Independent Film Initiative - Filmmaker in Residence

The Independent Film Initiative (IFI) is a program of the Chicago Film Office – Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events designed to retain, promote and provide career enhancing opportunities for local film industry professionals, media makers and affiliated creatives. The IFI Filmmaker-in-Residence program is a platform to formally support local, accomplished independent filmmakers with the aim of enhancing the viability of their careers and bringing more visibility and support to the independent filmmaking industry in Chicago.

This year-long residency provides Chicago-based film and media makers with $10,000 in funding, up to five production apprentices, industry discounts on equipment rental and permits, meeting and convening space at the Chicago Cultural Center with access to multiple downtown amenities, an advisory board comprised of experts in the independent film and broadcast field, and additional promotion, resources, and mentorship. Residents will be connected to an expert community, new collaborators, and a wider network of funders and distributors. IFI Residents will have the opportunity to meet and consult with an advisory of local and national industry professionals with expertise across all phases of the filmmaking process, including directors, producers, screenwriters, casting directors, agents, financiers, and distributors.

Eligibility: Filmmakers-in-Residence must live and work in the city of Chicago and be selected by committee from an online application. Applicants must be filmmakers who have played a principal role in a completed production (producer, writer, director, editor, etc.). Previous work samples are required and must demonstrate high technical and artistic ability. The majority of the production team must be Chicago-based. This residency is for individuals only and is not awarded to organizations, non-profits, community centers, universities or schools, or federal, state, or city agencies. In exchange, IFI Residents are required to make a public presentation of their project at the completion of the residency, participate as a lead in the Independent Producers Apprenticeship, and provide a final report and budget. All awardees must adhere to a contract with the City of Chicago and include the required credit line in all programs or printed materials describing the funded project.