By Kwame Patterson
April 2, 2007 - The Independent Film Training Grant awards low-budget independent film production companies that offer “on-the-job training,” by awarding them with a partial salary rebate for their approved “trainees” – film crew members completing their credited job title for the first time.

The program is limited to NYC-based feature film productions with total budgets under $3 million. Therefore all trainees must be NYC residents, and 60% of all shooting days must take place within the five boroughs.

To date, six production companies have successfully completed the Training Grant program, and have received an average award of nearly $10,000 each. Producers interested in applying should contact Durier Ryan at IFP at least 2 weeks prior to beginning principal photography at (212) 465-8200 x223 or dryan@ifp.org.

Companies whose applications are approved may receive up to 50% reimbursement for their trainees’ salaries, subject to an overall cap of $25,000 per project. Since this is a NYC grant program, all production trainees must be NYC residents and able to provide work-eligibility documentation. At least 60% of all shooting days must take place in the five boroughs of NYC. Only films budgeted under $3 million are eligible.

For more information visit, http://market.ifp.org/newyork/traininggrant/index.html