a submission form which includes a PERSONAL ESSAY and a RELEASE FORM. The submission form can be found here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Who can submit?
Underrepresented student writers currently enrolled in a university whose script has not been optioned. Screenwriters may not have earned more than $25,000 writing fictional work for film or television. The Minority Report is intended to promote and assist amateur writers exclusively.
How long should my script be?
We accept submissions within the page count below for each category:
Feature screenplays: 75 -120 pages
Half-hour teleplays: 20-40
Hour-long teleplays: 45-70
Scripts over 130 pages will be eliminated.
Refund/Resubmission Policy:
At this time, no refunds will be issued, please read all instructions before submitting. If you wish to submit a new/corrected draft, applicants will incur a second submission fee. Please reach out for assistance with this.
Who qualifies as an underrepresented writer?
Underrepresented writers as defined by the Writers Guild of America include:
American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, Middle Eastern, Latino/a, LGBTQ, Women, Writers with disabilities.
writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/diverso-fellowship
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Episodic Lab
Film Independent
DEADLINES / FEES:
Non-member: February 26, 2024 / $65
Member: March 11, 2024 / $45
INFO: Designed to support writers with original long-form episodic projects, Film Independent’s Episodic Lab will accept a diverse group of 6–8 writers or writing teams and provide them with critical support and mentorship. Through personalized feedback from experienced showrunners, creative producers and executives, Fellows will gain the tools to revise and refine their pilots and navigate a changing industry landscape.
The Episodic Lab helps to further the careers of its Fellows by introducing them to industry veterans who can offer guidance on both the craft and business of writing episodic content. Each Fellow will be paired with a Creative Advisor with whom they’ll work one-on-one and in group sessions to develop their project during the month of September. Additionally, guest speakers will screen and discuss their own work to offer insights into the creative process and industry best practices. A final networking and pitch event will offer Fellows the opportunity to introduce themselves and their work to studio and network executives.
For more information on the application deadline please visit our applications page.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation will award one participant of the Film Independent Episodic Lab a $20,000 development grant.
To apply for the Sloan Episodic Lab Grant, apply to the Episodic Lab and provide a statement on how the project fulfills the mission of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in your cover letter. The applicant must possess the rights to the script with which they are applying. The teleplay should have a scientific, mathematical and/or technological theme and storyline or have a leading character that is a scientist, engineer or mathematician.
At this time, science fiction projects are not eligible for the Sloan Episodic Lab Grant.
WHO CAN APPLY?
The Episodic Lab is open to any emerging writer applying with a completed draft of a half hour or hour-long television pilot they wish to workshop during the program. Each applicant must be the author of the script he or she submits. The submitted pilot cannot have been pitched at any point to a studio or network.
Writing partners are welcome to apply as teams and need only submit a single application. International applicants are also welcome to apply. At this time, documentary and short-form digital series are not eligible to apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please read over the application form before preparing your materials. Applicants must submit the following for consideration:
Required
A cover letter introducing yourself and your interest in the Episodic Lab
One complete, original pilot
A series logline and pilot synopsis
A series description describing the story engine and series arc of the show
Project status and history, including any industry exposure
A series proposal document that includes brief descriptions of the world of the series and its premise and genre, as well as breakdowns for the show’s primary characters and their first season arcs
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Film Independent is looking for well-written, compelling, pilots with an original premise or vision. The submitted pilot may be original or adapted from optioned source material. Though applicants must submit a completed draft, the Lab is structured to support writers who are still creatively engaged in the writing process; those who welcome feedback and discussion will most benefit from the program as they further develop their work.
THE FINE PRINT:
Beyond the application fee, there is no cost or tuition to participate in any of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs.
Film Independent Membership is not required when applying to Artist Development Labs. However, all participants accepted into the Labs are required to join Film Independent at the standard annual General Membership rate of $95.
Applicants will be notified three to four weeks prior to the start of the program.
Until further notice, all Film Independent Labs will be held online.
filmindependent.org/programs/artist-development/episodic-lab/
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American Black Film Festival
DEADLINE: February 28, 2024
INFO: The 28th annual ABFF will be held in Miami Beach, June 12-16, 2024, and on ABFF PLAY from June 17-24. All Official Selections will play during both the live and virtual segments of the festival.
