Diverse Stories From The Field

By Danielle Orange

Starting a new project can be daunting for even the most veteran of filmmakers. From research and development to acquiring archival footage, where does one begin? The answers may lie in ITVS’s Diversity Development Fund, which provides you seed funding for all of the above and more.

Hear from our filmmakers on how the Diversity Development Fund was essential in getting their projects off of the ground.

“I love working with ITVS because of the focus on authentic storytelling from new perspectives. As a new(ish) filmmaker at the time, there was a lot of learning that occurred throughout the process of applying for and receiving DDF funds. ITVS staff had been very helpful in my growth and continue to be as I further develop new projects for public television. “ Sergio M. Rapu, Director of Eating Up Easter

“The biggest bit of advice I can give to filmmakers who are looking for support through the DDF, is to show your passion for the story in the application. Whatever it is you’re feeling about the story you are about to tell, maybe you’re outraged or proud or angry. Let that emotion and passion seep into the pages. Tell them what you can see as you begin your story. Tell them about the voices that you are elevating. If you can bring them into that story with you, they will invest in you, your story and your passion. The Diversity Development Fund was instrumental in helping us to see our new project come to life. We were able to begin shooting and really delve into the essential research that a project like ours requires. Because of DDF, we will have the visual start to our story – so that we can find additional support and funding for our film and see it to completion.” Ramona Emerson, Director of Crossing the Line 

“ITVS DDF provided much needed support for us during development when funding was hard to come by. I appreciate their commitment to support makers and stories from underrepresented communities.” S. Leo Chiang, Director of Out Run

“The DDF funds from ITVS were awarded when we were transitioning from pre-production into production. It not only enabled us to maintain momentum on the project at a critical moment, but it introduced us to the ITVS family where the film would eventually find its home.” Kahlil Hudson, Director of Wildland