INVALUABLE FUNDING ADVICE straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, will come from top-level representatives of four national foundations known for providing grant money to documentary filmmakers.
At the “Breaking Through: Fundraising for Documentaries” panel, they will reveal ways how doc makers can stand out from the crowd of funding seekers, at a Jan. 5 event hosted by Chicago Filmmakers.
Special guests at this can’t miss session will be experts from the Chicago-based MacArthur Foundation and the Illinois Humanities Council and New York-based Tribeca Film Institute and Chicken and Egg Pictures.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation received nearly 400 doc film grant proposals in 2011. It is a major supporter of PBS’ long-running “P.O.V.” among other programs, and documentaries about contemporary social issues with compelling personal narratives on a national and international scale.
The Illinois Humanities Council provides funding for films in the early developmental stages as well as production, and requires content with a connection to the humanities. One of the docs it funded is Greg Jacobs and Jon Siskel multi-honored “Louder than a Bomb.”
The Tribeca Film Institute empowers filmmakers through grants and professional development, and supports documentaries through several different funding programs. Traditional non-fiction films with compelling stories and contemporary social issues are supported along with new media and professional mentorship initiatives.
A previous recipient is Marshall Curry’s “If a Tree Falls,” which is shortlisted for 2012 Academy Award for Feature Documentary.
Chicken and Egg Pictures, a hybrid film fund and non-profit production companies offers grants and mentorship opportunities for women filmmakers with projects focused on social justice, environmental, and human rights issues.
Grant recipients include another 2012 Academy Award shortlist for Feature Documentary: “Always Faithful,” by Rachel Libert and Tony Hardmon Tony Hardmon.”
“Fundraising for Documentaries” is being presented by Kartemquin Films, The Kindling Group and IFP/Chicago, at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark, 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12/$10 for IFP and Chicago Filmmakers members.
An RSVP is highly recommended as space is limited. Click here to reserve a seat.
