The CinePacks Short Film Grant is a production initiative for emerging writer-directors who have a story to tell and need the resources to tell it. One filmmaker will be selected to receive a $10,000 production grant, access to CinePacks' professional cameras and lighting packages, use of available CinePacks filming locations in Los Angeles, and direct hands-on producing support from CinePacks.

The team at CinePacks will read your script, consult on development, and come on as producers to help you make the strongest film possible with all the resources available.

Awards & Prizes

— $10,000 production grant, disbursed in agreed stages
— Hands-on producing support from Andy Chen (script consultation, shoot logistics, industry connections)
— Access to CinePacks professional cameras and lighting equipment during production
— Use of available CinePacks filming locations in the LA area
— Festival positioning and submission strategy guidance upon completion
— CinePacks platform promotion across social and community channels

Rules & Terms

— Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
— Applicant must be the sole owner and original author of the submitted script
— Applicant must be legally authorized to work in the United States
— Applicant must be the writer-director intending to direct the project
— The submitted script must be original and unproduced
— The project must be achievable for $10,000 with the provided resources
— Applicant must be available for development meetings during the grant period
— Proximity to the Los Angeles area is strongly preferred due to location and equipment access

Ineligibility:
— Current employees or immediate family members of CinePacks
— Scripts with rights not fully owned by the applicant
— Projects already in production or post-production
— Adaptations of copyrighted material without documented clearance
— Projects requiring a budget clearly in excess of $10,000 even with provided resources

SCRIPT REQUIREMENTS
— Original, unproduced screenplay in standard format (12-point Courier)
— Maximum 15 pages
— Any genre welcome: drama, thriller, horror, comedy, sci-fi, or genre hybrid
— Submitted in English or with a full English translation
— Location needs should be feasible within the LA area or available CinePacks locations
— Should not require extensive VFX or practical effects beyond the scope of the budget

REQUIRED SUBMISSION MATERIALS

1. Short Film Script: PDF, max 15 pages.

2. One PDF with the following:
a. Director's Bio + Statement: Max 500 words.
b. Creative Vision covering genre, tone, visual references, character descriptions, and comparable films.
c. Rough Budget Breakdown: Simple allocation of the $10,000 grant.
d. Work Sample: Link to at least one short film, reel, or creative project (Vimeo or YouTube).
e. Pitch Video (Optional): Max 3 minutes. Videos exceeding 3 minutes will not be reviewed.

SELECTION PROCESS
All complete applications will be reviewed by the CinePacks selection panel. A shortlist of finalists will be contacted for a brief follow-up conversation before the final decision. The selected filmmaker will be notified privately, followed by a public announcement.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
— The selected filmmaker retains full creative ownership and copyright of their film
— CinePacks receives a producing credit and the right to screen and promote the film in connection with the grant
— The grant is awarded to a single writer-director
— Co-written scripts are eligible provided the applying writer-director holds full directing rights and both writers have consented to the submission
— The $10,000 cash grant and the in-kind equipment/location access are separate; equipment and locations are provided in addition to the cash