Submission Requirements
Full STEM Ahead Filmmaker’s Initiative
(presented by Lightswitch)
What is the Full STEM Ahead Filmmaker’s Initiative?
The Full STEM Ahead Filmmaker’s Initiative is a first-year initiative launched by Lightswitch that is designed to not only encourage STEM education and careers in STEM but to also cultivate the careers of the filmmakers of tomorrow in the process. The arts and STEM are often closely linked and we want to give Chicago creators the opportunity to use their passion for the arts to showcase STEM programs that may otherwise go unappreciated.
Our grant recipient will receive a $5,000.00 grant to produce a short-form documentary about a STEM program that they are involved in, knowledgeable of, or want to learn more about and they believe deserves more recognition. That program will then receive a matching $5,000.00 grant, and the final documentary will receive a showing at a local theater including a Q&A with the documentarian.
Our grant recipient will receive free consultations with Lightswitch producers on best production practices and post-production support from our world-class editing team.
What counts as a STEM program?
STEM encompasses a lot of different clubs, programs, and activities! It does not exclusively apply to science and math programs — the “T” in STEM stands for technology, which is representative of a variety of other examples. These technology programs can include animation clubs, motion picture programs, radio stations, etc. After all, technology is integral to their success! If you’re questioning whether the program you want to choose qualifies or not, contact us, and we can help.
Submission Requirements
Filmmakers ages 15-25 interested in participating must do the following in order to be considered eligible:
Submit a pitch and answer a few questions about what video you’d like to make — and that’s it!
Further information may be requested from applicants if needed to narrow down a recipient
Included for Grant Recipient:
$5,000.00 cash grant to be used for the creation of the film
$5,000.00 donation to STEM organization they’re highlighting in the film
Free consultation(s) with Lightswitch production team on best practices
Post-Production assistance provided by Lightswitch
A screening of the finished film at a local theater in downtown Chicago (specific location pending COVID safety and space availability)
How is the winner selected?
A panel of judges will evaluate submissions (Who are the judges? Read their bios.)