3 answers
Luke
Student
Traverse City, Michigan
4
Questions
Updated
247 views
How can I get funding for a high school student run TV show? #Spring2024
I am a 16 year old making a TV sitcom set in the early 1950s. Our theatre department, which I am involved in, has costumes and props, but I need money to build the sets. How should a high schooler get funding for such a big project?
Login to comment
3 answers
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
158
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Hi Luke,
That is a great question and a wonderful idea!
1. Look for grants- this is something you may need help with a teacher to apply to or sign off on. Grants involve sending an application and providing information on how much funding you need and what you need it for. If you receive a grant you will have to provide proof of how you used the funding. These can take some time so depending on how quickly you need the money it may not come soon enough.
2. Do a fundraiser. You can have a few different fundraisers to raise the funds.
3. Get a business sponsor. Reach out to some local businesses to sponsor the funds or to provide the materials needed.
4. Reach out to local theatre/art councils. See if they can help with the funds or provide options.
Best of luck! Hope this helps!
That is a great question and a wonderful idea!
1. Look for grants- this is something you may need help with a teacher to apply to or sign off on. Grants involve sending an application and providing information on how much funding you need and what you need it for. If you receive a grant you will have to provide proof of how you used the funding. These can take some time so depending on how quickly you need the money it may not come soon enough.
2. Do a fundraiser. You can have a few different fundraisers to raise the funds.
3. Get a business sponsor. Reach out to some local businesses to sponsor the funds or to provide the materials needed.
4. Reach out to local theatre/art councils. See if they can help with the funds or provide options.
Best of luck! Hope this helps!
Thank you for the quick feedback. Do you have any suggestions on specific grants that you know of?
Thank you so much,
Luke
Luke
https://www.gtrcf.org/ The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation would be a good place to start!
Megan McCoy
Thank you for the specific grant suggestion, I will check it out!
Luke
Luke
Michael Slansky
Project Management
7
Answers
Winter Garden, Florida
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Getting funding for a high school student-run TV show can be a challenge, but there are several options to explore.
To start with, make sure you have the following:
1 - A clear, well-written proposal outlining your project's goals, budget, and benefits
2 - A detailed budget breakdown
3 - A plan for how you'll use the funds
4 - A strong pitch and presentation to showcase your project's value
To get funding you can explore the following:
1. **School Administration**: Approach your school's administration, such as the principal or a teacher that you think would be willing to assist, to see if they can provide funding or resources for your TV show. They may be able to allocate funds from the school's budget or connect you with local organizations that can help.
2. **Grants**: Research and apply for grants specifically designed for student-led projects, media arts, or educational initiatives. Some examples include:
* National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants
* Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) Grants
* National Science Foundation (NSF) Grants (if your show focuses on STEM topics)
3. **Local Businesses and Sponsorships**: Reach out to local businesses, especially those that cater to your target audience (e.g., restaurants, coffee shops entertainment venues). They may be interested in sponsoring your show or providing funding in exchange for promotional opportunities.
4. **Crowdfunding**: Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe can be effective for raising funds from many people. Create a compelling campaign with rewards for contributors and share it with your social networks.
5. **PTSA/PTO**: Your school's Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) or Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) may be able to provide funding or connect you with local organizations that can help.
6. **Community Organization: Look for local organizations that support youth development, arts, or education. They may offer funding, resources, or mentorship for your project.
7. **Corporate Partnerships**: Reach out to companies that align with your show's values or target audience. They may be interested in partnering with you to promote their brand or products.
8. **Fundraising Events**: Organize fundraising events, such as bake sales, car washes, or benefit concerts, to raise money for your TV show.
9. **Apply for Awards**: Look for awards or competitions that recognize student-led media projects. Winning an award can not only provide funding but also recognition and credibility for your show.
Remember to stay organized, persistent, and open to feedback throughout the funding process. Good luck with your TV show!
To start with, make sure you have the following:
1 - A clear, well-written proposal outlining your project's goals, budget, and benefits
2 - A detailed budget breakdown
3 - A plan for how you'll use the funds
4 - A strong pitch and presentation to showcase your project's value
To get funding you can explore the following:
1. **School Administration**: Approach your school's administration, such as the principal or a teacher that you think would be willing to assist, to see if they can provide funding or resources for your TV show. They may be able to allocate funds from the school's budget or connect you with local organizations that can help.
