Method M Film Fund

The logo for Method M Films, showing a white circle around the word method above a large gold letter M

Thanks to a generous gift from Jonathan B. Murray, the Murray Center has launched a first-of-its-kind film fund for alumni of the program. In order to apply, the project must involve an alumni of the Murray Center in a top-line role (director, editor, director of photography, or producer).

Once the application window closes, in January, the selection committee will narrow down the applicant pool to a handful of finalists. These finalists will move on to an interview stage, to address further questions, clarify support the Murray Center can offer, before the selection committee makes a final decision on grants in late February. The selection committee for the fund consists of Murray Center Filmmaker-In-Chief Robert Greene, Supervising Producer Sebastián Martínez Valdivia, and member at large Tabitha Jackson.

Projects can apply to one of three different categories of funding, with corresponding maximum dollar amounts:

  • Pre-production grants with a maximum of $50,000

  • Production grants with a maximum of $100,000

  • Post-production grants with a maximum of $50,000

These non-recoupable grants will be paid out through contracts with the university, with a contracted period of one calendar year, after which applicants can reapply for funding through this same process.

Funding recipients will be required to show proof of fiscal sponsorship as part of the contracting process, in order to receive funding. Funding recipients will be required to speak to current Murray Center students about the project, and to provide opportunities for students interested in learning more about the filmmaker’s role on the project to meet in small groups at least once during the contracted period. Recipients will also need to ensure crediting of Method M Films and Murray Center faculty, following Documentary Producers Alliance crediting guidelines.

How to apply:

Applicants must submit the following materials as part of their application:

  • Film pitch deck including:

    • Film treatment, including logline, topic summary & film summary

    • Comprehensive, line-item budget

    • Visual sample

    • Financing strategy

  • Application questionnaire

The fund will accept applications from December 10 through January 21