Sacramento grants available to support local film production
The City of Sacramento’s Film + Media office now is accepting applications for its film grant, which works to sustain and foster growth in film and television production in the city of Sacramento.
The film grant program, now in its fourth year, is funded by Measure U funds.
“We are dedicated to nurturing local talent and supporting the growth of film and television production in our city,” said Sacramento Film Commissioner Jennifer West. “Apply now and bring your creative vision to life in the heart of the capital.”
Applications close May 15. Three production grants of $10,000 and one post-production grant of $5,000 will be awarded in this round.
Funds can be used to help subsidize permit fees, reduce the costs of safety personnel and reimburse qualified expenses for production companies, when they occur in the city of Sacramento.
The film-incentive grant program, which launched in 2021, has allocated more than $135,000 for 20 grants to support locally shot productions. The recipients of the grants represent an array of storylines with diverse cast and crews.
Funding is available to productions filming at least 50% of their project in the Sacramento region with at least two locations in the city of Sacramento. This grant is also open to productions where 75% of post-production is done in the city of Sacramento.
Eligible productions include feature length films, short films, episodic television, television pilots, television movies/miniseries, documentaries, docuseries, commercials, music videos, and unscripted television.
Grant applications will be reviewed and scored by a panel consisting of staff, film industry peers, and economic development professionals.
To review eligibility and guidelines, and to apply, please visit the Sacramento Film + Media grants website.
About Sacramento Film + Media
Sacramento Film + Media office provides essential services to those interested in filming in the Sacramento area. The office works to leverage regional location assets, strengthen local crews, assist local filmmakers and attract out-of-town productions.
Sacramento Film + Media carries out film permitting and provides location assistance, production information, ordinance and regulatory information, internships and grant opportunities.
Thirteen film permits have been issued in 2024. Even with union strikes in the film industry, the Film Office issued 73 permits in 2023 for 161 days of filming. This resulted in 411 local hires, 836 hotel nights and had a direct economic impact of over $2 million.
The office is also currently working to bring more filming to the region by creating a $250,000 film and media rebate program for large independent films, commercials and television projects.
Photo credit: Evan Teed on set of previously awarded grantee filmmaker D’Adonis Moquette.
