Filmmaking Scholarships
DOWNLOAD SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION HERE
The General Workshops Scholarship Fund
Partial tuition scholarships are available to deserving applicants through donations by corporations and individual benefactors to Maine Media Workshops+College. Funds are intended to support the educational process of today’s most talented filmmakers, photographers, writers, and digital artists. Application is by portfolio (15-20 images) or reel, evidence of financial need as demonstrated on the application form, accompanied by latest tax return and 3 letters of recommendation. Materials must be sent electronically to: [email protected] No deadline. Funds available until allocated. Portfolios/reels must be placed online for viewing. A
The Mattina Proctor Scholarship
Mattina R. Proctor was a philanthropist who considered Camden, Maine her home. Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, she was moved to compassion by suffering and injustice. She spent her life focused on philanthropy and volunteerism, supporting causes in health, education and the arts. The Mattina Proctor Foundation has provided generous support to Maine Media Workshops + College and these funds enable us to provide an annual need based scholarship in her name to a deserving workshop student. Application is by evidence of financial need as demonstrated on the application form, accompanied by latest tax return and 3 letters of recommendation as well as portfolio/reel submission. There is no application deadline. Materials must be sent electronically to: [email protected] Portfolios/reels must be placed online for viewing.
THE CHRIS LEHMANN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
In the summer of 2017, the MMW + C community was saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Christopher Lehmann. A talented, Emmy Award winning filmmaker, inspiring and tireless teacher, Chris was a truly valued member of our community. Over the 7 years that Chris was affiliated with us, he taught nearly 200 students from 15 countries across the globe. Friends of Chris have established an annual memorial scholarship of up to $1500 for budding filmmakers wishing to attend one of our outstanding filmmaking workshops or receive assistance towards the cost of the 4-week film school or the 6-week filmmaking workstudy program. This scholarship is intended to enable students who would not otherwise be able to afford the full cost of attending. Applications open each year until the award is made. Application is by submission of a reel of your work, accompanied by evidence of financial need as demonstrated on the application form, resume, your latest tax return and 3 letters of recommendation. Materials must be sent electronically to: [email protected] Portfolios/reels must be placed online for viewing.
BILL LINSMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Bill Linsman, a long-time, well-loved and respected workshop leader in Maine Media’s Directing program, passed on to the other side in December 2016. Bill’s teaching legacy at MMW reached back to the mid 80’s’. He and his family loved coming to Maine each summer, spending several weeks each season with the community – renewing friendships and making new.
To honor Bill, family and friends have established a memorial scholarship in his honor. The intent is to help nurture and support emerging or early career directorial students at the Maine Media Workshops. Applications open until the award is made. Application is by submission of a reel of your work, accompanied by evidence of financial need as demonstrated on the application form, resume, your latest tax return and 3 letters of recommendation. Materials must be sent electronically to: [email protected] Portfolios/reels must be placed online for viewing.
JANE MORRISON MEMORIAL FILM FUND
Maine Media Workshops+College. in collaboration with the Maine Community Foundation, is pleased to administer the annual Jane Morrison Memorial Film Fund. This fund, available only to Maine filmmakers, was established to provide educational opportunities for filmmakers who are in the early stages of career development. reside in Maine, and wish to participate in MMW+C’s programming – on campus or online. Applications open until the award is made. Application is by completion of the application form, submission of a reel of your work (website is preferred) accompanied by evidence of financial need as demonstrated on the application form, resume, your latest tax return and 3 letters of recommendation. Materials must be sent electronically to: [email protected] Portfolios/reels must be placed online for viewing.
THE BLACK TREE PICTURES SCHOLARSHIP
Funded by Brendan Kuroki Uegama and Nicole G. Leier, they are honored to support Maine Media College to help inspire new students with The Black Tree Pictures Scholarship. Uegama says, “It’s important for the filmmakers of tomorrow to have the support they need to learn their crafts. We know from experience it takes a lot of work to do well in this industry, as it can be very challenging. We are happy to help and hope that the scholarship holders will go on to create great films in the future and inspire the next generation.” This $1500 award will be granted to one deserving student. There is no application deadline.
Application is by evidence of financial need as demonstrated on the application form, accompanied by latest tax return and 3 letters of recommendation as well as portfolio/reel submission. All materials must be emailed to [email protected]
Nicole G. Leier has directed projects internationally from New York to Los Angeles and up to Vancouver. Most recently, she has directed the action film SWORN JUSTICE for BET+, which will debut late 2023/24. As an independent producer and director, she has produced award winning films and commercials alike. Nicole’s film BLACK CHICKS, which she produced with acclaimed playwright and filmmaker, NEIL LABUTE competed at the LA Shorts International Film Festival and gained her a prestigious Leo award nomination as the film’s star. Brendan Kuroki Uegama recently lensed Them: The Scare, the second season of Amazon Prime’s hit horror anthology. Previously, he shot features including: sci-fi / comedy hybrid Moonshot from director Christopher Winterbauer for New Line Cinema starring Zach Braff, Cole Sprouse and Lana Condor; MGM’s Child’s Play, directed by Lars Klevberg and starring Aubrey Plaza, Brian Tyree Henry, and Mark Hamill as the voice of Chucky; and Electra Woman & Dyna Girl for director Chris Marrs Piliero, an official selection at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival.
MILITARY VETERANS BENEFITS
Post 9/11 GI Bill®
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved Maine Media College’s Professional Certificate Program, the Certificate in Collaborative Filmmaking, and the MFA degree program as educational programs eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. Currently workshops are ineligible. Veterans who performed active service duty after September 10, 2001, as well as current military members and eligible dependents, seeking training in the fields of filmmaking, photography, or multimedia, can visit www.gibill.va.gov/ for benefit information.
PENDING PAYMENT COMPLIANCE
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), Maine Media College adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. Maine Media College will not:
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
US Department of Veterans Reporting Fees to Institutions Policy
Veterans Benefits
All programs of study at Maine Media College are approved by the Maine State Approving Agency for Veterans’ Educational Programs for enrollment of those eligible to receive benefits under Chapter 33, Title 38, United States Code, section 3676. The determination for Chapter 33 funds is made directly through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additional funding may, at times, be obtained through Maine Media College via funds donated specifically for Veterans or through other private scholarship funds. The determinations for these funds are made through the respective organizations.
Refund Policy for Recipients of Veterans Education Benefits
Maine Media College complies with the VA requirement for a pro rata refund of the unused portion of tuition, fees and charges if the veteran or eligible person fails to enter the course, withdraws, or is terminated before completion. (38 CFR 21.4254(C)(13); 21.4255). For more information contact the Director of Finance and Administration of Maine Media College. Maine Media College complies with the Pro Rata Refund Policy (38 CFR 21.4255) that is applicable to veterans and other persons who are eligible for Veterans Administration benefits.
Appeal Procedure for Recipients of Veterans Education Benefits
If a student is determined to not be making satisfactory academic progress, the student may appeal the determination within ten calendar days of notification of the failed period. Reasons for which students may appeal a negative progress determination include death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or any other allowable special or mitigating circumstance. The student must submit a written appeal to the school describing why they failed to meet satisfactory academic progress standards, along with supporting documentation of the reasons why the determination should be reversed. This information should include what has changed about the student’s situation that will allow them to achieve Satisfactory Academic Progress by the next evaluation point. Appeal documents will be reviewed and a decision will be made and reported to the student within 30 calendar days of receipt. The appeal and decision documents will be retained in the student file. If the student prevails upon appeal, the satisfactory academic progress determination will be reversed and federal financial aid will be reinstated, if applicable.