If you are trying to make a film, but you don’t have the funds, then you should start looking into grants. Film grants help filmmakers by providing them money and/or equipment to shoot and edit their projects. This is the best way for young filmmakers to find funding and chase their dreams.
If you need to look for grants, the place where you should start (and where you will probably finish) is Google. On Google, you can find hundreds and even thousands of film grants. Here’s how you do it.
Choose Relevant Grants
With hundreds of film grants online, you need to choose the one that fits you the best. That is a two-step process. First, you need to decide what type of film you want to make, and then only search for grants that support your film format.
Almost all grants are aimed at a particular group of filmmakers – Latino, students, women, etc. Pay attention to this fact before you apply. If you do not belong to the particular group the grant is meant to, you will lose valuable time applying.
Depending on the type of film and grant you are applying for, there are variations in the way you can use the funds, and even what you can use them for. Explore your options, learn the differences, and try to use them as an advantage.
Remember that in most cases the person or organization that granted you the funds will want regular updates on how things are going. And in most cases, one of the conditions will be to put them in the credits.
Use All Opportunities
Fill out all possible application forms. If you find the right type of grant for your type of film, you shouldn’t stop there. Find as many grants as you can so you can have all of your options open.
You see, every grant you apply to will receive hundreds if not thousands of applications. And you have to play the numbers game. If there will be hundreds of applications to a grant that is suitable for you, why not apply to a hundred grants? Okay, not exactly a hundred, but you get the picture.
The more grants you apply to, the better your chances of winning the grant will be. Also, this will be a great opportunity to sharpen your applicant skills — the more applications you submit, the better they will be.
Explore Your Audience
You can make the best possible application for your film, but if you send it to the wrong audience it won’t matter — they will reject it. Before you start writing your application, make sure to research the person, group, or organization you are sending your application to. A good place to start this research is their website, try the “About Us” section.
You will have a better understanding of what their motives are and what you should pay the most attention to in your application. This will give you an important advantage against other applicants, who are writing the same, default applications for every grant they are applying to.
Prepare Relevant Materials in Advance
Every grant has its own requests when it comes to applications, and if it only took you three days to prepare and apply for the last one it doesn’t mean it will take you the same amount of time this time.
If you are a newbie in the world of film grants, don’t misjudge how sizable a grant application can be. If you want to prepare a good application, it’s best to start as soon as the grant is open for applicants.
When preparing your materials, you should strongly consider adding some footage of your work. Visual material will make your application stand out. A letter of recommendation is also a must; try to get one from someone who is respected and well known in the industry.
Do a Double Check
A double-check is the most important part of the grant application. Why? Because the last thing you want to happen is that you spend days doing research and collecting materials, then submit your application only to find out you forgot to submit one document.
After you read the grant notice, if possible, download the requirements. If not, make a checklist with all of the documents and materials that you need to submit. And after you finish your application, go through this list at least three times before you submit your application.
If you’re truly committed to finding funds for your genius film, the doors will open for you! Stick with our tips and stay hopeful. Good luck with your applications!