Most documentaries rely on the kindness of strangers to get made. Grants from foundations, arts organizations and other nonprofits are the lifeblood that independent filmmakers rely upon. But applying for these grants can be an overwhelming and thankless task, especially for the first-time filmmaker.

Film Independent is pleased to welcome back acclaimed documentarian Lisa Leeman who will share her grant writing expertise. Topics include: researching to find the most suitable funders; what funders respond to and what they don’t; the language and style of a grant application; including sample footage with your application; time management and balancing grant writing with filmmaking; and working with a consultant to craft (or help polish) your applications.

The class will include a handout of documentary funding resources.

About the Instructor

Lisa Leeman believes that strong narrative and character-driven films can change the world, one story at a time. She has been producing and directing award-winning feature & short documentaries for over twenty five years. Credits include Metamorphosis: Man Into Woman (Sundance Filmmakers Trophy, POV); Out of Faith (PBS); One Lucky Elephant (LA Film Festival, IDFA, OWN; named by Roger Ebert as one of the best documentaries of 2011); and Awake, which grossed over $1.5 million dollars at the box office with over 250 screenings in 65 markets, and was one of only 17 films directed by women in the 250 top-grossing films of 2014.

Lisa has served as a judge at the Sundance Film Festival, as the president of the International Documentary Association and has published a series of magazine articles about the ethics of documentary filmmaking, the international doc scene, women editors, and the art and craft of documentary.

Not a Member? Join now!

Validated parking in the building garage after 5:30 pm.