Applications are now being accepted for the second Houston Filmmaker Grant, a $30,000 matching grant for the production of a narrative feature-length commercial motion picture produced in Houston by a local filmmaker.

First-time filmmakers as well as film veterans are eligible for the program. The award will be presented to a recipient whose work shows excellence in the genres of narrative (live action or animation) production. Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM on May 1, 2015.

A grant of $20,000 is made possible through the City's Initiative Grant Program through Houston Arts Alliance. Additional grants totaling $10,000 will be provided by Houston First Corporation and Houston Film Commission.

"Every time a film or video project is produced in Houston it means jobs for local technicians and talent and contracts for vendors and support services," said Mayor Annise Parker, whose support of the film industry as an economic generator led to the grant. "Nurturing this industry is a great investment in my book.  I can't wait to see the film that is made as a result of this grant." 

The grant project is the outcome of the Mayor's film task force formed in 2012. Its first project concluded successfully in June 2014. The movie FLASHES premiered on May 8, 2014 in Houston, and is currently making the festival circuit prior to entering into a distribution agreement. This Houston Filmmaker Grant will help another emerging filmmaker who has an engaging script, and at least $30,000 in matching fund commitments in place for a feature-length motion picture in early stages of production and budgeted between $60,000 and $250,000.

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel comprised of five independent motion picture experts. Applicants will be rated on artistic and production excellence, commercial viability, and financial position. The grant recipient(s) is expected to be announced July 20, 2015, and there will be a presentation at Houston Cinema Arts Festival (November 12-19, 2015).  

"Much like filmmaking itself, the realization of the Houston Filmmaker Grant has been a truly collaborative effort," said Rick Ferguson, Executive Director of Houston Film Commission. "All the participating organizations are dedicated to the support of the local film industry as well as all aspects of Houston's arts community. A thriving film industry is a dynamic economic engine. It's simply, good business," Ferguson added.

Minnette Boesel, Mayor's Assistant of Cultural Affairs, with "Flashes" Director Amir Valinia, Producer Theta Catalon, Director of Photography Barry Strickland, and Darian Ward, Mayor's Press Secretary, at the Texas Filmmaker's Showcase special screening during  Houston Cinema Arts Festival 2013.

The project is managed by Houston Arts Alliance in collaboration with Women in Film & Television Houston, Houston Film Commission, and the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs. It is the outcome of the film task force created by Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and co-chaired by Franci Neely and Sharon Adams. Additional funding of $10,000 has again been donated by Houston First Corporation and Houston Film Commission. Co-sponsors include Houston First Corporation, Women in Film & Television Houston, and Houston Cinema Arts Society.