How to Apply

Through the Media Fund, PIC provides up to $65,000 to nonfiction projects of half an hour or an hour in length that are in the production or post-production phases. To ensure your project is qualified for funding, please make sure to review the criteria outlined on the Media Fund page.

The following is an updated list with descriptions of the application materials that are required with your application. Please make sure to read all the information thoroughly as a few things have changed.

APPLICATION PORTAL

Our Fall 2024 Open Call is now CLOSED. Our next call will open in Spring 2025.

This is a combined Media Fund/Shorts Fund call. When you access our application portal, simply choose which fund you'll be applying to. PIC opens these combined calls twice a year--once in the spring, and once in the fall.

We encourage interested applicants to read through the following sections to learn more about project qualifications, applicant eligibility, what we are looking for, what to expect during the application review, and funding terms.

Through our online application portal, you’ll be able to access the application form, upload required materials, save drafts, and return to submit when you're ready.

IMPORTANT: Please remember that applicants must be the copyright holder of the proposed project.

The following is a list of materials that are required for your application submission.

Please be sure to read through this list carefully as it is your responsibility to make sure you submit the following required materials, failure to do so will result in disqualification.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

The following is a list of materials you'll need to upload to our online application portal.

We suggest reviewing this application checklist and preparing materials well in advance of the deadline.

Your applications will be carefully reviewed by our Independent Review Panel, which is time intensive. For this reason, we ask that you heed the word and page limitations when specified. We can’t guarantee that any additional pages beyond the listed maximum amount will be read.

Items with an asterisk (*) are requred for all applicants.

1. Project Description*

Include the following:

Short Summary/Synopsis (125 words max): What is your story about? Give an overview of your story, introducing the main characters and themes or issues your story covers. This should only be an overview as you’ll be able to expand on this in your treatment (see section below).
Project Status (125 words max): Include a brief summary of the status of your project.
Treatment (2000 words max): What is your story and your story structure from beginning to end including plot points, narrative trajectory, main characters and character arcs. Also include the length of your project (26:46, 56:46 or other) and describe the theme, format and point of view through which the story will be told.
Filmmaker’s Statement (250 words max): Explain why you want to tell this story, what your connection is to the story and why you feel you’re the best person to tell this story. Please include your access to the story and characters.
Topic Summary (250 words max): Detail the topics, issues, themes, challenges, stakes, or questions that your project will cover. Describe why this topic is important, timely or relevant to Pacific Islanders. Explain the cultural and/or social relevance and context for the topic.
Artistic Approach (250 words max): Explain how you intend to tell this story. Describe your creative vision for the finished project - its visual look and feel. Explain your intended use of cinematic language or any particular artistic approach that informs the storytelling. If applicable, mention any creative elements, new technologies or non-traditional mediums that you intend to utilize. Explain how these elements will enhance the experience and interaction between viewer and the world of the story.

The Independent Review Panel will evaluate your Project Description based on:

The clarity of your summary and treatment, and whether the storyline is clearly delineated. Whether you were able to demonstrate exceptional storytelling with a clear narrative structure. If the story compelling with well-developed characters and if there’s enough tension or drama to engage viewers.
How well you demonstrated sensitivity and understanding toward Pacific Islander culture and people. Whether the story is an accurate and authentic representation of the Pacific Islanders and the Pacific Islander experience. As well as if you were able to demonstrate adequate access to the story and characters.
If the subject matter/topic are original, an untold story or a story told in a new and innovative approach. If the theme is well-articulated. Whether the story, as presented in the project description, is timely and relevant to Pacific Islander communities as well as other BIPOC communities.

2. Work-In-Progress (WIP)*

For Production applications: your WIP should be a trailer or a string out of scene selects.
For Post-Prodcution applications: your WIP should be a rough cut or fine cut.
In both instances, you'll be required to provide a short description, in the corresponding field within the online application form, of what your WIP represents and any details that panelists should consider when viewing.
Provide us a link and password to view your WIP, however, this file must be downloadable (1GB or less) and must be available throughout the duration of application review.

The Independent Review Panel will evaluate your WIP based on:

The production value, character presentation and visual style.
The storytelling ability of key creative personnel.
How well the WIP represents the idea and concept of the proposed project.

3. Detailed Project Timeline*

Note: maximum of 2 pages in length, any additional pages may not be read.

Upload one document (.doc, .docx or .pdf file) that includes:

An explanation of your film's current status, what work has been completed thus far and what work is left to do.
A detailed timeline from beginning to completion that includes both the creative and production processes and should detial major project activities, production schedules, and anticipated post-produciton and release dates.
If you have previously applied to the Media Fund, please share how your project has progressed since the last time you applied.

The Independent Review Panel will evaluate your Detailed Project Timeline based on:

How realistic and reasonable the project timeline is based on its current status.
The relevancy of the timeline to the type of project proposed.
How likely the project will be completed if awarded PIC funds.

4. Detailed Budget*

Note: use of the PIC budget template is required and can be downloaded here.

Upload your Detailed Budget as an .xls, .xlsx file, DO NOT convert your budget template as a PDF file.

