4FILMMAKERS.COM

There have always been stories about filmmakers who realized their dream of producing a film through a variety of very creative means: borrowing from parents, maxing out credit cards. “American Movie” was a documentary film about a man trying to realize such a dream, and the proceeds of that film helped him to achieve it. The good news for prospective filmmakers is that you don’t necessarily have to go into debt to finance your dream. There are a variety of resources available to help finance a short film, and here are just a few.

The internet is a great place to begin to look for funding. A search will provide you with a listing of sources for arts and film making grants which are available to professionals and students alike. Grants are a good source of funding, and you are not required to pay them back. Prospective filmmakers can find private investors who are interested in providing funding for artists and filmmakers. Sponsorship is another way to go. You can also check for funding through your city or state’s Humanities departments. Many will provide funding for local filmmakers, and some states offer tax credits for films made in their state.