• ROOFTOP FILMS / ADRIENNE SHELLY FOUNDATION SHORT FILM GRANT FOR WOMEN
• ROOFTOP FILMMAKERS’ FUND SHORT FILM GRANT 

Rooftop Films sets aside $1 from every ticket sold and every submission fee received and gives it to alumni filmmakers in the form of grants for their film productions. Only filmmakers who have screened a movie at Rooftop Films' festival are eligible for grants. 

In the Summer 2011 round we have two grants for artists making short films and two grants for feature-length films. Grant deadlines for 2012 will be announced in June, with applications due in July and notifications in September. 

Click here for feature film guidelines.

ROOFTOP FILMS / ADRIENNE SHELLY FOUNDATION 
SHORT FILM GRANT FOR WOMEN

The Adrienne Shelly Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated in loving memory to the uniquely gifted actor and filmmaker Adrienne Shelly, whose highly accomplished life was tragically cut short November 1, 2006. ASF supports the artistic achievements of female actors, writers and directors through a series of scholarships and grants, providing recipients with financial support and consultative access to the Foundation's advisory board of actors, directors, producers, composers, law, publicity, academic and trade professionals. Reflecting Adrienne's spirit, generosity, courage and whimsy, its goal is to recognize the tremendous passion and commitment of women artists in creating their own work, and provide them with support and guidance particularly during periods of transition and struggle.

For the Rooftop Films / Adrienne Shelly Foundation Short Film Grant, we will award one $3,000 grant to a female director.

ROOFTOP FILMMAKERS’ FUND SHORT FILM GRANT
For the Rooftop Filmmakers’ Fund Short Film Grant, we will award grants ranging from $500-3,000 to male and female filmmakers. We will give grants to 2-4 projects.

How does it work?
Who is eligible? (important)
What is the history of the grant?

What we have:
• $3,000 as one cash grant for a female director.
• $7,444 as 3-5 cash grants for any filmmakers. Minimum grant: $500. Maximum grant: $3,000.
• Possible access to a Final Cut Pro workstation (in Brooklyn, NY)
• Possible crew from ROOFTOP staff, including: an editor, a documentary DOP, a still photographer, a composer, a sound engineer/editor, a line producer
• Possible interns, volunteers, PAs

Selection Criteria:
We are open to any genre or type of film, but in our choosing of grantees, we are biased towards filmmakers who:
• convince us they will actually produce a movie with these resources.
• do not have access to other resources.
• use money and materials sparingly and wisely.
• who make the kind of movies that we don’t see enough of (see below).

Films we don’t see enough of:
• Intelligent political films: whether documentaries or fiction, drama or comedy, experimental or animation, we see a dearth of thoughtful, well-researched, well-reasoned movies that actively seek to change our world for the better.
• Films where women of color are directing, producing and writing—sharing and shaping their unique point of view.

Crucial elements:
• We need to be convinced that you will make this film as it as presented and in a timely fashion. If you can provide a production schedule and convincing reasons as to why you will adhere to it, that’s great.
• We often fund specific line items in your budget, so the more specific you can be, the better.
• We will fund any element of pre-production, production or post-production.
• We are more likely to fund films for which this grant will have a large impact. That is, we are more likely to fund $3,000 of a $3,000 total budget than $3,000 of a $30,000 total budget.
• We are more likely to fund films where there is thought to how the film will be used in the world in coordination with a community engagement campaign and/or ongoing efforts for social justice.
• We are also more likely to fund films that make the most of their resources and community. For instance, we are more likely to fund the salary of a DP who is donating use of his own 16mm camera than we are likely to fund the rental of a 16mm camera from a corporate rental house. We are also more likely to fund the purchase or fabrication of materials that you will be able to use again, instead of a one-time rental.

Advice:
All filmmakers are encouraged to email Rooftop Artistic Director Mark Elijah Rosenberg with a draft of their application for advice, or call 718-417-7362.

Due to time constraints, we can only provide one round of notes, but simple questions are welcome any time. Advice will only be given up to one week before the deadline.

Selection Process:
The grants will be decided by a panel made up of Rooftop Films and Adrienne Shelly Foundation staff, founders and invited panelists. Money will be dispersed after the final decision is made.

There may be things we would want to see changed in the proposed project, or we may want to participate in the production in order to provide funding. If you are not comfortable with our suggestions, there will be an opportunity to tell us if a second round comes into play. There will likely be follow-up questions, but no formal second round of applications.

The Application:
• Download the application and the budget form for the Rooftop Filmmakers’ Fund Short Film Grants. The application for male and female filmmakers is the same. Female filmmakers will be automatically eligible for both grants.
The application asks for the following information:
• Your name and contact information.
• A description of the film you want to make.
• A production plan.
• A budget. (Use our form or your own.)
• What you want from us.
• A few lines about yourself.

Returning the Application:
Email the application and budget as attachments to filmfund@rooftopfilms.com

You are also welcome and encouraged to send footage, rough cuts, fine cuts, etc. in any format. Online links are preferred (password protection is acceptable). Or you can also send 1 DVD to:

Rooftop Films
Attn: Filmmakers’ Fund
PMB 401
285 5th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Deadlines:

2012 Deadlines will be announced in June. The deadlines will follow similar dates as in 2011.

• Applications must be received by August 9, 2011.
• Applicants notified: September 21, 2011.

Payments / Reporting:
• We may choose to disperse funds over a few months, rather than all at once, depending on various production schedules.
• You will be expected to complete your project on schedule.
• If you are awarded a grant, you will be expected to file one very simple progress report and one very simple completion report, which we will send to you at the appropriate times.

Good luck! We’re excited to hear about your films, and to help them get made and get screened on the roof.