The following is a list of libertarian filmmaker support opportunities in the form of training and grants. It includes assistance in filmmaking, screenwriting, video production, etc.
Smash Cut Film Lab
Are you a libertarian filmmaker? Would a $10K grant and professional coaching help you finally get that film you’ve been working on off the ground? Then this may be your big break. Taliesin Nexus, “a network of film and television producers, screenwriters, and directors who share a passion for a free society,” wants to help.
Per their website, if you and your treatment are selected for Smash Cut Film Lab, “you will receive a grant for $10,000 to make your short film or web-series and be paired with an established industry professional who will mentor you through a 100 day development process. You and your team will then head into production and through to post-production, where at the conclusion, we will host a gala showcase screening where your film will premiere along with your fellow SmashCut participants’ projects. Along the way, you will also attend multiple mini-workshops that focus on screenwriting, producing, directing and post-production, all lead by veterans of the industry. You will hear from experts in the fields that your film’s theme touches upon. Taliesin Nexus is committed to furthering your development as a storyteller and filmmaker by connecting you with experienced professionals who want to see you succeed.” Apply here.
The program was formerly called Liberty Lab for Film. This short video description still applies to Smash Cut Film Lab.
Smash Cut Workshop: Storytelling in Film and Television
“The Apollo Workshop: Storytelling in Film & Television is a weekend conference connecting 25 talented aspiring filmmakers with 25 members of our faculty of Hollywood screenwriters, producers, executives and talent representatives. This weekend-long workshop is completely free of charge – free tuition, free room and board. Travel stipends are also available to those attending from outside of southern California. The Apollo Workshop offers training in two critical areas of a successful career in entertainment: Storytelling Development and Career Development. If you are an aspiring libertarian filmmaker, apply here.
Moving Picture Institute | Ongoing Opportunities
Have you seen a libertarian film lately? Somewhere along the way, the Moving Picture Institute (MPI) may have had a hand in it. MPI supports libertarian filmmakers in numerous ways, from training to internships to financial support. “The Moving Picture Institute produces and promotes films that make an impact on people’s understanding of individual rights, limited government, and free markets, and supports freedom-oriented filmmakers at every phase of their careers.” More information here. Opportunities include:
Film production and promotion
“MPI provides grant support for high-quality, pro-freedom films, at all stages of development, production, and distribution. MPI works with existing projects, in addition to creating its own original content.”
Rising libertarian filmmaker
“MPI provides fellowship grants to support the career development of filmmakers who are committed to telling stories about freedom. This program also provides valuable mentorship and networking opportunities.”
Hollywood career launch
“MPI places students and recent graduates in paid internship positions at production companies. Interns gain hands-on work experience, mentorship, skills training, and networking opportunities.”
Fiscal Sponsorship
“MPI fiscally sponsors films that advance our mission of promoting freedom through film. Films in this program may benefit from tax-exempt donations and assistance with crowd funding on Indiegogo and Kickstarter.”
Screenwriting workshop
“MPI staff give screenwriters valuable instruction and feedback in this collaborative, seminar-style workshop. Each participant submits an active project for peer review, and benefits from other workshop members’ critiques.”
Project standup
“MPI provides guidance and grants to support original comedic works, and to advance the careers of those promoting freedom through humor. MPI also develops its own comedic content through this project.”
Lights, Camera, Liberty!
“We invite think tanks, both U.S. and international, to apply for the Lights, Camera, Liberty! grant and training program. This program offers a year of workshops, on-site training, equipment and technology support, and a film festival competition for organizations committed to more effectively sharing the freedom message with key audiences through online video.”