Applications for Milwaukee Film’s 2021 Brico Forward Fund are officially open, the cultural non-profit announced on Friday. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s growing film industry, the organization encourages filmmakers to apply for the annual granting program that supports local film projects with cash awards and sponsor-donated production resources.
The Brico Forward Fund was established to put funding into the local film industry. Since the program’s inception in 2015, more than $950,000 in combined cash and donated production services have been awarded to 73 jury-selected projects. The 2021 program will award at least $100,000 in cash, as well as additional resources, such as lighting and camera rentals, post-production and sound work, and legal services. Whether paying for crew, hiring editors, or renting equipment, its purpose is to directly support creative minds and their projects.
“As productions start up following the various shutdowns caused by COVID-19, the kind of support the Brico Forward Fund provides is vital,” said Cara Ogburn, artistic director at Milwaukee Film. “We remain committed to investing in and showcasing local film projects and retaining local talent.”
As they have served since the program’s inception, the Brico Fund returns in 2021 as lead funder for this program.
Applicants must reside and/or employed in one of the M7 counties (Milwaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha, Racine, Ozaukee, Walworth, or Washington) and will be required to summarize their film project in production or development, offer a work sample and budget, and outline what resources would help push their project forward. All applicants must be 18 years of age or over.
An external, independent jury of film industry professionals will consider applications, identify awardees, and build award packages to suit each winning project’s needs.
The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12, and winners will be announced by Friday, Nov. 5. More information on the Brico Forward Fund, including the official application, is available at mkefilm.org/brico.
Posted by: Tom Fuchs