2. **Grants**: Research and apply for grants specifically designed for student-led projects, media arts, or educational initiatives. Some examples include:
* National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants
* Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) Grants
* National Science Foundation (NSF) Grants (if your show focuses on STEM topics)
3. **Local Businesses and Sponsorships**: Reach out to local businesses, especially those that cater to your target audience (e.g., restaurants, coffee shops entertainment venues). They may be interested in sponsoring your show or providing funding in exchange for promotional opportunities.
4. **Crowdfunding**: Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or GoFundMe can be effective for raising funds from many people. Create a compelling campaign with rewards for contributors and share it with your social networks.
5. **PTSA/PTO**: Your school's Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) or Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) may be able to provide funding or connect you with local organizations that can help.
6. **Community Organization: Look for local organizations that support youth development, arts, or education. They may offer funding, resources, or mentorship for your project.
7. **Corporate Partnerships**: Reach out to companies that align with your show's values or target audience. They may be interested in partnering with you to promote their brand or products.
8. **Fundraising Events**: Organize fundraising events, such as bake sales, car washes, or benefit concerts, to raise money for your TV show.
9. **Apply for Awards**: Look for awards or competitions that recognize student-led media projects. Winning an award can not only provide funding but also recognition and credibility for your show.
Remember to stay organized, persistent, and open to feedback throughout the funding process. Good luck with your TV show!
Thank you so much for the detailed advice. I will definitely look into some of your suggestions.
Thanks,
Luke
Luke
These are really excellent suggestions! I'm saving for myself! :)
Larry Richards
Hank Isaac
Writer/Director
38
Answers
Ocean Shores, Washington
Updated
Hank’s Answer
Luke,
It's a little hard to give a really accurate answer because a lot depends on the level of funding you need. That almost always determines which funding methods will likely work and which will just chew up time.
It also depends on whether the whole thing is just 𝘺𝘰𝘶 or whether you have a team -- even a small one.
Michael & Megan have some good suggestions. You might also try some of the online platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo and Seed&Spark (a good one). If you're under 18, you'll likely need to get a parent or guardian to do the actual sign-up. Grants may be a way but they often have one-year (or longer) cycles. But with crowdfunding platforms, it's rarely "build it and they will come." You will need to campaign the heck out of it and drag friends, family, and pretty much anyone else to the crowdfunding site.
No matter what you do, if you need serious coin, you will want to assemble a "business plan" which outlines how you plan to spend everyone's money.
Among other things, you'll need to answer the questions: "Why should I invest in your show? Where will the show be produced? Do you have a sample of a show episode (or even just a teaser)? What's in it for me? Who is working on the show? Who are the actors?"
Being a "student" may be a partial draw for money from the benevolent sector but it's a lot of footwork to get just a few dollars.
Where will people view the show? YouTube? The series own website? Vimeo?
Will the show make money to pay back investors or do you imagine the funding will be more-or-less "donations?"
If you're game, go after the "high rollers" like doctors, dentists, corporate CEOs. But be totally prepared to tell them why they would be foolish to pass up this opportunity. While being totally humble, of course.
/h
Outstanding website for the show.
Sample episode or teaser.
Pilot teleplay for the series.
Freebees: Equipment, studio time, production design, filming crew?
It's a little hard to give a really accurate answer because a lot depends on the level of funding you need. That almost always determines which funding methods will likely work and which will just chew up time.
It also depends on whether the whole thing is just 𝘺𝘰𝘶 or whether you have a team -- even a small one.
Michael & Megan have some good suggestions. You might also try some of the online platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo and Seed&Spark (a good one). If you're under 18, you'll likely need to get a parent or guardian to do the actual sign-up. Grants may be a way but they often have one-year (or longer) cycles. But with crowdfunding platforms, it's rarely "build it and they will come." You will need to campaign the heck out of it and drag friends, family, and pretty much anyone else to the crowdfunding site.
No matter what you do, if you need serious coin, you will want to assemble a "business plan" which outlines how you plan to spend everyone's money.
Among other things, you'll need to answer the questions: "Why should I invest in your show? Where will the show be produced? Do you have a sample of a show episode (or even just a teaser)? What's in it for me? Who is working on the show? Who are the actors?"
Being a "student" may be a partial draw for money from the benevolent sector but it's a lot of footwork to get just a few dollars.
Where will people view the show? YouTube? The series own website? Vimeo?
Will the show make money to pay back investors or do you imagine the funding will be more-or-less "donations?"
If you're game, go after the "high rollers" like doctors, dentists, corporate CEOs. But be totally prepared to tell them why they would be foolish to pass up this opportunity. While being totally humble, of course.
/h
Hank recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much Hank!
Luke