1.3 FILM GRANTS APPLICATION How to apply for film grants Whether you’re looking to finance your documentary filmmaking or secure short film grants, figuring out how to apply for and get film funding can be tough. From treatments to artists statements, every organization has their own requirements for film grants. It is essential that you carefully review the application materials months in advance. Keep in mind that there are certain requirements that they all share. Before you actually apply for your film grant, you need to get the following in place: 1. Put together an artist statement You will definitely need an artist statement for your applications. Think of this one-to-two page letter as an introduction to you and your project. You should make it clear in the letter why you want to do your project. You should also inform the reader of how you would like to bring the project to fruition. 2. Write a film treatment You will also need a film treatment for your project. This is something you will need throughout the life of the film so it is important to get it right. Being able to sum up your story in a page or two is a craft in itself. Many screenwriters are not as adept at writing treatments as they are at writing actual scripts. But whether you’re going after feature film grants or documentary grants, a killer treatment is a must. After you have completed your treatment, you can rest easier knowing that you won’t need to do it again for future film grant applications. Here's what a film treatment looks like:

Grab your free film treatment template

3. Budget your film You will also need a film budget top sheet to show how you will use any funds that are awarded and realize your project. It is very important that this is done well. The more professional and detailed your film budget is, the better your chances of receiving a film grant. Your budget should be industry standard and specific to the project you are submitting. Remember, those reviewing your film grant application know what a budget should look like.

Grab your free film budget template

You will also want to keep an eye on the deadline for your film grant application. They are always very strict with their due dates. Missing it by one day means you don’t get to apply. As we go into detail on finding and applying make sure you get our exhaustive list of available film grants. The most thorough list of its kind on the web. A production calendar is a useful way to keep the dates for your submissions organized as the video shows below:

4. Create a moodboard In addition to the essential elements for your application there are several items that you may include with your grant application. Including a mood board is one such element that may boost your chances of getting funding for your film project. At the very least your mood board will help illuminate your vision of the project and make it much clearer to those reviewing the project. Your mood board doesn’t have to be complex or long. A few pages that give the reader a sense of time, location and theme will do nicely. You definitely don’t want to overwhelm with information.

Moodboard template for film

You can use a mood board app to achieve this, or just grab our free mood board template specifically designed for film.

Free downloadable bonus Download your FREE Moodboard Template Visualize your the tone and world of your project with our free mood board template. Easily shareable and customizable in Google Slides. GRAB FREEBIE

5. Get a letter of recommendation Another item to include in your application process is a letter of recommendation. Now, this can’t come from your mother. A letter of recommendation from someone within the film industry lends your application a little more weight. Many fellowships will require a letter of recommendation especially if it involves continuous employment or collaboration. So a standard letter from someone at a notable production company or studio is good to have throughout the process of applying for grants. 6. Shoot or edit a proof of concept Another item to consider including with your grant applications is a reel, proof of concept piece or work-in-progress footage that shows the work being done. If a picture tells a thousand words, then moving pictures tell many more. Having visual evidence of your style and standards of filmmaking can do wonders to push your project to the front of the line. With a reel or proof of concept, you show decision-makers that you are a professional and that your work is good enough to warrant the prize they are offering. Here's a video breaking down a sizzle reel: