Northampton Open Media Production Grants support media creators in Northampton, MA. By easing the financial burden of production we aim to empower people in our region to tell stories and craft experiences that may not otherwise be possible. This grant’s purpose is to achieve a specific objective and enhance an artistic skill and talent of the grantee. 2020 will mark the seventh round of production grants distributed by Northampton Open Media.
NOM will endeavor to fund at least one grant for a youth project, meaning an applicant who is 18 years of age or younger.
Short Film
This grant is for short narrative, documentary or experimental films. All films should include a pitch at least one page in length (approximately 250 words). When applicable, such as in the case of narrative work, please attach a completed draft of a script. Documentary submissions should include signed statements from major parties involved as to their participation. Also include a budget and timeline for your project. We do not fund music videos.
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- up to $2000 per project
- narrative, documentary, or experimental
- 10-30 Minutes
- one page pitch required
- script may be required
- budget and timeline required
- documentary films should include a commitment letter
XR Project
XR Project Grants will go to a recipient creating an immersive experience in VR, AR, MR, or 360˚ video. A project outline of at least one page is required, that outlines the goals and parameters of the project. A budget and timeline is required for the project. Any accompanying materials that the applicant feels are relevant, such as scripts, concept sketches, or flowcharts, should be included in an application.
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- up to $2000 per project
- virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality or 360˚ video
- budget and timeline required
- accompanying materials as needed
Public Art Project
This grant is for a public art project that uses multimedia elements as part of its core messaging, medium, or experience. At completion the project should be performed or displayed publicly for free. The project should also include some method of documenting that public performance or exhibition. A one page pitch, budget, and timeline are required.
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- up to $1000 per project
- must have a multimedia element
- one page pitch required
- budget and timeline required
- free public performance or exhibition
- documentation of that performance or exhibition
Multimedia Workshop
We are offering a grant to support a multimedia workshop to be hosted at NOM and free to the public. This workshop will span a period of at least 5 hours of class time over a single or multiple sessions with more hours required for larger grant awards. An outline of the workshop plan is required as well as an explanation of the instructor’s qualifications. A budget and timeline are required. Multimedia workshop topics could include but would not be limited to scriptwriting, 3D printing, makeup and hair, coding, cinematography, visual storytelling, blogging, animation, podcasting, etc.
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- up to $1000 per project
- multimedia workshop to be held at NOM
- application should outline instructor’s qualifications
- budget and timeline required
- a workshop plan is required
Grant Timeline
- Grant application submitted by the end of January 31, 2020
- Selections will be announced on February 21, 2020
- Projects must be completed by January 1, 2021
Community Connection
NOM supports the broad community in an effort to enable expression and fluency in the moving image, multimedia, and immersive experience. We are also connected to Northampton, MA. To that end we ask that you demonstrate a connection to Northampton in some fashion. Examples might include:
- The applicant lives or works or goes to school in Northampton
- The project will be shot or produced in Northampton
- The project will take place or be performed in Northampton
- Elements of the project reference or connect to Northampton
Clear Path to Completion
Your application should demonstrate your ability to complete the proposed production. In addition to filling out the application as completely as possible it is very important that you provide materials that can convincingly persuade the selection committee that you are proposing a viable project. This includes your budget, schedule, script and any other information you can give us. Check the grant page on northamptontv.org for links to examples of good proposal techniques. NOM may ask some applicants for additional materials after their initial submission.
What won’t be funded?
- grant recipients in consecutive rounds
- projects or events completed prior to applying
- finishing grants
- more than one application by the same applicant
Additional Rules
Credit
All successful applicants must properly credit Northampton Open Media for providing funds to the project in all press materials including posters, programs, announcements, paid advertising and social media by putting the NOM logo on the press materials. Any videos produced must feature the NOM production grant stinger at the beginning and the language “Funded in part by Northampton Open Media” at the end. Failure to do so will result in loss of funding.
Conflict of Interest
Grant recipients cannot be NOM employees, board members or relatives thereof. Staff and board members of NOM may not receive payment for any involvement in the production of these grants.
Equipment
Grant money may not be used to purchase equipment already available through NOM.
Content
- All productions must adhere to FCC rules regarding content. (https://www.fcc.gov/general/broadcast-cable-and-satellite-guides)
- Please note that all rights, clearances, and releases must be secured and retained by the grantee for all material in the production. This includes but is not limited to the use of music, images and individual talent releases.
Distribution Rights
NOM will maintain the distribution rights for all productions including the right to air on television, upload to youtube and screen publicly. Note these works will fall under the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND International 4.0 license found here.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode