Chicago Digital Media Production Fund
The Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation and Chicago Filmmakers are pleased to announce that the new “Chicago Digital Media Production Fund” is now accepting proposals. The grant will award at least 5 projects by Chicago area film and video makers up to $10,000 toward the project's production and completion. Submission deadline is March 19, 2012.
A new Information Session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 - 7:30 PM. RSVP here.
GRANT GUIDELINES
Independent film and video makers based in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are invited to apply for the Chicago Digital Media Production Fund. Innovative video projects intended for online distribution by established, emerging and young artists could qualify for cash grants of up to $10,000 toward the project’s production and completion. All genres will be accepted, but content should be aimed at advancing progressive social change and be appropriate for youth (though not necessarily intended exclusively for youth). Distribution plans must include free availability on the web by May 15, 2013 in order to reach the widest possible audience.
Eligibility:
1. Applicants can be individuals or non-profit organizations.
2. Individual applicants must reside in Cook County.
3. Organizational applicants must be located in Cook County.
4. Applicant must be either the project director or producer with creative control.
5. Project must be shot and/or edited in Cook County.
6. Project must be independent of purely commercial objectives (no advertising, promotional, industrial, or work-for-hire).
7. Proposed projects may be funded in the production or post-production phase.
Evaluation and Selection Criteria:
1. Short video/film productions are preferred; however feature length works will also be considered.
2. All genres are eligible (narrative, documentary, animation, experimental), but content should address progressive social change in some fashion.
3. Proposed projects will be evaluated on creativity, artistry and innovation in addition to content.
4. Content should be appropriate for a youth audience (18 years and under) although not necessarily intended exclusively for youth.
5. Evidence of other support must be provided, either cash or in-kind.
6. Previous work must demonstrate high technical and artistic ability. Allowances will be made for youth in order to support strong projects by young artists.
7. The completed proposal should demonstrate a cost effective budget and clear production plan.
8. Applications from organizations will be evaluated based on the merits of the proposed artist and project, though the organization’s history and accomplishments will be taken into consideration.
Application Process:
1. Applicants must submit a project proposal for review by 11:59PM on March 19, 2012.
2. Proposals will be reviewed by an independent panel of media professionals. Chicago Filmmakers staff and board will not be part of the decision-making process. Panel award recommendations require final approval from the Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation.
3. Winning applicants will be notified in mid April 2012.
Award Requirements:
1. Projects will be awarded between $500 - $10,000 based on the amount requested, project budget, scope of the project, and merits of the proposed project.
2. Winning projects would need to be completed by April 15, 2013.
3. Grant will be paid out in 33% increments based on met project objectives and expense reporting.
4. All rights to the project will belong to the applicant.
5. Recognition of CITF in the project credits must be acknowledged (ie. “This film was produced with funding from the Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation.").
6. Completed project must be available to view for free on the web as of May 15, 2013.
Project Proposal:
1. Submit a complete application in the form (see link below).
2. Submit required attachments including budget, screenplay or treatment, and any other relevant information.
3. Submit a sample of your work, preferably a minimum of about 5 minutes long, or a sample of the work for which you are applying. Please include a statement about your (or a key crew member’s) specific involvement with the sample.
Forms:
1. Find the Production Fund application form here (word doc).
2. Find sample budget templates here (excel doc).
3. Find a printable version of the Production Fund Guidelines here (pdf doc).
Send proposal by March 19, 2012 as pdf document to productionfund@chicagofilmmakers.org, or mail to:
Chicago Digital Media Production Fund
Chicago Filmmakers
5243 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
The Chicago Digital Media Production Fund is a program of the Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation and is administered by Chicago Filmmakers.
Read the Production Fund FAQ and Helpful Tips here.
