FISCAL SPONSORSHIP
The Greater Philadelphia Film Office is a 501 c 3 organization and is able to serve as a Fiscal Sponsor for eligible projects.
Fiscal sponsorship refers to the practice of non-profit organizations offering their legal and tax-exempt status to groups engaged in activities related to the organization’s missions. It typically involves a fee-based contractual arrangement between a project and an established non-profit. See sample agreement. Fiscal Sponsorship does NOT imply that the Film Office funds any projects directly.
Engaging a Fiscal Sponsor allows you to apply for foundation grants available only to non profits and to offer individual donors a tax deduction for their donation to your project.
It also gives your donors the option of gifting appreciated stocks to your project, giving them enormous tax benefits, the opposite of cashing in their stock, which incurs heavy taxes. For details on this process, contact J.P. Cummins, First Vice President/Investments at Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC. JCummins@janney.com
There is a formal application process which includes an in-depth exploration of your project budget and full business plan, including summary of the project, timeline, fundraising strategy, distribution strategy/intended audience, bios of the principals and any other information that you feel reflects the integrity and viability of your project. The size of the budget is not relevant; the feasibility of your plan to produce the project smartly within that budget is the key. Become acquainted with the sample agreement, then contact Joan Bressler at 215-686-2668 or email joan@film.org to discuss your questions and further steps.
Current Projects:
What Will Become of Us (Formerly titled A New Armenia)
100 years after the Genocide, Armenian culture is alive in the United States. But what keeps it alive? Why does it thrive? How do Armenian Americans move into the future while remaining connected to their past? This 60-minute public television (PBS) documentary will look at how culture is passed down from generation to generation, how culture changes over time, and the challenges faced in an ever-modernizing, mainstream American culture.
American Communion- Light Daughter Productions
American Communion melds intimate portraits of veterans of the US-led conflicts in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, with analysis of historical shifts in American practices of war making. Focusing on personal struggles with soldier identity, family relationships, civilian employment, and post- traumatic stress, this film sheds light on the combat veteran as a living individual, and as a cultural figure, asking critical questions about the relationship between global warfare and life on the home front.
The Art of Aviation- Rodehouse Media
The Art of Aviation is a documentary series that highlights the lives and work of aviation artists.Throughout history, wartime artists have been deployed to capture conflicts and given permission to share through their own eyes, the stories of some of the most critical moments in recorded history. They created a window into the lives of soldiers fighting while stationed all over the world. Our goal is to share some of these artists’ stories and to shed light on this field before these first-hand accounts are lost forever. Other episodes in the series will focus on US military art programs, contemporary aviation artists as well as art related to NASA and space travel.Our first episode will take a deep dive into the life and work of Gil Cohen, one of the most influential aviation artists of all time. Gil was a recent art school graduate when he was drafted into the Army and during that time, worked as an artist in military intelligence during the Cold War. After his military service he went on to pursue a successful career as an illustrator and teacher. But it was his love of history, specifically World War II and his fascination with the Mighty Eighth Air Force division that changed his trajectory forever. With a career spanning over six decades, his skill for creating paintings that depict deeply emotional moments in history sets his work apart from other artist.
The Battle of Henry Johnson – MACHO GOAT Productions
In May 1918, in the Argonne forest, France, Henry Johnson, an American soldier of the 369th black infantry division, changed the outcome of the war. With the help of his fellow soldier Needham Roberts, Johnson fought and defeated a raid of thirty elite German special forces. If the 369th, also known as the Harlem Hell fighters, did not help the French fill the gaps in their line, the entire French army and maybe all of Europe could have fallen. That night has been immortalized historically as The Battle of Henry Johnson and the significance of this event needs to be told and be told as accurately as possible. Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts were the first Americans to receive the French Medal of Honor. With this film the aspiration is to help change the societal view of American history that was created from institutional racism.
Between New York and Tennessee: The Irish Pub
Built in 1900, 164 St. James Place in Atlantic City ($180 on the Monopoly Board) has only known three different owners in over a century of serving food and spirits. The six-story building has housed the Irish Pub and Inn, (it’s also a summertime hotel) since it was purchased by Cathy and Richard Burke in 1971. It was initially the Elwood Hotel. During the time of Prohibition in America, it was a speakeasy complete with a secret staircase and a trap door. Since the Burke’s purchased it over fifty years ago, they have strived to preserve the features of the space and adorn it with elements of Americana and old Atlantic City.
