Story Fund

Examples include:

• Travel

• Production expenses

• Gear rentals

• Permits

• Post-production

• Archival licensing

• Music licensing

• Crew stipends

• Festival submission fees

Recipients maintain full ownership of their work.

We welcome applications from:

• Emerging filmmakers

• Artists and creatives exploring film as a medium

• Independent storytellers

• First-time directors

• Documentary filmmakers

• Experimental filmmakers

Applicants must be:

• 18 years or older

• Based in the United States (or specify if international applicants are welcome)

We are less interested in polished pitches and more interested in genuine creative conviction.

We want to support projects that:

• Explore a compelling idea, person, place, or experience.

• Demonstrate a strong personal connection to the story.

• Show creative vision and originality.

• Can realistically be advanced with the support of a $1,000 grant.

• Align with the Open Studios mission.

Questions applicants should consider:

• Why does this story matter to you?

• Why does it matter now?

• What impact do you hope it will have?

• What makes this project unforgettable?

In addition to the $1,000 grant, recipients receive:

• Feature on Open Studios platforms

• Mentorship and project feedback

• Access to the Open Studios creative community

• Opportunity to share project updates throughout production

• Premiere showcase through Open Studios channels

Within six months of receiving the grant, recipients will provide:

• A completed film, teaser, or work-in-progress update

• Behind-the-scenes imagery or documentation

• A short reflection on the creative process and how the grant impacted the project

To apply for the Open Studios Story Fund, applicants must submit a $10 application fee. 100% of submission fees go directly into the Story Fund. Open Studios does not retain any portion of these fees for administrative costs. Our goal is to create a community-supported funding model where creators directly invest in the next great story. Whether selected or not, every applicant contributes to helping an independent filmmaker or storyteller bring a story to life. All applications will be reviewed to ensure the submission fee has been received. Applications submitted without a completed payment will be considered incomplete and will not be eligible for review.

SUBMISSION FEE PAYMENT LINK: https://www.openstudios.co/submission-fee