Bold colors on a television screen

CMS Filmmakers Fund

Overview

Due to a generous private donation, the Department of Cinema and Media Studies has funding is available to support student film and media projects. 

Eligibility

Funding support consist of reimbursement of expenses. The total support for a single project ranges from $100 to $500; the total amount available for all awards during an academic year is $5000. Submitting an application early in therefore recommended.

Working with a faculty member and/or local professional is highly recommended and projects that have such involvement will be prioritized. Requests for funding specialist labor and/or specific production or post-production services will also be prioritized. 

Funding requests for the purchase of equipment should be made separately. Equipment purchased with UW funds becomes the property of UW and will therefore reside on our equipment library after use.

  • This fund is open to all CMS majors. 

  • Projects can be course-related or independent of coursework. 

  • All types of film, including, but not limited to, fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, music video, dance video, and video essays are eligible for consideration. LUX-funded productions are ineligible for this funding. 

Application Process

 

Applicants should submit the following:

 

  1. A one-page description of the project prompted by the following questions:

    1. Why do you want to make this film?

    2. Why are you the person to make this film?

    3. How will you use the CMS funds should your project be selected?

    4. What are the greatest challenges you face in completing your project?

 

  1. Optional items include:

    1. a pitch deck

    2. a script 

    3. a budget or a top sheet giving an overview of expenses

    4. a list of confirmed crew and/or cast 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Proposals will be judged by a panel of CMS faculty. Occasionally the panel may also include a Seattle area film professional. 

 

Send your application to cmsfilmfund@uw.edu 

 

Terms 

  • Funding is delivered on a reimbursement basis. Receipts and invoices must be submitted to cinema@uw.edu for reimbursement.

  • A written update on the project status and use of funds must be submitted prior to May 31.

  • Completed projects will be screened as part of a CMS showcase that would also incorporate works from other CMS classes.

  • Films receiving support must use the CMS interstitial in the opening or closing credits.