AWARDS + PRIZES:
Jury Award -- Best Narrative Feature
Jury Award -- Best Director, Narrative Feature
Jury Award -- Best Actor, Narrative Feature
Jury Award -- Best Documentary Feature
Jury Award -- Best Series (Television or Web)
HBO® Short Film Award [Entries without the completed SUBMISSION and RELEASE FORMS attached will not be considered.]
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New Voices Filmmaker Grant
NewFest / Netflix
DEADLINE: February 22, 2024
INFO: NewFest’s New Voices Filmmaker Grant, in partnership with Netflix, supports emerging LGBTQ+ directors by providing funding to make new work, assisting in getting their work more widely shared, and propelling their careers forward through mentorship, networking and professional development opportunities.
The Grant seeks to support underrepresented voices in the film industry, and provides a $25,000 unrestricted grant to 4 emerging directors.
In addition to the $25,000 grant and industry mentorship, fellows will also participate in events and have their work showcased at NewFest’s New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, one of the largest queer film festivals in the world. Fellows will also have the opportunity to travel as guests of NewFest to other North American film festivals.
Submissions are accepted from emerging LGBTQ+ directors who make documentary/nonfiction, narrative, and/or animated film/episodic projects for and about the LGBTQ+ community.
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Research & Development Grant
Chicken & Egg Pictures
DEADLINE: March 4, 2024 at 3:00pm EST
INFO: Now in its second year, The Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant supports filmmakers from around the world who have directed at least one feature-length documentary and are in the research & development stage of their next feature-length film. (Note: in the pilot year, the grant eligibility was limited to filmmakers who had already directed two or more feature-length documentaries.)
With support for the second consecutive year by Netflix, the Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant supports directors to ideate and plan for their next feature-length film. Many filmmakers invest their personal resources into their films and face funding challenges when entering into the research & development stages of new projects. It is hard to secure funding for a new project without significant sample material, yet producing material without external funding can be almost impossible. To address this challenge, The Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant provides financial support to directors during a filmmaking stage that is too often unpaid and unsupported.
A total of $450,000 USD will be awarded in the following grant amounts:
$10,000 USD grants for Research
$20,000 USD grants for Development
The final number of Research Grants vs. Development Grants disbursed will be determined during the selection process, based on the characteristics and strength of the applicant pool for each category.
The purpose of the Research & Development Grant is to support projects at the early stages of their lifecycle. If you have already raised a significant amount of capital (over 35% of your film’s total budget) and have shot and/or edited a substantial amount of footage, you may not be competitive for this grant, unless you can demonstrate very specific needs for the project (such as previously overlooked research activity).
We recognize that each documentary is unique and that processes for research and development, fundraising, and production can vary widely. The information provided here is not intended as strict eligibility criteria, but rather as general guidelines to help applicants understand the stage at which we aim to provide support for projects.
The 2024 Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant is generously supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
Trust: This grant initiative is driven by our trust in filmmakers with an established track record. We look forward to working with them on new projects at a stage that is especially hard to fundraise for. We trust that applicants will make the best determination about which stage to apply to based on the information presented below.
Simplicity: We aim to keep The Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant application as simple as possible so that filmmakers are not burdened by the process. Some important things to note about the application:
The applications for the Research Grant vs. the Development Grant are not the same. Most of the questions are shared across both applications, but some questions are specific to each application.
Most questions are based on the Nonfiction Core Application 2.0.
The application also includes some supplemental questions to help us gather the necessary information for organizational purposes.
Deep listening: This grant initiative was born through deeply listening to a wide range of stakeholders including filmmakers and field representatives who were interviewed during our 2023-2025 Strategic Planning process. Filmmakers shared that they need to be fully trusted with funding early on. We heard the need to be financially supported to have the time and space to think, research, and develop new ideas.
PROJECT STAGE: RESEARCH VS. DEVELOPMENT:
It is important to acknowledge that the differences between the research and development stages are often nuanced, and the activities listed in each stage may overlap. It can be challenging to precisely determine where the research stage concludes and where the development stage commences. For this grant application, we have provided the following definitions and core activities associated with each stage to assist applicants in determining the appropriate grant to apply for.
RESEARCH
The research stage is a period of sowing and ideation.
