Being involved in the film industry is a dream of numerous students. Such a desire usually appears during an early age, and many nurture it through the years. Graduates want to become top-notch filmmakers that control the entire film-making, not only the phrase “Lights, camera, action!”
However, such intentions cost lots of money, as tertiary education is pricey, and many talented students can’t afford it. Although federal aid and student loans allow people to earn a degree, not everyone wants to carry a financial burden upon obtaining the desired degree. Fortunately, many film-making scholarships exist these days. We have put together a list of active and excellent scholarships in the U.S. so that you can get a clear picture of what to expect from such programs.
Do I Qualify?
But first, it would be reasonable to clarify one crucial point that relates to eligibility. Every program has its submission and eligibility requirements. Therefore, it is important to check every scholarship to learn more about the requirements, deadlines, and the entire application process. Still, although the mentioned may well vary by program, some elements remain widely required. For example, the program typically requires to:
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above
- Be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent residence
- Be a full-time student status of a pertinent degree
The selecting committee may also interview candidates and ask for financial reports to evaluate applicants’ financial status.
Regarding the submission requirements, candidates are often asked to submit:
- Application
- Recommendation letters
- Resume
- Official transcript of records
- Essay on a given topic
Essays are pivotal in the application process. They help the committee get to know you better and learn more about your mindset and intentions in the film-making field. It might be challenging to write such a paper because topics and general requirements are usually different. Nonetheless, you can check exemplary papers at WritingCheap that helped many students receive a film-making scholarship. It will assist you in building your own piece.
The following is the list of the best scholarships in the U.S. in 2021.
New York Film Academy
New York Film Academy offers several scholarships for those who strive to delve into the film-making industry. It has long been considered among the best institutions that raised many first-class directors. Currently, the educational institution offers five scholarships. They are:
Need Based Tuition Assistance
The program is designed to help students in need. Need Based Tuition Assistance focuses on applicants who do long-term programs, such as B.A. and M.A. degrees and the one and two-year conservatory programs. Candidates are required to demonstrate their financial status which can easily be accomplished via tax calculator. The resulting calculation is confirmed by submitting income tax statements or bank statements. Aside from that, applicants should attach an essay describing their achievements and goals.
Talent Based Tuition Award
Talent Based Tuition Award is available for everyone who considers themselves talented and has a unique aptitude. The selecting committee requires sending an application form and a portfolio to evaluate the candidate’s experience and vision of creating a film by employing various techniques. Applicants may also be asked to write an essay explaining their goals and showing the means to achieve them.
Merit Based Tuition Award
New York Film Academy pays close attention to students who demonstrate outstanding progress during academic years. The institution offers financial aid to B.A. students who document their academic accomplishments in addition to leadership, commitment, and above all, community service. The committee also evaluates candidates’ high school GPA and the above aspects.
Matthew Modine Masters Scholarship
The program is created for M.A. students who express the art of visual storytelling. Applicants should also demonstrate a full commitment and diligence in following values set by the academic institution. Other eligibility requirements are:
- MFA application
- Portfolio
- Nomination by an enrollment advisor
The award amount ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 annually.
Rising Artist Scholarship for Teen Camps
New York Film Academy looks for talents of any age. This program has been recently brought into being, and its primary focus is to find creative and passionate teens who want to connect their professional careers with the movie field. Aside from financial help, recipients will have an opportunity to complete a course and gain the necessary knowledge for further development. High School freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are encouraged to apply.
Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship
The program offers financial support to Asian American college attendees who major in performing, visual arts, journalism, or mass communication. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 25% Asian or Pacific Islander ethnicity
- Be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent residence
- Be a high school senior, college, or university student of an accredited educational institution
- Be active and initiative
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above
The scholarship committee evaluates every application based on the following components:
- Quality of an essay and/or portfolio
- Academic performance
- Documented community service and leadership
- Recommendation letters
- Interview
The award amount is $1,000. Funds will be transferred to educational institutions recipients belong to. The application deadline is June 30, 2021.
NBCUniversal/ LNESC Scholarship
The program supports Latino students who attend U.S. post-secondary college and plan to operate within the entertainment and film industry upon graduation. NBCUniversal/LNESC Scholarship awards ten scholarships to eligible students. The recipients will get two disbursements of $2,500 during fall and spring. To qualify, candidates must:
- Maintain 3.0 GPA or above
- Be college sophomore or junior attending an accredited institution
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a U.S. citizen or have a permanent residence
The submission requirements are:
- Application
- Official transcript of records
- Three recommendation letters
- Resume
Funds can be allocated to cover tuition fees and/or purchase the necessary materials and books.
The application deadline is set for July 9, 2021.
Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship
Traub-Dicker Rainbow Scholarship reinforces and encourages lesbian women who intend to start higher education. The program offers one-year scholarships for several women who are high-school or college students. There are no submission requirements set for the program. However, applicants must prove their community service and leadership, attach an official transcript of records, and demonstrate their level of commitment to influencing LGBTQ issues. Funds will be allocated directly to educational institutions to cover tuition fees. The award amount is up to $3,000. The application deadline is June 11, 2021.