Champions of Caring
Cheesesteak City, Produced by Arsenal Mediaworks
“Cheesesteak City,” a feature-length documentary, examines the city of Philadelphia, its people, and the relationship with their iconic sandwich. The story of the cheesesteak has been intertwined with that of contentious politics and intense family drama, and all the while has been a steadfast icon of the Philadelphia tourism industry. Through candid interviews, day-in-the-life and archival footage this documentary shines a light on the colorful families behind the sandwich and the quirky (and changing) city they call home. “Cheesesteak City” is not a story about meat, cheese and bread, but one of loyalty and success, betrayal and heartbreak, progress and tradition, national politics and neighborhood feuds, and most importantly, a city and its people.”
Civil War Medicine
The Civil War marked the birth of modern medicine. New, efficient weapons technology challenged medical treatments and techniques in use since the Middle Ages. A small number of physicians faced one million casualties. They created solutions to the lack of ambulances, skilled nursing care, surgical techniques and record-keeping. A huge, unprecedented civilian volunteer effort helped to heal the physical and spiritual wounds of a nation. This four-part documentary series, Civil War Medicine, adds an important chapter to the annals of American history.
Digital Dharma- Lunchbox Communications
Dreams of Starlight
Our international drama DREAMS OF STARLIGHT tells the story of Saran, a young Mongolian herdswoman who flees her abusive relationship to pursue her passion for performing – only to see her longtime Hollywood dreams realized by her daughter. It’s a universal story of courage, hope, and perseverance for a modern-day, global audience, slated to shoot in Mongolia, Guam, and Southern California.
Frank Sinat
ra Walks at Midnight
A compelling and poignant documentary that explores the lasting impact of the legendary crooner on his hometown of Hoboken, New Jersey, and the world of music at large. The film centers around the highly anticipated Sinatra Sing-off, a live concert held at Sinatra Park in Hoboken, where contestants compete for the title of Best Sinatra Style Singer by belting out their favorite Frank Sinatra tunes. As the Sing-off approaches, the film follows three contestants through their day leading up to the performance, offering an intimate look at their preparations, nerves, and hopes for the competition. Through their personal stories, the film explores the timeless appeal of Sinatra’s music and its enduring influence on generations of performers and fans alike.
The Fourth Wall
The Fourth Wall series is a love letter to the lives of actors. The series takes us behind the scenes into the dramatic, comedic, romantic, and emotional lives of performers and other artisans working in the world. Season two of The Fourth Wall highlights the struggles performers and creatives went through during the pandemic. These stories are told through small vignettes that will all be intertwined and depict different struggles of life during the pandemic highlighting Zoom, Tik Tok and Youtube as the new normal for creatives.
Let’s Get Arrested Again! The George Lakey Documentary
From the age of 12, George Lakey has boldly faced the uneasy.
“In my heart of hearts, I’m a rebel . . . I’m healthiest, most creative and productive when I’m in touch with my rebel self.”
The documentary presents the life and work of this rebel nonviolent revolution activist, a deeply spiritual man who has been guided in life by his ideal of societal transformation.
Our film will move back and forth in time, highlighting specific events of George’s activist life – including building the movement against the Vietnam war, LGBTQ actions, Peace Brigades in Sri Lanka and the more recent Earth Quaker Action Team’s campaign against PNC bank for financing mountaintop removal coal mining. These events/actions will reveal the universal truths of his message and show how we can apply learnings from the past to the actions today, despite our current polarized society.
The Golden Mile
From White Lyte Productions, the team that brought you the documentary Bazaar of All Nations, this film will follow the historical significance of Baltimore Pike as a major thoroughfare from colonial times through the modern era, focusing on the section known as The Golden Mile. Memorable destinations such as “Playtown Park”, “Charlie’s Hamburgers”, “The Alpine Inn”, “The Fireside Hearth”, “Strawbridge and Clothier” as well as other early car dealerships, restaurants, and shops will be covered.
