Suffolk County Offering Grants for Film Makers

With the recent addition of "Suffolk County State of Mind" to the county's film vernacular, this year's "Next Exposure: Low Budget Independent Film Completion Grant" couldn't come at a better time.

 The program supports the completion of high quality, original director-driven low budget independent films from both emerging and established filmmakers who have completed 80 percent of principal photography within Suffolk County.

Grants of $6,500 will be awarded to two filmmakers in 2010 and will be administered by the prestigious Tribeca Film Institute, located in New York City. Recipients will be selected by the Tribeca Film Institute along with members of the Suffolk County Long Island Film Commission.

"Suffolk County, home to the Hamptons International and Stony Brook film festivals, has a long history of producing talent in all areas of the arts. Hal Hartley, the winner of numerous film festival awards, was inspired by the independent films he saw at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington, and Emmy Award winner Edie Falco got her start at Arena Players in Farmingdale," said Suffolk County Exec. Steve Levy. "Our county is expanding its presence in film production with state-of-the-art production facilities, tax incentives, and a variety of shooting locations. This grant program provides our local filmmakers with an additional tool to get their films made and to the marketplace."

"TFI is pleased to be able to help support filmmakers from Suffolk County in the completion of their films," said Eileen Newman, Managing Director of TFI.  "Both the Film Commission and TFI are deeply committed to filmmakers from New York, and this new grant will help more original productions to be completed."

The "Next Exposure: Low Budget Independent Film Completion Grant" is open to filmmakers that have projects ready for completion. Filmmakers will be required to submit a proposal along with a trailer, scene assemblage or rough-cut. Submissions may be filed now and must be postmarked by October 29, 2010. Recipients will be announced on November 19. Click here to apply.