Chicago Digital Media Production Fund

The Chicago Digital Media Production Fund provides grants to digital media artists in the Chicago area whose projects seek to advance progressive social change and are intended for online distribution. Proposals will be accepted beginning December 19, 2012 and all proposals must be submitted online by the deadline of 11:59PM on March 15, 2013.

 GRANT GUIDELINES FOR 2013
A Project of the Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation
Administered by Chicago Filmmakers

click here for online application

Independent digital media makers based in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are invited to apply for the Chicago Digital Media Production Fund. Innovative video and media projects intended for online exhibition and distribution by established, emerging and young artists could qualify for cash grants of up to $10,000 toward the project’s production and completion. All genres will be accepted, but content must highlight a relevant social issue and should be aimed at advancing progressive social change. All content should be appropriate for youth, but does not necessarily need to be intended exclusively for youth. Distribution plans must include free availability on the web by May 15, 2014.

Eligibility:
1. Applicants may apply individually or with a non-profit organization.
2. Individual applicants must reside in Cook County.
3. Associated non-profit organizations must be located in Cook County.
4. Applicant must be either the project director or producer with creative control. 

5. Project must be shot and/or edited in Cook County. 

6. Project must be independent of purely commercial objectives (no advertising, promotional, industrial, or work-for-hire).
7. Projects may be funded in any phase of production.

Evaluation and Selection Criteria:
1. Content must address a present social issue and seek to advance progressive social change. 
2. All genres are eligible (narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, webisode, etc.)
3. Short video/film productions are preferred; however feature length works will also be considered.
4. Proposed projects will be evaluated on creativity, artistry, innovation, and content.
5. Applicant must outline a clear plan for online exhibition and distribution for the project.

6. Content must be appropriate for a youth audience (18 years and under) although it does not necessarily have to be intended exclusively for youth. 

7. Evidence of other support must be provided, either cash or in-kind. 

8. Previous work must demonstrate high technical and artistic ability. Allowances will be made for youth in order to support strong projects by young artists. 

9. The completed proposal should demonstrate a cost effective budget and clear production plan. 

10. Applications applying with non-profit organizations will be evaluated based primarily on the merits of the proposed artist and project, though the organization’s history and accomplishments will be taken into consideration.

Application Process:
1. Applicants must submit a project proposal for review by 11:59PM on March 15, 2013. 

2. Proposals will be reviewed by an independent panel of media professionals. Chicago Filmmakers staff and board will not be part of the decision-making process. Panel award recommendations require final approval from the Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation.
3. Winning applicants will be notified in mid April 2013.

Award Requirements:
1. Projects will be awarded between $500 – $10,000 based on the amount requested, project budget, scope of the project, and merits of the proposed project. 

2. Winning projects would need to be completed by April 15, 2014. 

3. Grant will be paid out in 33% increments based on met project objectives and expense (interim) reporting. 

4. All rights to the project will belong to the applicant. 

5. Recognition of CITF in the project credits must be acknowledged (i.e.- “This film was produced with funding from the Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation.").
6. Completed project must be available to view for free on the web as of May 15, 2014.

Project Proposal:
1. Submit a complete online application: http://goo.gl/C9u6r
2. Within the application, submit required attachments including proof of residency, project timeline, budget, screenplay or treatment, key talent/crew bios, and budget narrative. 
3. Within the application, submit a link to at least one sample work and, if available, a sample of the work for which you are applying.

Forms:
1. Find sample budget templates here (excel doc).
2. Find a printable version of the Production Fund Guidelines here (pdf doc).

Proposals will be accepted beginning December 19, 2012 and all proposals must be submitted online by the deadline of 11:59PM on March 15, 2013.

Chicago Digital Media Production Fund
Chicago Filmmakers
5243 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
 

The Chicago Digital Media Production Fund is a program of the Chicago Instructional Technology Foundation and is administered by Chicago Filmmakers.

Read the Production Fund FAQ and Helpful Tips here.