NYC Film Production Grant

Eligibility

Eligible countries: US

Early-career NYC-resident film directors with SSN/ITIN and two completed, publicly screened films

NYC Film Production Grant: Up to $30,000 Grants/Funds · Artist Opportunities NYC film production grant offers up to $30,000 for early career directors in New York City. Step 1 deadline: October 1, 2026, before 4 PM ET. September 10, 2026 Jerome Foundation offers production grants for early career film directors based in New York City Table of Contents The NYC film production grant from the Jerome Foundation provides production grants of up to $30,000 to eligible New York City-based early career film directors. The program supports moving-image work across narrative, experimental, documentary, animation, and hybrid forms. Jerome seeks filmmakers who take creative risks in expanding, questioning, experimenting with, or re-imagining filmmaking. Applicants must have an established directing practice, meet the program’s New York City residency requirements, and propose independent work that they will direct. Step 1 applications are due October 1, 2026, before 4 PM Eastern. OF THE FIELD. NYC film production grant Snapshot What: Production grants for new short- or long-form moving-image projects by eligible early career film directors. Who: Eligible New York City-based early career film directors. Applicants should have completed and publicly screened two films and must have at least 10 minutes of work samples from two different completed projects they directed. Where: New York City Award / Support: Up to $30,000 in production funding. Application Fee: FREE Application Opens: September 2, 2026 Deadline: October 1, 2026, before 4 PM Eastern Official Link: https://www.jeromefdn.org/new-york-city-film-production-grant Strategy Coach Notes: https://www.patreon.com/pformart/posts/jerome-2027-new-169178841 Get The NYC Film Production Grant Strategy Jerome provides unusually detailed information about how applications are reviewed. The Foundation states that it seeks filmmakers who take creative risks, pursue innovative approaches, demonstrate clarity of purpose and vision for imaginative storytelling, engage directly with people involved in their filmmaking, and build relationships with and impact their creative community and field. The application also places significant weight on previous work. Join the network to access the Strategy Coach Notes for this opportunity, including application structure, work sample strategy, project framing, budget alignment, and reviewer priorities. About the NYC film production grant The Jerome Foundation’s New York City Film Production Grant supports eligible early career directors developing independent moving-image projects. The Foundation receives an average of 220 to 250 applications for the New York City program and has awarded an average of 12 grants in recent rounds. The number varies because applicants request different amounts. Jerome describes its focus in terms of creative risk, innovative approaches, clarity of purpose, imaginative storytelling, direct engagement with people involved in the filmmaking process, and relationships with creative communities and the field. The application runs through a two-step process. Step 1 closes October 1, 2026. All applicants are notified of their status on October 15, and eligible applicants are invited to complete Step 2. Step 2 closes November 24, 2026. Panel meetings and recommendations take place from December 2026 through March 2027, with final notification no later than March 31, 2027. Grantees are publicly announced in May 2027. Grant funds are received during the period from May 2027 through April 2029. What Is Offered - Production grants of up to $30,000 - Support for independent moving-image projects - Support for narrative film - Support for experimental film - Support for documentary film - Support for animation - Support for hybrid combinations of eligible moving-image forms - The applicant’s director’s fee may be included as an allowable grant expense - Production expenses may be included in the project budget Jerome states that any total film budget, large or small, can qualify. The Foundation has funded projects completed for less than $30,000. Secured outside funding is not required. For Step 2, applicants identify secured and potential funding sources and their expected amounts. Jerome states that panelists assess whether project planning and budgets are realistic when considering feasibility. Who Should Apply The program is for early career film directors based in New York City. Applicants directing their first film are too early for the program. Jerome advises filmmakers to apply after completing and publicly screening two films if they remain eligible. Applicants must have at least 10 minutes of work samples from two different completed projects that they directed. Applicants must direct the proposed film and have conceived its original idea. Narrative applicants must be the writer/director. Applicants must hold copyright to the project, retain artistic, budgetary, and editorial control, and receive director credit. The application must come from the individual artist. Only film directors may submit applications and receive funding through this program. U.S. citizenship is not required. Applicants must have an SSN or ITIN and meet the program’s New York City residency requirements. Jerome states that this can include DACA recipients and most visa recipients. Applicants must have established primary residency in New York City, remain residents at the application deadline, and plan to remain New York City residents for at least 183 days during the May 2027 through April 2029 grant period. Music videos, work-for-hire, studio, commercial, and industrial work are ineligible. The program exclusively supports moving-image media. NYC film production grant Timeline September 2, 2026: Application opens October 1, 2026, before 4 PM Eastern: Step 1 application deadline October 15, 2026: Applicants notified of application status October 22, 2026, 6:30–7:30 PM Eastern: Step 2 Application Webinar November 24, 2026, before 4 PM Eastern: Step 2 application deadline December 2026–March 2027: Panel meetings and recommendations to the Jerome Foundation Board No later than March 31, 2027: Final application status notification May 2027: Public announcement of grantees May 2027–April 2029: Timeline to receive grant funds Why the NYC film production grant Matters The grant combines substantial production funding with a review structure that gives applicants unusually specific information about what panelists assess. Jerome identifies creative risk, innovation, clarity of purpose, imaginative storytelling, engagement, community relationships, and feasibility within its published guidance. The Foundation also makes clear that applicants can propose projects moving beyond the forms represented in their previous work. In those cases, filmmakers are asked to establish how their experience, groundwork, study, mentorship, or developed skills prepare them for the new direction. Applicants should also note the program’s selectivity. Recent rounds have averaged 220 to 250 applications and approximately 12 grants. OF THE FIELD. Apply DEADLINE: 4 PM Eastern on October 1, 2026. Late applications are not accepted. https://www.jeromefdn.org/new-york-city-film-production-grant Explore More Opportunities Find current grants, residencies, fellowships, commissions, open calls, and artist development opportunities at Contemporary Performance.

Award

$30,000

What to submit

Work samples