2019/2020 INDIE GRANTS FUNDING CYCLE IS NOW CLOSED.
SELECTED PROJECTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN SEPTEMBER 2019.

The South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College invite South Carolina filmmakers to apply for INDIE GRANTS, production grants for narrative short film projects.  Exact funding amounts will be based on the needs of the selected project(s), funding available through the INDIE GRANTS program, and other factors at the discretion of INDIE GRANTS, the South Carolina Film Commission and Trident Technical College.

Created to support South Carolina production professionals and generate professional training environments for Trident Tech film students, the INDIE GRANTS have funded and produced over 30 high-quality short films since 2010.  These projects have been official selections of international film festivals like Sundance, Palm Springs, Austin Film Festival, FantasticFest, Cucalorus, Tall Grass, Slamdance, Stiges, Oxford, Nashville Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Indie Memphis, LA Film Festival, DragonCon, and many more.   Recent collaborators include Oscar-winning DP Russell Carpenter (Titanic, Ant-Man), actress Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect, True Blood) actor AJ Bowen (You’re Next, The Sacrament), DP Peter Simonite (The Perfect Guy, 2nd Unit DP on Tree of Life), and writer Brad Land (Goat).   

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2019/2020 FUNDING CYCLE.  APPLY HERE.

Applications due by 11:59 pm ET on June 26, 2019. 

Your submission must include your short film script, resumes for your production team, a document outlining your production strategy, and a preliminary budget.  (Link to sample budget below.)

Each submitting project must have a core team in place – Writer, Director (or Writer/Director), Producer, and Production Manager.  At least one member of this core team must be a native South Carolina filmmaker with a South Carolina legal address, or clearly presented as home-grown in the 'S.C. status' section of the application.

INDIE GRANTS funding can range from $20,000 to $35,000 and must cover the full production and finishing of the project (pre-production, principal photography, and post-production).  INDIE GRANTS projects are expected to subscribe to a high level of professionalism and production value throughout. Cost-efficiency, smart management of funds, and pooling of resources will be key.

A preliminary budget reflecting the above range is required with your submission.  A SAMPLE BUDGET is provided for your optional reference, based on crew size and structure INDIE GRANTS short films have typically followed. 

DOWNLOAD a Movie Magic Budgeting file and pdf file of the SAMPLE BUDGET HERE. 

Be sure to check out INDIE GRANTS FAQ here so that you understand all policies and procedures of the program. Follow the APPLICATION instructions closely and read all TERMS & CONDITIONS on that page. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will not be considered. Email INDIE GRANTS Producer Brad Jayne with any questions about your project or the process. 

You can also view recent INDIE GRANTS shorts here.