• NEW FILMMAKER PROGRAM



Panavision® has always been a company that believes in helping students and beginning filmmakers achieve their dreams.   If a camera package is available, Panavision will often loan it to a film school or training program for little or no rental charge.  However the equipment must be insured while in the possession of the school.   Without Panavision’s generosity, students and beginning filmmakers may never have the opportunity to work with professional grade equipment until they start working in the industry.  As part of this philosophy, the New Filmmaker Program was started.



Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program is an ongoing grant program that was started over 20 years ago. Panavision believes in giving new filmmakers the opportunity to pursue their vision by donating a camera package. Without this, many young filmmakers might feel it is impossible to complete their project. Panavision has seen many filmmakers come through the program and continue on in a very successful career, and in most cases they become a regular Panavision customer. Through this program, Panavision donates the use of 16mm or 35mm motion picture camera equipment to filmmakers who are making Public Service Announcements (PSAs), Showcase Reels, “Low-Budget” Independent Features or any other type of short not-for-profit project.



The New Filmmaker Program has four 16mm and two 35mm cameras which have been set aside from the rental pool and are permanently attached to the program. Digital cameras may also be considered, based upon availability. These cameras are rotated from production to production, with time allotted for camera service and maintenance between productions.
To have your project considered for the New Filmmaker Program, you must submit a completed proposal to the program. This proposal is then reviewed and a decision is made as to whether or not the proposal meets Panavision’s standards and scheduling requirements.



When submitting your proposal you should include the following:


• Cover letter describing the status of your production, what format you intend to shoot in and a little bit about yourself. (If you are working on a thesis project for school, you             must submit a letter of reference from your professor on school letterhead.)
• Shooting schedule
• Copy of the script
• Copy of your budget
• Resumes and bios of all key people involved
• Contact information (e-mail/phone number) for all key people involved
• If you are associated with a school, include a letter of good standing on the school’s letterhead. If you are not associated with a school, please include a copy of your state ID
• Three line synopsis
• Any other material that you think will cause your proposal package to stand out (location photos, storyboards, past work, etc.)

After receiving and reviewing your proposal, we will contact you. We will respond as quickly as possible, but please allow at least three weeks for an initial response.



Some Very Important Notes



1) Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program receives more proposals than we can possibly approve. We try to accommodate as many as possible, but filmmakers must realize that this is a competitive grant program. Submitting your project will not automatically get you an equipment grant. As a result, we suggest a back-up plan.



2) GET YOUR PROPOSALS IN AT LEAST TWO MONTHS BEFORE YOU PLAN TO SHOOT! Due to the high demand for Panavision cameras and equipment, it behooves you to plan ahead and contact us early.



3) The New Filmmaker Program does not discriminate as to the nature of the project that can receive equipment grants. Any form, from experimental to documentary, from musical to traditional narrative is welcome. Unfortunately, the cameras cannot be used on productions shooting outside the United States. Customs laws make transportation of cameras out of the US prohibitive.



4) The New Filmmaker Program will not allow cameras to be used on projects that perpetuate racial or sexual stereotypes and prejudices. Pornography is absolutely unacceptable.



5) Insurance must be obtained by the filmmaker from an outside insurance agent. Students can generally have the school issue the necessary policies. This can take several weeks to accomplish, so begin the process early. The process varies from school to school, so check with your film department. Productions that are not attached to a school much obtain the necessary insurance from an independent broker. Insurance should be received two weeks prior to prep dates. EQUIPMENT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE BUILDING WITHOUT PROPER INSURANCE, NO EXCEPTIONS!



Please email your packets to:


nfp@panavision.com

Mailing Address is:

New Filmmaker Program


ATTN: Mike Dallatorre


Panavision


6219 De Soto Ave.


Woodland Hills, CA 91367



If you have any questions regarding Panavision’s New Filmmaker Program, please call 818-316-1000.