On September 24th, during Fantastic Fest, it was announced that The Transgender Film Center was partnering with Duplass Brothers Productions to create the Found Footage Feature Fund. This will be a $25,000 grant for trans filmmakers developing independent feature films.
After some backlash, co-founder Mark Duplass (“The Morning Show“) felt the need to address these ignorant comments about the trans community.
“For those of you who have responded negatively to this initiative, thank you for confirming the need to support the voices of those who merely wish to exist without discrimination,” Duplass posted on social media. “I’ll see you at the movies!”
The Found Footage Feature Fund
The Found Footage Feature Fund is designed to finance a micro-budget production in its entirety. Under the conditions that the film be completed within a year, with no additional development deals. Despite Duplass making a name for themselves in horror, this will be open to all genres. The project just has to be found footage, archival, collage, or similar, and obviously, created by a trans person.
In addition to the $25,000, the winner will get private consultation sessions from Duplass and Patrick Brice (“Creep”). The Transgender Film Center will also provide submission waivers to some festivals, like Fantastic Fest. Alongside two script consultations from Kevin Nicklaus, fifteen days of post-production services via Aesthetica Post, a marketing and deck strategy session, and ongoing support via email.
“The Found Footage Feature Fund is about meeting the moment with clarity and action,” explains Sav Rodgers, executive director of the Transgender Film Center. “We’re thrilled to partner with Mark and the Duplass Brothers team to support independent storytellers who are ready to do the work, leverage their resources, and get their films made. This is about empowering trans filmmakers to make something bold and real without waiting for permission.”
“Sav Rodgers and I became friendly over the past few years, and once I discovered the incredible work he’s been doing with the Transgender Film Center, I just knew that Duplass Brothers had to find a way to support and get involved,” said Duplass about the fund. “I’m so thrilled to bring our micro-budget found footage experience, and some of my ‘The Morning Show’ cash, to the table and see what we can do together.”
Applications for the Found Footage Feature Fund will open on October 23rd and close on November 7th. The winner will be selected sometime in December. We will all those applying the best of luck!
