1. Do I have to be a professional filmmaker to apply?

Not at all.

You don’t need an agent, a reel, or a fancy resumé. You need a story and the drive to tell it. We’re looking for filmmakers with a clear vision, and drive - not industry credits.

2. What qualifies as being “affected” by the fires?

You must have been affected by the fires in the Los Angeles area in January of 2025.

“Affected” can mean many things—not just losing your home.

We understand the profound and often devastating effects that wildfires can have—not only on your personal life but also on your creative journey. In the application, you’ll find a section where you can share your story and detail the extent of your loss or disruption. You might’ve lost a workspace, a school, a place of worship, or your job. You might still be dealing with smoke damage, displacement, or emotional aftermath. If the wildfires disrupted your life or creative path, tell us how.

If you have any relevant links, such as GoFundMe campaigns or social media posts that provide further context, you are welcome to include them. Selected applicants may also be invited to speak more about their experience during the interview process.

We recognize how difficult it can be to revisit these events, and we deeply appreciate your willingness to share. Your story helps us better understand the challenges you’ve faced and how this support can help you continue your creative path.

ATF isn’t here to define your experience. We want to hear your story and your relationship to the fires and we will take everything into consideration when selecting.

3. What if I wasn’t directly affected by the fires—can I still participate?

Yes—by collaborating.

ATF exists to build a creative community. If you’re not fire-affected, go find someone who is!

This grant is designed to support fire-affected filmmakers, but we also believe in the power of community and collective creativity.

If you were not personally impacted by the wildfires, you can still participate by partnering with someone who was. Collaborate on a shared vision, invite their perspective into your work, and create something together.

Your proposal doesn’t need to feature an entirely fire-affected crew—just one or more key department heads who have been directly impacted. What matters is that you come together intentionally, co-create the concept, and submit a shared proposal that reflects both voices and experiences.

Invite them into your vision. Build something together. That’s what this is all about.

4. Do I have to make a film about fire or disaster?

No. And please don’t feel like you have to.

Your story can be funny, weird, quiet, romantic, hopeful, heartbreaking, absurd. As long as it touches on resilience, hope, or overcoming adversity, it qualifies.

A person finally asking their crush out counts. So does someone learning to skateboard at 65. It’s about spirit, not spectacle, not tragedy.

5. How long should the film be?

Under 10 minutes.

This can include credits. We’re looking for short projects—films, music videos, documentaries, experimental pieces. Keep it powerful and punchy.

6. How much funding can I get?

Up to $25,000 per project.

This funding is meant to cover crew, locations, gear, post, and yes—you should pay yourself and crew. This is about creating paid opportunities for artists.

7. Do I need a full team in place to apply?

No, but it helps.

If you don’t have your team locked yet, that’s okay. But show us you’ve thought about who you’d work with—and that you’ve got a realistic plan.

ATF will be here to support you, but we will not be producing your film.

8. Does my whole crew have to be fire-affected?

No.

Only one key creative needs to be. That includes the writer, director, producer, editor, DP, or production designer.

We encourage you to include more fire-affected crew if you can.

9. What kind of projects are eligible?

We accept:

• Narrative short films

• Documentaries

• Music videos

• Experimental or hybrid forms

If it tells a story of resilience, it’s eligible.

10. What are you really looking for in an application?

Not perfection. Passion.

We’re not awarding the “best” or most polished idea. We’re choosing projects where the filmmaker shows:

• Drive

• Clarity of vision

• Production Team in place

• A real reason to tell this story now

You don’t need to impress us with jargon. Just move us with honesty and intention.

11. Can I apply if I’m under 18?

Yes!

We will have a Young Filmmakers Grant for applicants under 18, offering $500 and a mentorship with a professional filmmaker to guide you through your project.

12. Do the projects have to be shot in Los Angeles?

Yes.

All films must be shot in the Greater Los Angeles area. We want to support local artists and bring work back to the city.

13. Who selects the winners?

A Selection Committee made up of filmmakers, industry professionals, and fire survivors will review submissions. We care about heart and potential, not just polish.

14. What’s the deadline again?

June 1st, 2025.

Submit early if you can. We’re reviewing on a rolling basis.