Teri Rogers Film Grant seeks KC filmmakers to fund for screenwriting, directing projects

Photo Courtesy of Netflix / Eve Dastmalchian

In the year and change since the Missouri legislature passed the Show MO Act, the Kansas City film scene has been on the rise as productions consider the city’s attractive landmarks and tax credit.

Even with the city’s new incentive, though, the cost still cuts deep for many budding filmmakers looking to find their start.

But now, the clouds may have parted for a lucky few, as ArtsKC and the Kansas City Film Office have opened applications for the Teri Rogers Filmmakers Grants and Screenwriting Award.

The organizations are offering two awards to alleviate the financial strain of a production. The funding opportunities include the following:

Teri Rogers Filmmaker Grants

This grant is available exclusively to early-career directors to support the creation or completion of a narrative short film, and two applicants will receive $10,000 to aid their project.

Teri Rogers Screenwriting Award

This award offers $1,000 to support a Kansas City-based screenwriter developing a feature film or a TV pilot

More information on the grant and the award can be found on their website.

To aid filmmakers in the application process, Tara Karaim, Senior Grants Program Manager at ArtsKC and Rachel Kephart, Director of the Kansas City Film Office, are hosting a virtual info session on Wednesday, June 18 at noon.

The session is an opportunity for a walkthrough of the grants, as well as insight on what the advisory committee is looking for, and how to submit a strong application. To attend, those interested must RSVP.

The deadline to apply for both is Monday, July 22, leaving filmmakers plenty of time to ask questions, perfect any materials, and ensure the submission is the best it can be.