Applications Invited for Academy Film Craft Grants and Scholars Grants

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences supports continuing innovation in motion pictures and the film industry by providing educational grants and awards. Through its grants, the Academy seeks to promote diversity, provide opportunities for all, encourage filmmaking as a vocation, engage new audiences, provide a platform for underrepresented artists, encourage a variety of approaches and illuminate less visible aspects of filmmaking through scholarly research and discussions. The Academy provides two international grant funds:

Film Craft Grants are designed to support high-quality educational programmes that identify and empower future filmmakers from non-traditional backgrounds. Targetted programmes include those that encourage an appreciation of film as both a vocation and an art form, and those that provide direct, hands-on opportunities for participants to gain the filmmaking skills they need to tell their stories.

Programmes that will be considered include, but are not limited to:

Craft workshops in which participants are trained in practical areas of filmmaking. Particular emphasis is placed on animation, casting, cinematography, costume design, editing, hairstyling, makeup, music, production design, set decoration, sound, visual effects, marketing and distribution.

Artist-in-residence, visiting artist and seminar/conference programmes in which visiting film professionals work closely with participants in master classes or one-on-one sessions.

Training and bridge programmes in which participants are trained for and then placed in film industry jobs. Mentoring programmes are eligible and professional development programmes that serve underrepresented populations will be considered.

Grants are available to registered non-profit organisations worldwide. Applying organisations must have non-profit, tax-exempt status at the time of application and have a three-year history of film-specific programmes. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000.

Applications for Film Craft Grants must be submitted by the deadline of 15 January 2021.

Film Scholars Grants are awarded to scholars (both academically affiliated and non-affiliated) to support significant new works of film scholarship. Grants fund new English language projects that address artistic, cultural, educational, historical, theoretical or scientific aspects of theatrical motion pictures.

Projects examining elements of the film industry that have been underrepresented in the canon of film scholarship will be given priority. Proposed works may be books, multimedia presentations, curatorial projects, interactive DVDs or internet sites.

Eligible applicants are established scholars, writers, historians or researchers possessing either a significant record of achievement or exceptional promise and demonstrated accomplishments in their field. Applicants must have written and published at least one book of scholarship prior to applying. There are no nationality restrictions and the work may take place in any country. Two $25,000 grants are usually awarded each year.

Applications for Film Scholars Grants must be submitted by the deadline of 29 January 2021.

More information about this research funding opportunity and the application process is available on the RESEARCHconnect funding information platform. RESEARCHconnect provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on research funding news and policy. To find out more about how RESEARCHconnect can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.