Short Film Production Grant

About the Open Call

Stowe Story Labs is excited to open for submissions for its $50,000 Curated Short Film Production Grant Program. A grant of $50,000 will be awarded to support the development, production, and distribution of a narrative short film with a total run time of approximately 10 minutes. Benefits include mentoring through all aspects of development and production by Liz Cardenas, festival submission support and post-festival run distribution on WeShort, consultation with Seed&Spark on crowdfunding, pitching, and distribution, a discounted ARRI camera package, a meeting with Joe Jeffreys from HanWay Films for finalists and the winner, festival benefits including Pittsburgh Shorts and Seattle International Film Festival submission fee waivers, an invitation to join the Portrait community, and a complimentary Film Fatales membership for qualifying filmmakers. In the first stage, applicants submit a properly formatted narrative short film script of roughly 10 pages or less. Initial script reviews are conducted by the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. Top applicants will be asked to submit additional information, including a statement of intent, developed materials, other works, and applicant bio. The Stowe Team selects finalists, and a Jury selects the winning project.

What is Offered

A $50,000 production grant, mentoring throughout development and production, festival submission support, distribution on WeShort, consultation with Seed&Spark, discounted ARRI camera package, meetings with HanWay Films, festival benefits including waivers for Pittsburgh Shorts and Seattle International Film Festival, invitation to the Portrait community, and complimentary Film Fatales membership.

Requirements

Submission of a properly formatted narrative short film script of approximately 10-15 pages or less is required. The script should ideally be designed to produce an approximately 10-minute short film, feature few characters and locations, and ideally avoid serious stunt, animation, or effects unless a clear plan for managing the budget is provided. Prior production work or experience is not required. Applicants (and teams) must demonstrate a collaborative nature and capacity to do the work. International applicants are welcome, but scripts must be submitted in English. Board Members, Staff, Readers, and Jurors for this Competition, Stowe Story Labs, the PAGE International Screenplay Competition, or Listed Partner Organizations are not eligible.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a properly formatted narrative short film script of roughly 10 pages or less for consideration through FilmFreeway. Top applicants will be invited to submit additional information about the project, including a statement of intent, attachments, other works, and applicant bio. International applicants are welcome.