Deadline: 28th January 2022
FOCUS: General with special emphasis on Sports
OVERALL GOAL: To increase the number of quality local films made.
OVERVIEW: The Kenya Film Commission in line with its mandate and function of promoting development of local content established a film empowerment program. The Commission, this year has collaborated with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German development agency that provides tailor-made, cost-efficient and effective services for sustainable development, to implement the 3rd cycle of film Empowerment programme to provide film and video-related funding in the broad categories of;
- Development Funding(of feature films, documentaries and TV Concepts);
- Production Funding (of feature films and documentaries)
- Marketing and distribution Funding.
- Emerging filmmakers Funding
Individuals, companies and organizations are required to submit funding applications to the Commission as appropriate in any of the three funding categories identified above. Specific conditions will be applicable in each funding category, and it is important for applicants to take careful note of these conditions before submitting an application.
In each category of funding, only one application per organization, individual or company will be considered. In addition to financial assistance, support mechanisms may be made available once funding is approved. Funding allocation to selected projects will vary according to the specific cash flow needs of the project.
CRITERIA: An Evaluation committee shall be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer for every cycle of the film empowerment programme to analyze and evaluate the applications and make the final decision on projects that qualify for funding as per the guidelines. The committee shall be constituted as per the relevant government guidelines.
Development Funding
The Commission will consider development as any work undertaken to put an idea or concept into writing with an intention of creating a script including research undertaken in a documentary, a short or a feature film whether fiction or real life. The Commission may also provide financial support to the development of television concepts that can be formatted, sold globally and licensed for remake rights or for syndication.
Who should apply?
Kenyan Production companies or individuals with a potential or with relevant experience and a credible track record in producing content
What are the application requirements?
For all applicants:
- Completed application form
- A covering letter of motivation
- Treatment Chain of Title and Proof of copyright in an instance where the work is not the original idea of the applicant and letters of commitment from public figures in documentaries
- Writer’s Curriculum Vitae
- Producer’s Curriculum Vitae
- Development budget which contains the following line items: Script editors; Research; Copies; Producer fee (where appropriate) – this should not exceed 10% of the total budget; Overheads which should not exceed 55% of total budget excluding the Producer fee
- Development Schedule
- Production plan
- Writers narrative treatment
- Target audience/distribution plan
- Track record of production company where applicable
- Company registration document to prove company ownership where applicable
- Proof of Kenyan identity
- Company’s Tax Compliance Certificate
TV Format applicants also require:
- Concept Outline (which contains a unique feature of concept, universal dramatic theme, international adaptation potential, the longevity of concept and legal protection or copyright)
- Format development plan
To apply for TV format Development click here
Production Funding
The strategic objective is to increase the number of Kenyan films produced.
Who should apply?
For Production Funding:
Kenyan Production companies or individuals with a potential or with relevant experience and a credible track record in producing content
What are the application requirements?
For all applicants:
- Completed application form
- A covering letter of motivation
- Proof of Kenyan identity and tax clearance certificate
- Proof of company ownership
- Declaration of any vested interest or association with other film companies or projects that have submitted applications for funding to the Commission
- Letters of distribution intent from local and/or international distributors
- Letters of support from any other stakeholders
- Details of training and empowerment components in the three phases of production: pre-production, production & post-production
- Proof of copyright clearance from Kenya
- Production plan
- Director’s treatment
Production applicants also require:
- A script that is ready to go into production
- Relevance to a Kenyan audience
- In the case of co-productions, compliance with treaty requirements
Documentary applicants also require:
- Research Report
- Outline
- Documentary script
- Artwork for marketing purposes
- Letters of commitment from public figures
Fiction applicants also require:
- A detailed budget
- A finance plan
- A detailed shooting schedule
- A marketing plan
- Proof of chain of title
To apply for production click here
Marketing and Distribution Funding
The objective of the grant is to provide financial support to filmmakers and distributors to promote their product at film markets and festivals effectively. Innovative marketing and distribution strategies will be supported.
Who can apply?
Kenyan independent filmmakers and Festival organizers who have a complete film or TV product
What are the requirements?
- Completed application form
- Company profile
- For international Festival’s attendance, a confirmed letter of invitation from the festival clearly indicating the dates and location of the festival
- Certified copies of a Kenyan ID
- Valid tax compliance certificate
- Detailed profile of applicant
- Certificate of incorporation or company registration documents
- 1 page letter of motivation
- 4 DVD copies of the film for a private screening for members of the evaluation panel
- Project synopsis
- Business plan which shows expected returns on the marketing outlay
- Proven marketing and distribution track record of the applicant
- A marketing and distribution plan with a clear targeted audience, realistic audience and a projection
- Proof of copyright ownership
- Clear linkages to other distribution formats and pathways (theatre/video/pay/public TV)
- Marketing and test screening implementation plan with an audience feedback mechanism
- Innovative marketing approaches sensitive to the target market
- Detailed proposal indicating impact of the festival, target audience, host county, target population, dates, itemized budget and activities involved.
- Realistic budget
- A letter of theatrical exhibitor with a projected initial release date if applicable
- A list of booked or anticipated counties and locations for screenings and dates
- The applicant’s plans for financing the project(s) and evidence of the existing level of the market place interest in the project.
- An itinerary with confirmed meetings will be required prior to travel for international festivals
To apply for Marketing and Festivals click here
Emerging Filmmakers Fund
The Commission established the Emerging Filmmakers fund to empower the next generation of digital storytellers, promote diverse communities and cultures as well as support independent voices from around all corners of Kenya
Who can apply?
– Filmmakers who are based in Kenya and have worked in at least one film project
– Independent filmmakers who do not own a film company
– The applicant and the key creative team must be aged between 18-35 years
– Supported projects will include short films, documentary films, and new media projects
– For this category, the Commission will fund up to a maximum of Ksh 500,000.00 for each project in either development or production of the project
What are the requirements?
- A letter of motivation
- A brief synopsis not to exceed one page
- A full itemized production/development budget in addition to the top sheet that is part of this application. The budget should not exceed Ksh 500,000.00
- A treatment or project outline (Narrative projects submit a director’s treatment and Documentaries submit a detailed outline)
- A full script for film projects
- A comprehensive production schedule
- A comprehensive distribution and marketing plan with letters of intent and commitment.
- A detailed financial plan with letters of intent or commitment from other financers where applicable.
- A summary of the work experience and/or qualifications of the key creative team.
- A copy of applicant Kenyan identity document
- Original tax Compliance certificate from KRA
To apply for Emerging Filmmakers Fund click here
All applicants shall be notified in writing of the outcome of their application and the complete list of approvals will be published.
Applicants need to fill and complete the application form and send it to fep3@filmingkenya.com
N/B: For all applications, please provide proof of internship and mentorship programme mechanism