California Documentary Project offers grants for film, radio and new media

“The California Documentary Project (CDP) is a competitive grant program of the California Council for the Humanities (CCH). CDP supports the research and development, production, and public engagement stages of film, radio, and new media projects that document the California experience and explore issues of significance to Californians. Projects must approach subject matter from a humanities perspective; enhance our understanding of California and its cultures, peoples and histories; and be suitable for California and national audiences. The intent of the CDP grant program is to increase access to, understanding of, and awareness of the public humanities through the support of humanities-based documentary media productions. ”

Find out more about grants and funding in the grants and funding category.

To purchase a download of the Funding Your Dream Documentary seminar, click here.

Documenary & Series Proposal Check List

PROPOSAL/TREATMENT CHECK LIST

This is the basic format I use for writing a documentary or series proposal. I change it, add to it and rearrange it as needed. Please note that most places where you will submit your proposal, especially for grant funding (check out the Grants and Funding category), will ask for specific information.

• Title – think long and hard about your title. It should be short, sweet and to the point.
• Project description – what makes this idea special?
• Overview of story – step by step, how will the documentary or series unfold?  Include sample segments and/or episodes.
• Story-telling style – how will you convey the story (interviews, still photos, graphics and charts, music). Help the reader SEE your idea.
• Need or importance of project – why should this story or series be made?
• Target Audience – who are they and why will they watch?
• Project timeline – a brief calendar outlining the workflow from development to delivery.
• Distribution plan (including Website and New Media) – how and where will viewers be able to see your documentary or series?
• Budget with fundraising plan including any funds already raised (read the Sample Budget blog to see how a budget is laid out).
• Personnel bios or resumes
  • Key production staff involved
  • Key interviewees
  • Consultants

Note: Any pictures that can be inserted into the proposal or video that can be sent with the proposal always helps.

• Trailer or funding reel if you have it.  It should be polished.

National Black Programming Consortium Funds African-American & African Diasporic Programs

The National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) offers funding for series, documentaries and online media relating to the black global experience.  “Since 1991 NBPC has invested $7 million dollars in iconic documentary productions for public television; trained, mentored and supported a diverse array of producers who create content about contemporary black experiences; and emerged as a leader in the evolving next-media landscape through it’s annual New Media Institute: Africa Programs.”

 

Click here for more information.

Find out about grants and funding in the grants and funding category.

To purchase a download of the Funding Your Dream Documentary seminar, click here.

Tribeca Establishes $750,000 in documentary grants for 2011

The Tribeca Film Institute, in partnership with the Ford Foundation’s JustFilms initiative, has announced the launch of the TFI New Media Fund to Support Filmmakers Utilizing Cross-Platform Storytelling to Promote Social Change.

In 2011, the New Media Fund will award grants of $50,000 to $100,000 each to four to eight nonfiction projects. The fund also will provide peer support and expert mentorship for producers.

Proposals accepted April 4, 2011 – May 24, 2011.

Visit the TFI New Media Fund website for more information.

For more information about production financing, visit the Funding and Grants category.

To purchase a download of the Funding Your Dream Documentary seminar, click here.