IndieGrants

Since its inception in 2014, our IndieGrant program has helped 27 short film projects evolve from the page, into production, and onto the screen by providing Memphis filmmakers over $250K in monetary funds and in-kind filmmaking services. As Indie Memphis and the local film community continue to evolve, filmmakers can expect to see IndieGrant opportunities do the same.

Now entering its 10th year, IndieGrants provides Memphis filmmakers with cash and in-kind filmmaking services to produce quality, made-in-Memphis short films.

NOTE: Applications for 2024 are now closed.

 

WHAT IS AVAILABLE?

TWO $15,000 production grants

($7,500 Cash + *$7,500 in-kind rentals and services*) 

All film categories are welcome to submit. Three film industry professionals from outside of Memphis will act as the selection jury to choose the two recipients regardless of category.

  • documentary short

  • narrative short

  • narrative or documentary proof-of-concept short film (for a feature film that is in-development)

  • experimental or animation short

*Music videos are not eligible for IndieGrant funding.*


In-Kind Vendors

Firefly Grip & Electric is donating $1,500 per grant of cash-equivalent rentals of their lighting and grip equipment to be used exclusively for the two short film productions. Standard insurance and rental agreement required.

LensRentals.com is donating $2,000 per grant of in-kind rentals for lens and camera gear to be used exclusively for the two short film productions.

Music+Arts Studio is donating $1,500 per grant in-kind for post-production sound mix to be used exclusively for the two short film productions.

VIA Productions is providing a full coverage insurance package worth at least $2,500 to be used exclusively for the two short film productions.


PROJECT GUIDELINES:

As stated above, all short film categories are now eligible. The jury will choose two projects to receive an IndieGrant regardless of category.

  • Only directors based in Memphis or surrounding counties may apply. 

  • All production must take place in Shelby, DeSoto, Crittenden, Tipton, Fayette, Marshall, and/or Mississippi counties.

  • Submissions that do not require additional fundraising beyond the amount given by the IndieGrant are strongly recommended. 

  • Principal photography of the chosen films must be completed by the end of December 2025. 

  • Filmmaker may premiere the film anywhere outside of Memphis, but the regional premiere within the seven counties must be coordinated with an Indie Memphis event (festival or otherwise) within 1-year of first public screening.

  • Project must credit Indie Memphis and IndieGrants in the main credit sequence.

  • If you are submitting as a team, there can only be one individual's name listed as the primary applicant. 

  • Only one submission is allowed per filmmaker.


WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Directors living in Shelby County (Tennessee), DeSoto County (Mississippi), Crittenden County (Arkansas), Tipton County (Tennessee), Fayette County (Tennessee), Marshall County (Mississippi), and Mississippi County (Arkansas) who did not receive any Indie Memphis funding opportunity within the past two years or grant cycles.

Submissions for 2024 are now closed.

stay tuned for announcements

The two recipients will be announced at the Indie Memphis Film Festival awards ceremony.

 

F.A.Q.

Click the + to expand each question.

  • IndieGrant funds need to be spent on production expenses. The details are up to you.

  • Yes, however you can not receive any Indie Memphis funding opportunities in current or back to back years. If you received a grant or fellowship from Indie Memphis in either 2022 or 2023, you can not apply for another funding opportunity until 2025 or 2026.

  • We're impatient and are only interested in IndieGrants going to films that can be produced in the coming year. If you have a complicated project that might take longer to produce, consider coming up with something else for your IndieGrant application.

  • Yes, but we're not going to want to fund a project that might not be able to raise the money it needs to be completed. It is probably best to keep things small, unless you already have additional money committed.

  • No. This opportunity is only for filmmakers currently and actively residing in Memphis or surrounding counties.

  • No, sorry. This grant is for shorts that can completely be shot in the Memphis area and its surrounding counties - specifically Shelby County, DeSoto County, Crittenden County, Tipton County, Fayette County, Marshall County, and Mississippi County.

  • Sure.

  • We are putting together a three person grant review committee of out-of-town film industry professionals.

 
 

Previous Recipients

2023 RECIPIENTS

Alicia Ester
55 SOUTH
($7.5K cash + $7.5K valued in-kind services)

Lo Norman
FRIEND SHAPED
($7.5K cash + $7.5K valued in-kind services)

2022 RECIPIENTS

Anna Cai
BLUFF CITY CHINESE
($7.5K cash + $7.5K valued in-kind services)

A.D. Smith
R.E.G.G.I.N.
($7.5K cash + $7.5K valued in-kind services)

2021 RECIPIENTS

Jessica Chaney
I AM
($7.5K cash + $7.5K valued in-kind services)


Emmanuel Amido
SOIL AND CLAY
($7.5K cash + $7.5K valued in-kind services)


2020 RECIPIENTS

Daniel Ferrell
BEALE ST BLUES
($5K cash + $8K valued in-kind services)


Justin Malone
BEWARE OF GOAT
($5K cash + $8K valued in-kind services)


GB Shannon
HERE BE DRAGONS
($5K cash + $8K valued in-kind services)

 
 

IndieGrant Sponsors