Film Grant

For Professor Baldwin's THR 403 class I needed to create a proposal for a film grant. I decided to apply for the New Filmmaker Equipment Grant and hope that they will be able to help me with my documentary film. Here is the letter of inquiry that I wrote for this particular grant:

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Matthew Cohen and I am currently a junior at Stony Brook University. I am presently working on a minor in media arts and I hope to occupy a job after I graduate that utilizes some of the techniques that I will be learning in my media classes. Over the past few years I have developed a strong interest in film, which I hope to concentrate more on once I graduate next year. I have already written a full-length screenplay for a science fiction film, and would like to now focus my attention on developing a documentary film for a class that I am taking this semester. With the help of your organization’s grant I will be able to complete my project in a timely manner.

The proposed budget for my documentary film would be $5,000. This would help to cover the cost of additional equipment, which would include a Dell PC with monitor; production as well as production software; promotion; and travel. I would like to base the documentary film on foreign born students who are studying at Stony Brook University. This film would look at the differences between the education system overseas and here in America, and should help to provide insightful information on why these students decide to come to the Unites States. I also hope that this film will clear any common misconceptions that Americans have of foreigners currently studying in the U.S. I am already starting to prepare myself for this film and will be ready to start shooting by April 1, 2010. It would truly be an honor to be considered for a grant from your organization.

I just want to thank you for your time and consideration. If you need any additional information or have any questions please feel free to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank You,




Matthew Cohen