Homecoming
Homecoming, a 20-minute short family drama, explores self-autonomy by examining the dynamic between a victory-hungry dance coach, Amber, and her prodigy daughter, Phoebe. After separating from her family to attend college, Phoebe realizes she has been living in her mother’s shadow. As Phoebe begins questioning her intentions, she discovers she does not have the drive or motivation to be a dancer outside of wanting to meet the expectations that have been set for her. The film begins after Phoebe is suspended from a prestigious dance academy. Now, she must return home to confront her confusion, her disappointed family, and her tendency to numb out of reality through substances.
Metronome
Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
Reel Talk Philly
Reel Talk Philly is an organization designed to create opportunities in a growing Philadelphia community. Everything we do has that intention at the forefront. The hope is to bring together people across all experiences levels and backgrounds and give them a space to foster connections with other creatives in the industry, all while experiencing an enjoyable happy hour! We host monthly networking events for the film, tv and content creation industry of Philadelphia on the first Friday of each month! We are always looking for more ways to engage with the community and create networking opportunities that are beneficial and enjoyable.
Simmer
Studio Jams
Studio Jams is a creative, up-close and inside look at the art of making music. It’s a program that is dedicated to presenting interesting and innovative music education. Each episode of Studio Jams features a diverse group of talented jazz and blues musicians, gathered together in a recording studio for the sole purpose of creating fresh, new music. Many are working with one another for the very first time. Viewers watch them rehearse and perform fresh, new material – totally on the spot. Musicians at each session are some of the best in the business…world-class artists, many with strong national and/or international appeal.
The Styx
Taking Orders
The episodic documentary, Taking Orders, focuses on how the COVID-19 pandemic has paralyzed hundreds of small, NC businesses, causing irreversible damage for many. The federal government’s hasty, unorganized response to rescue small businesses all but failed leaving a North Carolina restaurateur, CrossFit gym owners, and teen-aged candy store owner to redefine their livelihood at a time when there is little hope that small businesses will survive this pandemic.
Vamos, Gustavo
Video Store Suicide
WHAT’S IN A NAME? (One-hour TV documentary)- Kuyamba Media
In an imaginative one-man show, a theater artist examines his bittersweet South Philadelphia upbringing. Offstage, he embraces a new life as father and husband, determined to give his son a secure foundation. However, contradictions from his childhood nip at his peace of mind. He feels compelled to make sense of the divergent paths blazed by the men in his family—from Jim Crow South to South Philadelphia business empire, incarceration to Islam, and streets to spotlight. Producers: Malkia K. Lydia and Khalil A. M. R. Munir.
WHAT IS A BLACK MAN
What is a Black Man? is the intimate story of Alex, Michael, Uriah, and Clinton, four African-American teenage friends living in inner-city Philadelphia working mindfully to create their own definitions of who they are and who they will become amidst continued controversial portrayals of Black men. Working multiple hours a day writing and producing music, they aspire to become mainstream hip-hop artists without having to compromise their racially and socially conscious message. Their bond deepens as they learn of each other’s struggle with complex family dynamics, mental illness, financial difficulties, and internal doubt. When conflict among them arises, they learn to put aside their differences to overcome their struggles and challenge the current state of hip-hop to continue making the conscious music they have committed themselves to. This feature-length documentary intimately captures the reality of chasing a dream while grappling the effects of living in an inner-city.
WORKFORCE
“Workforce” is a 60-minute, episodic, dramatic series portraying the ongoing grind of a struggling mid-size manufacturing firm (Protocol Industries). It reflects the workplace during the Great Recession and the fearful workers whose jobs are threatened. It illustrates the battles between union and management, management and management, and the employees caught in the crossfire. The Pilot is highlighted by the hiring of the company’s “savior”, Anthony Scolari, an irreverent, but very engaging forty-something. Scolari is impatient with the self-important and arrogant but is an employee advocate who must strike the difficult balance between what’s right for the employees and what’s right for business.
“Workforce’s” episodes will track the progression (and regression) in Scolari’s attempt to keep the plant a viable place of employment. The pilot episode will showcase the battle he’ll wage with his managers as he attempts to unite this fractious group. He’ll also meet with the chief union steward, a worthy foe, who will challenge Scolari’s anticipated approach to the union.