Deadline: 10-Jul-23
The Catapult Film Fund is excited to launch the Catapult Development Grant to provide early-stage support to documentary filmmakers.
Catapult Film Fund is dedicated to supporting nonfiction filmmakers with critical early-stage funding and mentorship to launch distinctive, story-driven, and cinematic films.
Funding Information
- Grant awards range from $5000 to $25,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- They accept projects from international applicants, including individuals or film production companies based outside the U.S. Please note that Catapult only makes grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. In most cases, this will mean getting a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor for the project. Applicants do not need a fiscal sponsor in place to apply, but selected projects must have a confirmed U.S.-based 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor in order to receive the funds.
- Applicants (Project Director) must be 18 years or older.
- Documentaries must be in development or early production with an intended length of 28 minutes or longer.
- Grant funds must specifically be used to create a fundraising piece, which may include writing, shooting and editing once story and characters are in place.
- Applicants must own the copyright of their production, and have artistic, budgetary, and editorial control over their project.
- Applicants should have previous film or television production experience in a principal role (director, co-director, producer, co-producer) as demonstrated via previous work samples. Applicants who do not meet this criteria should demonstrate how they will be working with experienced filmmakers as key creative personnel.
- Catapult does not make grants to individuals. If selected, applicants must be able to accept grants through a 501(c)(3) organization such as a fiscal sponsor. Projects may apply without a fiscal sponsor but must confirm the designated organization in order to receive funding.
Selection Criteria
- Artful, compelling storytelling that moves you, with a preference for character-driven narratives over lesson or agenda-heavy projects
- Originality of approach, content, and form
- Creative and innovative storytelling techniques
- Contemporary relevance with a unique perspective, style, and/or tone
- Project feasibility with respect to budget, financing, schedule, and scope
- Demonstrated ability of the creative team to implement previous projects
- Credible access and rapport with the proposed subject(s) of the story, with attention to accountability and ethics
- Significant impact of Catapult grant on development stage of the project
- Potential of the project to generate public discourse and social engagement.
For more information, visit Catapult Development Grant.