​​Crafting a compelling narrative feature—those sweeping stories that run at least 80 minutes—is no small undertaking. Film grants can provide critical support in the form of funding, equipment, and resources for distribution and marketing. Here are a few top programs that can help up-and-coming American filmmakers bring their visions to life.
Frameline Completion Fund
Frameline is a nonprofit distributor that exclusively focuses on queer cinema. This fund offers up to $5,000 in postproduction support to help bring narratives centered on the LGBTQ+ community to as many viewers as possible. This grant could provide the final push you need to ensure that your project reaches an audience at a time when it’s vital to support stories from underrepresented voices. Applications for the 2024–25 season are currently open.
Deadline: Applications due Nov. 1
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Moving Picture Institute Filmmaker Grants
MPI is a production company dedicated to developing challenging, entertaining films centered around life-affirming stories that champion the cause of human freedom. Financial support from its narrative grants is determined through a comprehensive application process that’s open year-round. MPI grants also open the door to opportunities with major distributors like Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, and Amazon Studios. Aspiring filmmakers are encouraged to explore MPI’s other programs, such as short film and screenwriting labs, since projects developed internally often take precedence; but this isn’t a strict policy.
Deadline: Rolling admissions, reviewed every four months
Panavision New Filmmaker Program
Panavision has played a pivotal role in the evolution of film cameras and anamorphic lenses. The company offers grants that provide access to top-tier equipment and technology to assist in filming and postproduction; packages are valued at more than $50,000. For features in preproduction, shooting dates must be locked in at least two months before submitting your application. The grants cover productions taking place over time frames ranging from a weekend to a month. This could be the perfect way to get a technological leg up on your project or boost postproduction on a finished film.
Deadline: Rolling admissions year-round
Roy W. Dean Film Grants
The California-based From the Heart Productions offers grants three times per year to projects that contribute to society or spotlight lesser-known narratives. Your film can be at any stage of production as long as the budget doesn’t exceed $500,000. Recipients receive a flat donation of $3,500, as well as deductions for color correction, editing, sound mixing, and equipment. There are no geographical restrictions, but applicants must include a description of their project’s target audience and specific plans on how to reach them.
Deadline: Applications due Oct. 31 for the fall session
ScreenCraft Film Fund Competition
This production company specializes in helping filmmakers create original stories. Past grant recipients have shown their movies at SXSW, Cannes, and Sundance. ScreenCraft’s programs focus on a variety of genres and mediums, but its narrative film category offers grants up to $30,000 for projects at any stage of development, from scripting to postproduction. Keep this versatile opportunity on your radar.
Deadline: Next season’s admission cycle opens in spring 2025.
This story originally appeared in the Sept. 5 issue of Backstage Magazine.
