VERMONT FILM PRODUCTION

Economic Impact Pilot Program

• Submission Window: June 15 – July 21, 2026

• Final Selections Announced: August 1, 2026

Launched by Film in Vermont and Vermont Production Collective, this data-driven pilot program is designed to fund Vermont film projects in order to nurture local filmmaking while directly stimulating our state’s creative economy and tracking the impact of making films here.

This targeted grant program is designed with a dual purpose: to bring compelling, local stories to life and to directly stimulate and measure the economic impact of film production within the state.

Rooted in fiscal responsibility and transparency, filmmakers will document local labor wages, in-state vendor spending (including lodging, food, and transportation), and the specific geographic regions impacted by their production. This aggregated data will be used to demonstrate the industry’s value to key stakeholders and economic development partners.

PROGRAM & FUNDING OVERVIEW

We are offering a total pool of $50,000 in direct project funding
to support 5 to 7 Vermont-specific film projects.

Maximum Award per Project: Up to $10,000.

Judging Criteria

While all eligible submissions will be evaluated, projects will be evaluated with the following criteria:

Economic Impact Potential (40%):
- Clear plan to hire primarily Vermont-based cast & crew.
- Budget leverages Vermont vendors for equipment, catering, lodging, and transportation.
- The grant award is spent efficiently within the state to maximize local dollar circulation.
Vermont Identity & Locations (20%)
- Project is primarily filmed in Vermont, utilizing the state’s unique landscapes or communities.
- Project films in rural or underrepresented regions of the state.
Workforce & Talent Development (20%)
- Project contributes to year-round creative employment for the local creative workforce, with crew primarily made up of Vermont professionals.
Project Feasibility & Reporting (20%)
- Clear, documented production plan and realistic timeline.
- Applicant demonstrates capacity and willingness to submit the provided economic footprint report within 60 days of completion.
- Team has the experience to move the project through post-production to create a marketable film asset.

Accountability & Reporting

Because this pilot program is rooted in fiscal responsibility, transparency, and data-driven outcomes, every funded project must submit an Detailed Expense Report to track production costs within 60 days of wrap (template can be provided if needed). This tracking ensures we can deliver aggregate data back to our stakeholders.

Your project will be required to document and report:

Local Labor: Total number of Vermont cast/crew hired and total wages paid to residents.
Local Spending: In-state vendors utilized, alongside tracked expenses for lodging, food, transportation, and equipment.
Geographic Footprint: The specific towns and regions where spending occurred and/or locations for production.
In-State Percentage: The exact percentage of grant funds directly spent in Vermont and total amount in your production budget.

HOW TO APPLY

Ready to showcase Vermont’s incredible locations, cultural identity, and creative talent?