Grants are another resource to getting your foot in the filmmaking world by getting the wherewithal to produce your own film. The key, of course, is to qualify for a grant. This varies with each grant and requires a lot of research and reading. You should find out the prior winners of the grant and determine whether or not you fit in to this group. Your next step is to check out the grant requirements.
Keep in mind that grantors want to see the film finished. They give the filmmaker goods and services or money. They even give guidance and continued support and more grants to help filmmakers finish.
Following is the conclusion of my insightful interview with Carole Dean the creator of the Roy W. Dean Grant Foundation that offers goods, services or money to their winners. Carole spoke to me about the foundation and the process of finding and applying for a film grant.
Kenna: Once you have received a grant is it easier thereafter to receive grants -- like you opened the door, paid your dues?
Carole: Absolutely, many of our recipients have said that they use the Dean grant as a stepping stone. Once they have one grant other people, investors and distributors look more closely at the project and frankly it has a better chance of winning. I give letters to all finalists in all of our grants to attach to their projects when sending for other grants. I know this helps other funders to see that this film was a finalist in the Roy W. Dean grant. It is like a red light, saying you better stop and read this carefully. It has already been considered and needs your attention.
Kenna: Do independent films receive grants because of subject matter or script?
Carole: Both are equally important. What you really need for most grants is a good “overview”. You need to be able to put the concept of the film in a few paragraphs. We require one paragraph. I know that is very difficult but is required by any studio when you need to “pitch” your film. Then you can expand on the film in the overview. I want two pages as minimum. Other grants are very specific on the number of pages you can send. I believe it is best to get your film in one paragraph with a page as a back-up. Then you can edit or expand as the grants allow.
Kenna: What are the five rules to applying for a grant?
Carole: Read, read, read and read it again. All of the information is on the websites. It just means you have to understand it! Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you are confused. I get emails each day with questions and reply to them; it is okay to ask. Always send what is needed and be on time. Grantors have deadlines so they can schedule their time accordingly. It is not correct to be late and begging for another week, etc. That is not fair to other filmmakers who just broke their necks getting it in on time.
Kenna: Is there a magic formula or secret to getting a grant?
Carol: Knowing whom you are approaching is a key element when applying for a grant. Who are the judges? What projects have won before? Were they first time filmmakers? Did they have a history of documentary films to win? Look at the prior winners to give you an idea of who you are applying to. Then you can direct your application to that person.
Kenna: What are some "easy" grants to get?
Carol: I think this is an oxymoron, there are no easy grants. Each film may have certain grants that it will find “easier” for funding from certain organizations. It is important for the filmmaker to research the grants listed on various web sites; the International Documentary Association (IDA) has a wonderful list. Research is the key element here. Find which grants would be best for your film. Target them first then go to the long-shots next. Do not take the rejections personally. It just means that organization is not right for your film. Rejection does not have anything to do with the content of the film. It is just not a good match.
Kenna: Anything additional you'd like to add about grants?
Carole: Ann Lukacs won our first grant for the start up of Roy W. Dean Grant Foundation in 1998 and is now back to win the editing grant to finish her film. For me this is thrilling to know she kept with the project for 4 years and now will have a finished film on The Long Ride Home. Just use what we give you and you will make us very happy. We chose you because we believe in you and your project; don’t let us down.