Core activities associated with the research stage:
Identifying secondary sources such as literature, art, and cultural materials
Familiarizing with other (film) projects
Identifying primary sources and collaborators
Locating visual assets and archives
Identifying and tracking potential or multiple storylines
Finding a narrative framework that can support the film
Building foundational relationships with the community and collaborators at the center of the story
DEVELOPMENT
The development stage is a nuanced period of exploration and discovery.
Core activities associated with the development stage:
Gaining and securing access to core participants and collaborators, and starting shooting
Developing the story
Plotting the film’s multiple and intersecting timelines
Fine-tuning the development budget and creating a fundraising strategy
Creating fundraising materials such as a pitch deck, trailer, teaser, etc.
Testing pitch materials for resonance at pitch venues with potential funders
Engaging possible partners
The Chicken & Egg Pictures’ Research & Development Grant is designed to be used flexibly and holistically by each filmmaking team. In addition to expenses related to the core activities mentioned above, the grant may also cover reasonable expenses for the filmmaking team’s fees and salaries, as well as caregiving costs to enable filmmakers who are caregivers to take the time they need to fulfill these activities. While the type of expenses can vary, grantees will be required to submit a narrative report to help us evaluate the scope and impact of the grant (more information in the Reporting & Deliverablessection).
ELIGIBILITY:
Important: You may only submit one application per cycle. If you have more than one eligible project, select which project you will submit for consideration. You may apply for either the Research Grant OR Development Grant, but not both categories.
Please review the following eligibility criteria for The 2024 Chicken & Egg Pictures Research & Development Grant.
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible for this grant, filmmakers must meet the following criteria:
Must identify as a woman (cis or trans) or gender-expansive director.
Our working definition of gender-expansive is that it is an umbrella term that includes any person whose gender identity or gender expression does not comply with the socially defined gender norms and roles of their culture. This includes, but is not limited to, non-binary, trans, third gender/two-spirit, and agender individuals).
If you are unsure whether you are gender-expansive, please refer to our please refer to the gender expansion page on our website for more information.
Must have directed at least one (1) completed feature-length documentary film.
The film must have a duration of 48 minutes or longer.
Films must be completed to be considered for this requirement. If you are currently directing your first feature-length film, you would not be eligible to apply until that film is completed and has premiered or is completed and actively seeking an upcoming premiere (e.g. within next 3-4 months).
The film must be independently produced. However, commissioned documentaries and television documentaries, including those produced for news/journalism outlets, are eligible to be considered as prior work if the director had directorial control.
Feature-length narrative work is not eligible to be considered as prior work for this application.
Can be based anywhere in the world, except for the countries which are under comprehensive US sanctions. These countries include Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the following regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk. Further information on why filmmakers based in these countries/regions are ineligible to apply can be found here.
If you are originally from these countries/regions but are based outside of them, you are still eligible to apply.
Please note: If you are making a film that takes place in one of these countries/regions, you may apply for the grant, but you will not be able to spend the grant within those countries/regions.
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants for this grant must submit a project for consideration that meets the following criteria:
Must be a documentary or nonfiction film (including hybrid docs). VR, interactive, branded content, or fiction films are not eligible.
Must be feature-length (48 minutes or more). Short / medium-length films or series are not eligible
Must be in the Research or Development stage. Please refer to the section Project Stage: Research vs. Development for more information on what we consider each stage to be.
Must be independently produced. Works-for-hire are not eligible, and student films produced in an undergraduate or graduate program are also not eligible.
You do not need a fiscal sponsor to apply for the Research & Development Grant. However, if you are awarded, you must have a US fiscal sponsor, or be a 501(c)(3), to receive the funds.
For more details about eligibility, please review the full list of FAQs at the end of this page. If you have any questions regarding our open call that are not addressed in the FAQs, you can contact us at research-development@chickeneggpics.org.
TIMELINE:
March 4, 2024, at 3:00 PM EST: Research & Development Grant application deadline.
March-May 2024: Chicken & Egg Pictures processes and reviews applications in a two-round process.
Mid-June 2024: All applicants are notified of final decisions.
July-August 2024: Grants disbursed.
January 2025: 6-month check-in with grantees regarding the status of their projects.
chickeneggpics.org/programs/#research-development-grant
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Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project
American Black Film Festival
DEADLINE: March 10, 2024
INFO: The Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project is a national competition created, in partnership with Walmart’s Black and Unlimited, to champion independent filmmaking while providing a platform to showcase a wide range of stories about Black fatherhood. This initiative has been designed to spotlight emerging directors and amplify the presence of Black men in their families and communities.
Three directors will be selected as winners and will receive the following:
a $10,000 cash award
an opportunity to attend and screen their films at the 2024 ABFF (Miami, June 12-16)
an industry mentorship opportunity with an established filmmaker
In addition, each film will also be featured on ABFF PLAY the festival’s online global platform and Walmart’s Black and Unlimited YouTube page.
Submit your up to 30 minute film about Black fatherhood now.
Each entry must include a signed release form downloadable HERE. At the time of submission via FilmFreeway, upload your signed copy to the PRESS area.
Full submission and eligibility details on FilmFreeway. Entrants will be notified of the festival’s decision by May 1.
abff.com/miami/black-and-unlimited-fatherhood-project/
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Serious Mental Illness Short Film Competition
Voices With Impact
DEADLINE: March 17 2023
INFO: Voices With Impact is proud to present the Serious Mental Illness Short Film Competition.
This is an open call to submit film projects, up to 5 minutes in in length, of any genre, using Serious Mental Illness as the point of interest. Film topics may either be interpretive of Serious Mental Illness, or address it directly. We are looking for films on Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder, and films that take a wider view of serious mental illness - we define this as any a mental illness that significantly impairs daily life.
We do not place any formal restrictions on submissions, and will consider all genres and types of short films, including submissions utilizing original footage, shared footage, photo stills, music, essays, screenplays, original art work and more. The film must however be your own original work and you must have the correct license for any materials used within the film. There is no fee for submissions.
The submission window opens on November 10 2023 and closes on March 17 2023. Entries will be juried by our advisory board of filmmakers, students and mental health professionals. Applicants will be notified of outcomes in late May 2024. Winning films will be announced at the Voices With Impact festival June 2024.
To watch films from our library visit www.voiceswithimpact.com/archive. This should give you a good idea of the films that we accept.
This competition is supported by The Sidney R. Baer Jr. Foundation.
AWARDS + PRIZES:
We will award prizes to 3 winning entries.
Each winner will receive a cash prize of $2000 USD and have their film inducted into our film library for Distribution in our educational programming across the US & Canada.
Winning films will be announced at the Voices With Impact festival, June 2024.
RULES + TERMS:
Length and Content:
We only accept submissions as Vimeo video URLs. YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, and any other URL links are not accepted and will be disqualified.
Submissions must either be interpretive of serious mental illness, or address it directly to be eligible for this competition.
Submissions must be 5 minutes or less. Films longer than five (5) minutes will be disqualified.
Submissions may not advertise any product, service, brand, or other commercial interest.
Submissions that are music videos may only portray original music that you own rights to.
LANGUAGE + LOCATION:
There are no geographic limitations on entries — we accept short films made anywhere in the world!
If a submission is not in English, a translation or subtitles in English must be accessible (Closed Caption CC options turned on)
PROCESS:
If your video is listed as private, you must provide a viewing password in your submission form so our jurors are able to view it.
Participants may submit only one version of a given project. However, any participant may submit more than one project. A separate Entry must be completed for each submission.
Past winners are required to wait at least one year before re-submitting to the competition.
Film jurors from our Advisory Board who are also filmmakers may submit work, but only during competitions in which they are not serving as a juror.
CONTENTS RIGHTS:
Filmmaker agrees that all submitted films may be used by Art With Impact for educational and outreach activities and the winning filmmaker will sign a license agreement to Art With Impact that will allow both AWI and and affiliated organizations in any relevant programming in perpetuity.
Filmmakers are responsible for securing any and all necessary licenses for any third party content, including footage, music, fonts, artwork, and any other asset used in film production.
JURYING PROCEDURES:
Films will be judged by the Film Program team and select members of the Advisory Board, which comprises of filmmakers, mental health professionals, and students.
To select the winner, jurors respond to the 10 questions found in the contest FAQ.
Art With Impact reserves the right to not award a prize ($2,000 cash) if submissions do not meet the jury’s standards for both content and production value.
TOPIC FOCUS:
This competition is inspired by the life and legacy of Sidney Baer Jr. and supported by the Baer Foundation.
The three winning films will tell authentic stories of people living with serious mental illnesses with the goal of reducing stigma and opening opportunities for dialogue and learning.