APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED - PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES 

 502 Film is excited to announce our first grant opportunity - Up to $10,000 in finishing funds for local filmmakers. The grant, made possible by G. Hunt Rounsavall Jr., aims to provide financial and advisory resources so that a Kentucky-based filmmaker can complete their film project.

The 502 Film Finishing Funds Grant is open to filmmakers working in both short and long formats, in all genres — narrative, documentary, animated and experimental

Requirements for applicants:

  • Must be the film's Director

  • Must be 18 or older

  • Must be a resident of Kentucky OR all production pre to post must be based in Kentucky

  • Must have completed 90% of principal photography

  • Supply a rough cut at the time of application

  • Film must be completed by December 31, 2022

  • Must have a US Taxpayer ID number

  • Must be an independent filmmaker (see Q&A for details

DEADLINE FEBRUARY 18, 2022

RECIPIENT(S) ANNOUNCED BY MARCH 11, 2022

To apply, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and include a link to a Dropbox or Google Drive folder with the following items:

  • Director/Artist statement for the project

  • Budgets - for entire production and for remaining expenditures

  • Budget narrative - what do you need the money for? how does the 502 Film Finishing Funds Grant help you complete your film project?

  • Treatment & script

  • Director resume

  • Link to rough/assembly cut

  • Link to website/reel

  • Post production/completion timeline

  • Team bios

How we will determine the Grant Recipient:

  • Does the project presented meet program eligibility requirements?

  • Does the project tell a compelling story?

  • Does the project take an innovative approach to the subject matter?  Has the story been told before and if so, does this project's approach bring something new to the story?

  • Does the Director have the access and post production plan necessary to complete their film?

  •  Is the treatment well written and does it give a clear picture of the film's story and themes?

  • Is the Director and the production team assembled experienced and capable of completing the project as described?

  • Does the proposal identify an audience and a realistic plan for reaching and engaging that audience? Does the project have a reasonable chance of reaching its intended audience?

  • Does the proposal have a realistic finishing plan and strategy and a reasonable chance of completing the project as described?

  • Is the budget thorough and realistic? Are line items in the budget within industry norms and standards?

The Grantee Agrees:

  • To keep a record of all expenditures relating to the Grant and the film project (expense reports, receipts, invoices, etc.) Report due before January 31, 2022

  • To credit G. Hunt Rounsavall Jr as Executive Producer for projects with a total budget less than $25,000 and Associate Producer for any project with a total budget of $25,001 or greater

  • 502 Film has the right (but not the obligation) to publicize and/or promote the production, at all stages of production and completion, as well as after completion, to publicize and/or promote the film and/or 502 Film's association with the film, in any and all media and by any and all means 

  • 502 Film shall be accorded a "thank you" credit and logo placement for end credits

  • To allow a 502 Film designated individual a post-production visit at a mutually agreeable time 

  • Upon completion of the film, Grantee will provide 502 Film with a digital copy of the film 

  • To immediately notify 502 Film in writing if there is any material change in the proposed film, including but not limited to, insufficient funds to complete the film, or any other event that will materially affect the production, distribution and/or exploitation of the film 

  • The Grant will be used in such a way as to constitute a taxable expenditure described in section 4945 of the Code, including, but not limited to, supporting the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, or supporting the participation in, or intervention in (including the publication or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.

Q&A

  • Do I keep the rights to my film if I win?

Yes, you retain the copyrights to all intellectual property associated with your winning project

  • How do I receive the funding?

We will provide a check to you either on March 11, 2022 or at a mutually agreed upon time thereafter

  • Can I submit more than one project?

Absolutely!

  • Who is considered an independent filmmaker?

502 Film defines an independent filmmaker as a content creator who both owns the copyright of his or her work and has artistic, budgetary, and editorial control of the project. Film, video or other media projects being produced for hire or under the direction of a third party, such as a broadcast entity, university, foundation or nonprofit organization where another entity besides the applicant will own or have substantial editorial or other control over the finished work, are ineligible

  • I have more questions, what do I do?

Shoot us an email at info@502film.org