The following information has been based on the fantastic book “The Art of Film Funding” by Carole Lee Dean (I strongly recommend that you read the book as well as visit her website) Carole Dean runs The Roy W. Dean Film & Video Grants.
Whatever information you find in this article, use it as a guideline and always adjust the information to the requirements provided by the organisation you apply to for grants
Logline
It is only one sentence that will describe your film, length and genre of your project.
Synopsis/Introduction
This part should be all about visuals and tell your film’s story. In two or three paragraphs you will have to describe the main plot of your movie (it may be a bit difficult with a documentary since quite often you won’t know exactly what the documentary is about until you are done with the final editing). These paragraphs have to be visual, dynamic and engaging.
Background and Need
In this section, you will have to introduce the reader to your main character and their background. However, don’t ramble on for ten pages. Keep it short and simple but engaging enough so the person reading your request for the grant would want to learn more.
You will also have to explain here why you even want to make this film and why other people may find it interesting. In other words: how society will benefit from your movie?
And don’t forget to show how your film fits the sponsor’s goals.
Approach, Structure & Style
This is where you are going to write all about how you are going to make your film, what kind of “storytelling” structure you are going to use and what style (of course if you exactly know what style you are going to go for) you are going to follow. What kind of elements you are going to use. Whether your film will be character or story-driven. Describe how your story may develop in the course of your film (if it’s a documentary you are making it may be hard to predict how the story will unfold.)
If you still haven’t decided on style or approach, write about this and write that you are still trying to choose the right style for your film. Don’t forget to make your descriptions as visual as possible.
You can also mention what filming technique you may be using but don’t try to explain to anyone the specific equipment you plan on using.
Theme
The theme is what your film is really about. If you can’t find your theme, try to work on developing your story a bit more. Research your story, and you may find something you didn’t expect to find.
The audience, Marketing and Distribution
It would be both terrific and advisable for you to think about the market you are making the film for as well as your distribution plan. I see it happen all the time. Great film made but no distribution plan.
It’s always good to know who your audience is because there is no such thing as a film for everyone.
Knowing all these aspects beforehand will make your potential sponsors/investors more trustful in you and your project.
Budget
In the budget part, you will have to project or at least to be as close as possible to how much the whole thing will cost. Don’t forget about all stages and aspects, including marketing and distribution (i.e. festival fees). If you don’t have much experience in this field, perhaps you should hire a professional who can work out the budget with you.
Filmmaker’s Statement and Biography
Whoever is going to invest in your film, they are, in fact, going to be investing in you. That is why you need to include a short biography and filmography of each principal filmmaker working with you on this project.
If you have won any awards in the past or have recommendation letters from industry professionals, include them with your statement.
Don’t write anything unnecessary and always be honest, don’t make up stuff, it is a small world and the truth will out.
Leave a Reply