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Film and Media Career Development Program

INDEPENDENT FEATURE PROJECT INC

Foundation Annual Grants for ArtsGrants for Creative WritingGrants for Youth Programs
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Film and Media Career Development Program

Status: Applications for 2026 program are closed

Overview: An 8-week virtual program that allows students from across the country to learn from industry professionals and provides resources for navigating career choices in film and media.

Geographic Scope: United States (open to students across the country)

Focus Areas: Career development and mentorship across six industry tracks:

  • Sidney Poitier Initiative Track for Multi-Hyphenates (supporting underrepresented backgrounds)

  • Executive Leadership and Ambassador Track (PR, marketing, distribution, acquisitions, development)

  • Television/Episodic Creator Track

  • Documentary Filmmaker Track

  • Narrative Filmmaker Track

  • Entrepreneurship in Media Track

    • Program Components:

  • Weekly all-cohort sessions on networking, industry state, and career sustainability

  • Track-specific speaker sessions with industry professionals

  • One-on-one mentorship with Gotham staff and track-specific mentors

  • Pitch feedback sessions for project development

  • Access to industry speakers from Netflix, MGM, MACRO, UTA, ColorCreative, NBCU, Blumhouse, NEON, SFFILM, Kinema, WILLA, independent producers, television writers, and directors

    • Eligibility:

  • Must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program

  • OR have graduated from an academic institution in or after Spring 2025

    • Requirements:

  • Completed application

  • Letter of recommendation

  • Resume

  • Application fee ($20 for Gotham Members / $25 for non-members)

    • Special Notes: Program supported by partner colleges and universities. Up to 40 students selected. Sidney Poitier Initiative track emphasizes support of undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. Executive Leadership track emphasizes support of women or non-binary undergraduate students from underrepresented communities.

    Contact: Yoko Kohmoto at [email protected]; Fee waivers available by request to [email protected]

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Requirements:
    1. Complete application form
    2. Letter of recommendation
    3. Resume
    4. Application fee ($20 for Gotham Members / $25 for non-members)

    Fee Waivers: Need-based fee waivers available. Contact [email protected] to request.

    Contact: For more information, contact Yoko Kohmoto at [email protected]

    Current Status: Applications for 2026 program are closed

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    artscreative-writingyouth-programs

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