MAKE Thesis Grant
Available for Senior Animation Students
MAKE is excited to announce our annual grant program aimed at supporting senior BFA/BA and MFA/MA students and teams of students pursuing studies in animation worldwide. Our goal is to help bring your creative visions to life by providing financial assistance for the production of your short animated thesis. This grant is designed to support original student storytelling, allowing you to elevate your production, pay collaborators, and cover essential costs.
Grant Awards:
First Place: $3000 Second Place: $2000 Third Place: $1000
Eligibility Criteria:
✓ Senior BFA/BA, MFA/MA Animation Students: Applicants should be pursuing a degree or diploma in animation, digital arts, or a related field at an accredited educational institution and should be at the last year of their studies. *Proof of enrollment may be required during the application process.
✓ Teams Welcome: Teams of students can apply. Applications will be evaluated on a project-by-project basis, with each project assessed independently. Please do not apply with the same project multiple times; one person should submit the application, ensuring that all production partners are listed in the form.
✓ International Applicants are Welcomed: The grant is open to students from all countries and regions. Due to restrictions on direct fund transfers, funds will be used directly to cover production costs, including payments to talent and third parties, ensuring compliance with international student regulations.
✓ Commitment to Animation: Candidates must demonstrate a passion for animation and a strong commitment to pursuing a career in the field.
Submission Guidelines:
Opening Date: October 2nd, 2024
Who Can Apply: Senior BFA/BA and MFA/MA students in animation programs worldwide.
Deadline: November 4th, 2024, by 12 AM ET.
Announcement: Winners will be chosen by a MAKE panel and announced on November 15th, 2024.
Submission Materials:
1. Story Concept and Treatment:
Submit a story concept and treatment that is as detailed as the stage of your project and university guidelines permit.
This may include:
- Synopsis
- Character descriptions
- Plot outlines
- Storyboards
- Character design
- Background art
- Any other materials that showcase your creative vision
Please note: You will need to upload all of this information in a single PDF document, formatted as a presentation.
2. Personal Portfolio:
Provide a personal portfolio showcasing your previous animation work and creative achievements. This may include animation reels, character designs, storyboards, concept art, or other relevant samples. You will be asked to provide a link (to your personal website or your portfolio PDF).
3. Statement of Purpose:
In one to two paragraphs, explain the inspiration behind your thesis film, what motivates you as an artist to tell this unique story, and how the project reflects your creative vision. Additionally, describe how the grant will elevate your production and help bring your dream concept to life.
5. Funding Proposal:
The funds provided by the MAKE Animation Thesis Grant are intended to cover essential costs related to the post-production of your thesis film, as well as festival submissions. This includes expenses such as editing, sound design, color grading, and music licensing, in addition to fees for submitting your film to festivals.
You will be asked to describe in a paragraph how the funds will be used for your project—please be as specific as possible.
*Please note that application materials will not be shared publicly, as we understand that many students prefer to keep details confidential until the official release date.
Selection Criteria:
Creativity and Originality: Submissions will be evaluated based on the creativity and originality of the story concept and treatment. Judges will look for innovative ideas and unique storytelling approaches that captivate and engage the audience.
Technical Skill and Artistry: The level of technical skill and artistic merit demonstrated in the submission will be a key consideration. This is assessed submitted portfolio and prior work.
Overall Presentation: The clarity, organization, and professionalism of the submission package will also be taken into account. Applicants should ensure that their materials are well-structured, visually appealing, and effectively communicate their creative vision.
Agreement Terms & Application Form:
Intended Use of Funds: The scholarship funds awarded by MAKE are intended solely for the production costs associated with the recipient's short animated thesis project. These costs may include, but are not limited to, software, equipment, animation supplies, voice acting, music licensing, and other relevant production expenses. The funds are not to be used for personal expenses unrelated to the production of the animated thesis.
Project Oversight: Please note that MAKE will not provide any production feedback or input. This scholarship is aimed solely at supporting students financially with the production of their thesis.
Upon completion of the project, recipients are required to participate in a 30-minute to 1-hour interview. This interview will be scheduled at the end of the academic year, and will be used to promote the grant and highlight the winners of the 2024-2025 academic years on MAKE's social media channels.
Intellectual Property Rights: Recipients retain full intellectual property rights to their animated thesis projects. MAKE will use approved promotional materials (e.g., posters, trailers) from the project to promote the workshop and highlight future participants. This usage will not conflict with the IP rights held by your educational institution. All materials used will be mutually agreed upon with the recipient.
Recipients retain the right to independently distribute and showcase their animated thesis as they see fit.
For any questions regarding the application process or the grant, please contact Iana Prakheeva at iana.prakheeva@makevisual.com.
APPLY HERE 
Deadline: November 4th, 2024, by 12 AM ET.
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