The WAVE Grant

The WAVE Grant, offered by Wavelength, is a private funding initiative designed to support emerging filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds. The program specifically targets individuals seeking to direct their first scripted short film, focusing on those with diverse perspectives and storytelling voices. Established as part of Wavelength’s broader mission to empower new talent in the film industry, the WAVE Grant serves as a launchpad for creatives at the beginning of their directorial journey. Each year, the WAVE Grant selects five recipients to receive a $5,000 seed grant. In addition to the financial award, recipients benefit from in-kind services and a highly structured mentorship program. Grantees are provided camera equipment by Fujifilm, coloring services from Nice Shoes, and personalized guidance from Wavelength’s experienced filmmaking team. The mentorship covers all aspects of filmmaking, including development, production, post-production, and festival strategy. This comprehensive approach positions the program as a foundational experience, akin to an “MBA in filmmaking.” The grant supports the production of a 10-minute narrative short film. To be eligible, applicants must not have previously directed a scripted short or feature film, excluding student films, and must be based in the United States with proof of residency. Additionally, applicants must retain budgetary and editorial control and hold the copyright to their work. The project must not be in production or post-production at the time of application, and production should not begin before April 2026 but must be completed within that year. Teams or co-directors are not eligible to apply. The submission process requires a draft script (final version not necessary), a film schedule through the end of 2026, a draft budget, a resume/CV, and a 1–3 minute video pitch. Applicants are encouraged to express their authentic selves in the pitch, outlining their inspiration, vision, and any collaborators already attached to the project. Optional materials like pitch decks or treatments can also be submitted to further illustrate the project's tone and concept. All applicants, regardless of selection, are invited to participate in a free five-part virtual workshop series hosted by Seed&Spark, which covers crowdfunding, pitching, budgeting, and distribution. Selected grantees receive one-on-one campaign mentorship from a Seed&Spark expert. Applications opened on October 15, 2025, and close on November 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT. Finalist interviews occur in January 2026, and notifications are sent by February 15, 2026. The program formally begins in late February 2026. This grant operates on an annual cycle and encourages repeat application from eligible filmmakers in future years. Wavelength also produces REEL TALK: A WAVE Grant Podcast, a ten-episode series designed to demystify the filmmaking process for first-time directors, further extending the grant’s educational reach.

Present your authentic self in the video pitch; project readiness and clarity of vision are emphasized.