It’s lights, camera and action in Sacramento as the City of Sacramento’s Film + Media office has awarded nine grants to filmmakers through its film incentive program.
The pilot film incentive program, funded by Measure U funds, launched in October 2021 and aims to sustain and foster growth in film and television production in the city of Sacramento.
“I am thrilled that these incentives are supporting filmmakers, many of whom are local, to produce films right here in Sacramento,” said Sacramento Film Commissioner Jennifer West. “Lifting up local voices and supporting productions with riveting and diverse stories and characters is vital to creating a thriving film and media economy in Sacramento.”
The recipients of the grants represent an array of storylines with diverse casting and crews. Here are a few of the grant recipients along with a brief description of their creations:
- Digital Curanderas Productions is creating a short film “Do Digital Curanderas Use Eggs in Their Limpias?” The film is produced by the Sundance Institute’s Indigenous Film Fellowship and features Indigenous, Chicano, queer and transgender themes, cast and crew.
- Orchard Fort is producing a television series titled “Staffed,” which is a work-place comedy about an immigrant-owner of a staffing agency who is trying to keep his rural American town relevant in the gig economy.
- Emend the Mass Media Group is producing a docuseries “Reparations Now! The Docuseries” that covers the topic of reparations for Black American descendants.
“We are so very excited to be a part of Sacramento’s growing film and television production community, and the grant program has made a significant impact on our ability to shoot locally,” said grant recipient and local filmmakers Gonzo and Graham of Orchard Fort. “From costumes to craft services, transportation, manufacturing, to lodging, there’s hardly a business segment untouched by the film and television community. We look forward to a bright, creative future right here in our own backyard.”
Seven of the projects received production grants at $5,000 each and 2 received post-production grants at $2,500.
Film incentive applications are currently being accepted.
There are a total of three rounds to apply for the incentive grants, the third and final round is now open through May 15. Grant applications are reviewed by staff and scored by panel consisting of industry peers and economic development professionals.
To review eligibility and guidelines, and to apply, please visit the Film + Media grants website.
See a full listing of awardees on the Film Office’s website.
Photo credit: James Thorton III on set of “Staffed.”