Money Map: Tax Incentives to Fund Your Doc

Are you an Indie Doc Filmmaker in need of more sources of funds? Tax Incentive programs are a largely untapped source of potential funding for documentary films as filmmakers believe documentary films are ineligible, or that the minimum spend to be eligible for incentive programs is way out of reach for their budget. Many states do offer lucrative tax incentive programs that can be applied to documentary projects at various budget ranges.

To help make sense of these opportunities in the funding landscape, Sundance Institute has created the Doc Film Money Map. In addition to helping you research possible funding for your project, the map hopes to stimulate conversation in the field about the relationship between philanthropic, public, and private funding for the art and craft of documentary film. The newly expanded and upgraded Doc Film Money Map offers additional features for filmmakers.

Join us for a session at the IDA offices to take a sneak preview of the new Money Map with former Sundance Film Fund Director, Rahdi Taylor, and former NYC Film Office Commissioner, Cynthia Lopez. Filmmakers will get an overview of state and municipal incentive programs, understand the policies and best practices in the field for navigating film tax incentives, and how to work with your local government officials to expand your state’s offerings. Moderated by IDA’s Director of Programming and Policy, Claire Aguilar.

Thursday, September 7th | 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm PST
followed by with beer, wine, and snacks reception
Location:
IDA Offices
3470 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 980
Los Angeles, CA 90010 (Map)

Rahdi Taylor served as Associate Director and then Film Fund Director for the Sundance Documentary Fund for more than 10 years. Her role at Sundance Institute was to find, cultivate and champion creative documentary films worldwide awarding financing and creative support. Rahdi is known for creating the Documentary Core Application and the Indie Film Money Map, each designed to disrupt the documentary funding landscape and to put more power over fundraising into the hands of independent filmmakers. A filmmaker, former film distributor, and former labor and community organizer, she brings a unique perspective to the growing movement for film impact. She has been a champion for the power of strategic campaign design and for accessible tools for filmmakers. She serves frequently in the field as a juror, panelist and industry advisor for international film festivals, funding panels, and pitch forums.

Cynthia Lόpez is a media strategist, executive producer, content advisor and creative consultant developing national and global engagement strategy. She is the former Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, where she was the steward of the Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting. López implemented strategies to support production of film and TV production throughout the five boroughs, and oversaw NYC Media, the City's official TV, radio and online network. During her tenure, New York City’s entertainment industry increased its direct annual to the local economy, an increase of 21 percent. Television production in NYC, increased from 29 episodic series to 46 series and feature film production rose from 192 to 253 films.

She serves frequently in the field as a juror, panelist and industry advisor for international film festivals, funding panels, and pitch forums.