By Angela Covo
La Prensa
The City Council unanimously approved the San Antonio Local Filmmakers Grant (LFG), a $25,000 grant funded by the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) for local filmmakers ready to make feature-length motion pictures in San Antonio.
SAN ANTONIO — A result of collaboration with the San Antonio Film Commission, the grant is designed to support local filmmakers who already have $25,000 in funding commitments in place for a feature-length motion picture in the pre-production stage.
“San Antonio has a great wellspring of creative talent, particularly when it comes to filmmaking,” Mayor Julián Castro said. “This is a positive investment that will increase the exposure of the local film industry and the many talented individuals who are involved with it.”
First-time filmmakers as well as film veterans are eligible for the program.
Submissions must be received by June 8, 2012 and will be reviewed by a selection panel comprised of five independent and objective motion picture experts. Applicants will be rated on Artistic & Production Excellence, Commercial Viability, and Financial Position. According to OCA, grant guidelines are based on similar programs in other cities and states as well as input gathered from local filmmakers at two public meetings last November.
The date for an information session to provide application details and procedures will be announced soon.
“Business development goes hand in hand with supporting the arts in San Antonio,” OCA Director Felix Padrón said.
The LFG program complements other film initiatives the Office of Cultural Affairs has established, including the San Antonio Neighborhood Film Project, which is now in its third year. The idea is to enhance the local filmmaking community and provide opportunities for local filmmakers to produce new works.
“Support for local feature films is important because it develops long-term production relationships,” San Antonio Film Commission Director Drew Mayer-Oakes added. “Relationships that are necessary to maintain and grow the industry locally.”
For more information about the Local Filmmakers Grant, contact Sebastian Guajardo at the Office of Cultural Affairs, email sebastian.guajardo@ sanantonio.gov or call (210) 207-5798.
Story appeared in the March 18 issue.
