The next great film or series doesn’t start with permission. It starts with opportunity. The SCA Alumni Incubator Fund exists to accelerate that moment — the jump from idea to execution, from proof-of-concept to career catalyst.
This isn’t just a grant. It’s a greenlight.
About the Fund
What Is the Alumni Incubator Fund?
The Alumni Incubator Fund is a new initiative from the DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts created to support bold, alumni-led storytelling. The grant recipient will receive:
- $5,000 cash grant
- Approximately $100,000 in in-kind production resources, including camera packages, grip and lighting equipment, and additional access to DePaul production infrastructure
This grant is designed to help the selected alumnus create proof-of-concept short films or pilots that demonstrate their vision and potential — with the ultimate goal of helping those projects evolve into fully realized feature films or TV series.
Who’s Eligible?
- You must be a DePaul SCA alum, from either the undergraduate or graduate program
- Alumni from any graduation year are eligible
- You must be the primary creative lead on the project (i.e. writer and/or director)
Apply
Required Application Materials
- Completed application form
- Script for the proposed project
- Work sample (e.g. short film, reel, visual excerpt)
- A vision statement describing what the proof-of-concept short is meant to lead to — stylistic approach, creative intent, and potential future development
The final deliverable for this fund is not a full-length project but a professionally executed proof-of-concept with clear potential to grow.
Selection Process
A panel of DePaul faculty, alumni, and industry professionals will review applications and select recipients based on:
- Originality and clarity of vision
- Creative strength of the script and materials
- Feasibility within the grant’s scope
- Potential for long-term development or industry interest
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: [Insert Date]
- Recipients Notified: [Insert Date]
- Production Window: [Insert Date Range]
Terms & Conditions
Applicants will be required to agree to the terms and conditions outlined on the submission page, as well as sign a formal contract detailing the terms of the grant prior to final award distribution.
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