With generous support from founding sponsor Netflix, the Film Independent Amplifier Fellowship provides direct support to six emerging and mid-career Black or African American filmmakers working as writers, directors and/or producers. The program takes place over a period of twelve months, during which Fellows will receive creative and strategic support that furthers their professional ambitions and propels a selected project forward.

Fellows will receive a $30,000 unrestricted grant and meet bi-weekly with a professional coach. They’ll also be specifically paired with advisors, including Netflix executives and Film Independent board members, who will provide tailored mentorship. In addition to meeting as a group twice per month during the course of the Fellowship, Fellows will take part in financial workshops and one-on-one sessions with a financial advisor, and participate in curated workshops and conversations.
 

Timeline

Applications will be open by nomination only through January 10, 2024. Selections will be made by late February 2024.

For more information on the nomination process and application deadlines, please email artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org
 

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must identify as Black or African American; be an alum of Film Independent’s Project Involve or Artist Development program(s), or a past Spirit Awards nominee, or be nominated by a colleague arts organization; be a writer, director or producer; and apply with a current project in development (feature or episodic, fiction or nonfiction).
 

How to Apply

Completion of an online application is required, which will contain essay questions about the applicant and individual projects. This includes but is not limited to:

Personal Information

• Biography
• Artist statement and career goals
• Letter of recommendation (required if applicant was not nominated by a colleague arts organization)

 
Project Information

• Story
• Artistic approach
• Project goals
• Budget/Finance plan
• Key personnel
• Work sample
• Script (fiction projects only)
• Current project sample (nonfiction projects only)

FAQ

• Where can I find the application? Application is by invitation only
• Can I keep my job and participate in the program at the same time? Yes, however you must participate in all required activities – no exceptions. These include, but are not limited to, orientation and project/career development sessions. Sessions may be held in-person or online.
• Can I submit a treatment? Yes.
• How can I use the grant funding? Grant funds are unrestricted and can be applied toward anything.
• Can I mail or email my application, including submission materials? No, applications must be completed online.
• Can I apply if I am outside the United States? No, applicants must be physically present in the United States.
• I am in the United States on a work visa. Can I apply? Participation is contingent upon your unrestricted right to work lawfully in the United States throughout the duration of the program.
• Will Film Independent sponsor work visas for participants? No, Film Independent will not sponsor work visas.
• What makes an applicant ineligible? An applicant is ineligible if they do not meet the following criteria: Applicants must identify as Black or African American. Applicants must also have A) participated in a Film Independent Lab or program (not including Fiscal Sponsorship), or B) be a Spirit Awards nominee or winner, or C) be nominated by a colleague arts organization. Applicants must also be a working writer, director or producer with a project in development.
• Can I make edits to my submission ahead of the deadline? Yes, prior to the deadline contact artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org to make edits to your application.

Application Fee

The application fee is $45.
 

The Fine Print

Beyond the application fee, there is no cost or tuition to participate in any of Film Independent’s Artist Development programs.

Contact artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org with any additional questions.

To learn more about Film Independent Fellows and their projects, visit our Talent Guide.