THE ROY W. DEAN SHORT FILM GRANT
FOR NARRATIVE SHORT FILMS THAT ARE UNIQUE AND MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY
The Grant Application is Now Closed. Check back in 2026!
THE ROY W. DEAN SHORT FILM GRANT
FOR NARRATIVE SHORT FILMS THAT ARE UNIQUE AND MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY
Open to Filmmakers from Any Country
Winner Receives a Check for $3000!
$15,000+ in Services and Discounts
Free Consultation to Review Application
THE SHORT FILM GRANT GRANT WILL REOPEN IN 2026
For over 30 years, the Roy W. Dean Grant funds independent films that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without its help, might otherwise never get made.
OPEN TO NARRATIVE SHORT FILMS – LIVE ACTION OR ANIMATED
Finalists for the 2025 Grant will be announced in August, and the Winner in September
WATCH OUR 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY VIDEO!
ELIGIBILITY
- Narrative Short Films Only
- Must be Under 40 Minutes in Length
- Open to Filmmakers from Any Country
- For Any Phase of Production from Development to Post-Production
- Live Action or Animated
Want to Learn More? Read the GRANT FAQS
AWARD
A $3,000.00 Check from From the Heart Productions
Sponsored by Sonny Fassoulis
DISCOUNTS AND FREE SERVICES
- $3,000.00 in music and audio services from well-known composer David Raiklen
- $6,000.00 in animation from Emmy award winner Charlie Canfield. This is 1/3 off normal price for 6 weeks of animation
- $500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools
- Free Consultation from Tom Malloy of Glass House Distribution on distribution of your film
- $1,400 value (4 hours of sound mix session) from Silver Sound
- $600.00 for your Free Closed Captioning by Cineprosmedia
- $117.00 TriLens holder from Frii Designs
- 25% off legal work from Mark Litwak
- 25% off Pitch Deck and/or Website Design from Adam Heyes
- $110.00 Session for free from Breianne Pryse to clear and strengthen energy, get clarity and dissolve blocks
- 50% off the cost of 8 sessions over four month training in the Intentional Filmmaking class. https://fromtheheartproductions.com/intentional-filmmaking//
- Contact our insurance agent Debbie West at MovieInsure for excellent prices on all film insurance needs.
PAST WINNERS!
The $500 Britt Penrod Award will be granted to an additional film that is unique and that makes an exceptional contribution to society.
“The Roy W. Dean Grant gave me the push I needed to continue on my journey and complete my film. It is an invaluable resource and award for any filmmaker faced with the enormous financial burden of finishing a feature length film. I couldn’t be more appreciative of the continuous support of Carole Dean and the various partners and artists who contribute to the RWD grant.”
– CATHRYNE CZUBEK
Director, “A Girl and a Gun”
2010 Roy W. Dean Grant Winner
APPLICATION INFO
APPLICATION FEE: $38
STUDENT FEE: $28
*Must have Student ID
All applicants will receive a FREE 15 Minute Consultation with Grant Director / Producer Carole Dorothy Joyce to discuss your application!
Consultations will take place after finalists have been announced.
Items to submit (upload) on your application:
- Cover Letter
- Proposal (for documentaries) or Synopsis (for shorts or features)
- Marketing/Distribution/Social Media Plan
- Crew Information
- Budget (or Estimate)
- Sample Work: Provide a URL to a video of your trailer or prior work (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.)
Project Proposal and Synopsis Guidelines
Submit a written proposal. For short films, we want a one page synopsis (or outline) of the film and the first 10 pages of your script.
Please be sure also include the following:
- Style, format and approach to the material, including any distinct visual or technical elements.
- What are your plans for distribution?
- Are you the producer, director, what?
- How is this project unique and how does this project benefit society?
- What is your relationship to the material?
- List name and position of proposed key production personnel (producer, director, cinematographer, editor, etc.) and their relevant experience or credits.
Sample Work(s) Guidelines
All Roy W. Dean Grant applications must be accompanied by a sample of applicant’s previously completed work via URL to an online video (Vimeo, YouTube, etc).
We need to see what you have made and what your vision is for your proposed or current film. If you do not have a prior work, submit one from a key member on your crew.
OTHER GRANTS
2025 ROY W. DEAN SUMMER GRANT – OPEN NOW
Application Deadline: June 30th
For documentaries, feature narratives, shorts, and series that are unique and make a contribution to society.
$3,500 Cash and $20K+ in Services and Discounts.
2025 CAROLE DOROTHY JOYCE STUDENT GRANT – OPEN NOW
Application Deadline: November 30th
A grant just for student filmmakers!
For any kind of film, either live action or animated.
$3,000 Cash and $10K+ in Services and Discounts.
