Have you got a script collecting dust that you’ve been dying to get onto the silver screen? The SHIFT Creative Fund wants to help.
Grants are the backbone of indie filmmaking. Making movies is expensive, and most people with a dream and a script don’t have the resources to bring their vision to life. That’s where the SHIFT creative fund comes in — they’re looking to use over $100,000 from various sponsors to fund a number of short film projects and get them off the script and onto the screen.
Last year, they awarded four short film projects $100,000 to help with the scope of their productions. Those short films premiered at the South Park Center in Los Angeles to a crowd of over 300 people. The short films even included feature-starring actors such as Jason Schwartzman and Amy Landecker.
How to Apply
Applications for this grant program are open from September 1st to 30th. They are open to absolutely anyone — from someone who has a script collecting dust in a folder on their computer to a team of indie-pros who are looking for a little help on their next project.
To apply, you’ll need to fill out the application and include a top-of-line budget outline for your short film. Once the application window is closed, a group of semi-finalists will be selected and then posted to SHIFT’s social media for a community voting period. After community voting has concluded, a panel of industry leaders will select the finalists who will receive the grants. On top of receiving the money for the project, winners will also be getting in-kind services from sponsors such as royalty-free music, deals on gear rentals, and complimentary legal consultations.
Who Is SHIFT?
SHIFT is a platform comprised of different filmmaking tools that help people collaborate and share ideas online through all of their different services: Shift.io, wiredrive, MediaSilo, SafeStream, and Screeners.com.
SHIFT believes that short films are the best way to showcase new and diverse talent in the filmmaking community, and the SHIFT Creative Fund is their way to give that opportunity to up-and-coming filmmakers so they can tell the story that they want to tell.
Apply now, and throw your hat in the ring to get your dream short produced.
All images via SHIFT Creative Fund.
Looking for more on film and video production? Check out these articles.
- NASA: Your Unexpected Free Sound Effect Resource of the Day
- How Many People Do You (Really) Need On a Film or Video Set?
- Cinematography Tips: 10 Things Beginners Need to Know About Lighting
- Cinematography Tips: How to Use Additive and Reductive Lighting
- Tips for Recording ADR on Your Own — on a Budget