Your detailed budget should include:

Income you’ve already secured and expenses (both past and future) for the entire project.
Details appropriate to the scope of your project and be broken down by category and line item.
Reasonable and necessary equipment/software purchases may be included as part of the proposal and budget; however, all intended equipment/software purchases must be delineated in the proposed budget and may not total more than $500 of PIC funds.
Only expenses for the creation of your film should be included; items and activities regarding festivals and screenings should not be included.
PIC funding can be used for promotional expenses but should not exceed $1,000 in total. Aside from this allowance, there should not be any other promotional expenses.
In kind services and equipment are allowed in your budget but should be capped to 15% of the total budget.
DO NOT upload a PDF file.

The Independent Review Panel will evaluate your Detailed Budget based on:

How realistic and reasonable the budget is.
The relevancy of the budget to the scope and type of project proposed.
How likely the project will be completed on budget.

5. Fundraising Strategy and Grant Impact*

Note: maximum of 500 words

Include the following:

Fundraising Strategy: you can request up to $65,000 from PIC. If you need to raise more than the amount requested to complete your project, please describe the strategy for raising additional funds. Be specific.
Funding Secured to Date: provide a list of all sources and amounts secured to date. Distinguish between potential sources of funding and secured amounts. List the status of other sources of funding currently under consideration.
Grant Impact: should you receive PIC funding, describe how granted funds would be spent and how the amount requested would help you move your project forward.

The Independent Review Panel will evaluate your Fundraising Strategy and Grant Impact Plan based on:

Whether your fundraising plan is clear and concrete.
The probability of raising the amount needed, aside from PIC funding.
The reasonability of how you plan to spend PIC funds and whether it will effectively move the project forward.

6. Previously Completed Work*

Your Previousy Completed Work should be a previously completed work of your own, the applicant, and should be similar to your proposed project. Please remember that your eligibility is partly based on whether you have completed a full length documentary of your own. See other eligibility requirements on the Media Fund page.
In addition to uploading your Previously Completed Work, you'll be required to provide a short description, in the corresponding field within the online application form, of what your Previously Completed Work represents, who were the key creatives and any details that panelists should consider when viewing.
Provide us a link and password to view your Previously Completed Work, however, this file must be downloadable (1GB or less) and must be available throughout the duration of application review.

The Independent Review Panel will evaluate your Sample Work based on:

The production value, character presentation and visual style.
The storytelling ability of key creative personnel.
How well the story progressed (narrative arc).
How well the Sample Work indicates success for the proposed project.

7. Key Creative Personnel*

Upload one document (.doc, .docx or .pdf file) that includes:

A list of your Key Creative Personnel (executive producer, director, producer, writer, cinematographer or editor) including names, relevant expertise, roles on the proposed project and brief bios. Include notable credits and/or major recognition or award information. You can also include advisors, cultural or otherwise.
Letters of commitment for main characters and key creative personnel you have secured. If you don't have letters of commitment for some of your main characters or key creative personnel, please make note of that and explain where in the process you are in securing them.

The Independent Review Panel will evaluate your Key Creative Personnel based on:

Your Key Creative Personnel's experience to effectively accomplish the proposed project.
The amount of Pacific Islander representation in key personnel positions.
Your access to the story and main character(s).

8. Audience and Distribution*

Note: maximum of 500 words

Include the following:

Intended Audience: describe the anticipated audience for your project, include any underserved audiences, and how your project will serve the needs of Pacific Islander communities. Also describe how your project will appeal to a national and global audience. Explain how you plan to reach these audiences.
Distribution: specify your festival, theatrical, community engagement and broader distribution plans for your project.
Promotion: describe how you intend to build a following and audience and what your promotional plan is, include social media and traditional media, if applicable.
Engagement & Social Impact: audience engagement is a strategy designed to activate audiences and constituencies toward specific goals. Not all films are suited for social engagement, but if yours is, what actions do you hope for viewers to take after seeing your film? Potential activities could include organizational partnerships, viewer or educational guides, social change campaigns, multi-platform activities, etc. What are your current or intended partnerships with organizations in your issue area?

The Independent Review Panel will evaluate your Audience, Distribution, Promotion & Engagement Plan based on:

The potential for your project to appeal to a wide and diverse audience.
How clearly you identified target and Pacific Islander audiences and how well your project will serve the needs of these audiences.
The effectiveness of your distribution and promotional plan to reach your audiences.
The potential for the project to affect social change, be a two-way conversation with viewers and target communities, and the appropriateness of your project for public media.

9. Training Plan*

Note: maximum of 250 words

One of PIC's priorities is to support and nurture future indigenous Pacific Islander media makers through the projects that we fund and therefore, we require our projects to include meaningful and long lasting training and mentorship opportunities.

Include the following:

A detailed plan to provide specific training opportunities for emerging indigenous Pacific Islander filmmakers, talent and technical crew (e.g. actors, cinematographer, editor, etc.)
Specific plans for where and how you will recruit talent and what your access is to these communities.
Your experience with mentorship and training. You can also include someone on your key creative team who will be responsible for mentorship and training.

The Independent Review Panel will evaluate your Training Plan based on:

The effectiveness of your plan to provide Pacific Islanders with experience that will help build their careers.
How well your training plan demonstrates a familiarity with Pacific Islander communities.
The production team’s previous experience with mentoring or training others.

For questions contact Kainoa Rudolfo (krudolfo@piccom.org), (808) 591-0059, ext. 160.

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