FY2024 Global Media Makers

Background
The Office of Citizen Exchanges of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is announcing an open competition for the FY2024 Global Media Makers (GMM) program. The program aims to conduct a professional development program for film and television content creators from participating countries to enhance their skills and support local creative economies. The program seeks to elevate influential voices that are building resilient civil societies by using film and television content to address critical local issues including, but not limited to, the climate crisis, democratic governance, freedom of expression, pluralism, tolerance, women’s and youth empowerment.

Grant Details
The FY 2024 GMM program will connect up to 50 mid-career film and television professionals with professionals from the U.S. entertainment industry who will facilitate behind-the-scenes access, bolster Fellows’ technical skills and creative content development, and build the foundations for lasting professional networks. Fellows will travel to the United States for a four-to-six-week residency in Los Angeles (L.A.) to work on projects with a team of mentors to receive state-of-the-art-training and industry access to support conceptual development of independent, authentic, and compelling content for distribution in the Fellows’ home countries.
The program will refine storytelling techniques, establish professional networks, expand business skills by offering training in development, financing, distribution, and promotion. The program will provide substantial creative, technical, and business insight for Fellows and includes ongoing counsel and support by Mentors after Fellows return to their home countries.

Eligibility Requirements
U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) are eligible to submit proposals for this grant opportunity.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is from September 1, 2024, to December 21, 2026.

Grant Value
$1,550,000 is the approximate total funding available for this grant opportunity. Only one award is anticipated with an approximate average award amount of $1,550,000.

Place of Performance
The primary location for the program activities will be Los Angeles (L.A.), with possible activities taking place in other areas of the United States with a significant film and television industry presence.