Seeking a grant writer for film project (muzzleloading)

[Sixgun Symphony]

I wish to do a film project where traditional muzzle loading firearms are used for hunting large game in the Pacific NorthWest region.

There is a great need for this film project, much of the hunting video industry only shows modern inlines on "muzzleloading hunting videos". I wish to demonstrate that traditional muzzleloading rifles will get the job done to a skeptical public. There are a few YouTubers that use traditional muzzleloaders, but they are only hunting small game and deer. I want to show successful hunts on large game like elk, bear, bison, and moose.

This endeavor is well beyond my means, but there are organizations that grants money to film projects. I just don't know how to go about writing grant proposals.

Is there anyone willing to donate their time in helping me get this project started? I am thinking that there will be money for salaries when we are successful in obtaining grants.

[M-Tecs]

Grants for pro-gun pro-hunting productions will not come from normal Grant channels. Good luck with your endeavor.

[Shawlerbrook]

In Washington state or Oregon it might be tough because of the predominant liberal bent and what Mtec said . You might want to contact organizations like the Cody museum to see if they can offer any advice. Good luck as it seems you have a worthwhile project and idea.

[Sasquatch-1]

You may try contacting Izaak Walton League of America and see if they can point you in the right direction.

Izaak Walton League of America
707 Conservation Lane
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(301) 548-0150
info@iwla.org

Also might try
NATIONAL MUZZLE LOADING RIFLE ASSOCIATION
7436 SOUTH CO ROAD 575 EAST
VERSAILLES, IN, 47042,
(812) 667-5131
MEDIA@NMLRA.ORG

I don't know if they will be able to help, but it might be a start.

[pietro]

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https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar/writing/how-to-write-an-appeal-letter.html

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[waksupi]

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https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar/writing/how-to-write-an-appeal-letter.html

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Uh, what does that have to do with writing a grant?

[bedbugbilly]

If you know what organizations offer the grants - your first step should be to contact them and talk with them - if it is something they would fund - then get a grant writing package from them - go through it and see just what is involved. Every organization that offers grants is going to have their own requirements.

I performed for over thirty years in schools, colleges, libraries, festivals, museums, etc. I offered a number of programs - all "first person/storytelling" performances - all history related - the majority on Michigan in the Civil
War, early Michigan lumbering industry, and "Heroes Among us" which was based on the many interviews i did with World War I Veterans in Michigan. I was a juried member of the Michigan Traveling Arts program sponsored by the Michigan Humanities Council - certainly not a film production but they offered grants to public and private schools, colleges and 501C3 Non-profits. They had a "grant package" they would mail out to the sponsor - it wasn't that complicated to fill out - even by those who had never filled out a grant application before.

A film production is certainly gong to require a bigger budget. Before applying, you need to have your ducks in a row as far as what you are going to do, why you are going to do it and what you production budget is . . . and don't expect the someone will offer a grant for 100%.

How much is your filming crew going to cost? How much are your accommodations for those involved to have a place to stay going to cost? Who is going to be doing the hunting? Those types of things will certainly be need to be known. And you may very well have all of those things worked out and on paper along with firm commitments for production costs.

If you have a local community college - give them a call and see if they have anyone who can at least talk with you that is familiar with grant writing that may be able to line you up with someone.

I'm not questioning if there is a "need" or not for those type of film - but if there is and you can back it up with more than your individual personal opinions and thoughts . . . then explore what others think and their reasonings. If the "need" exists, then I would think that you should also be contacting sporting goods manufacturers of BP related items, powder manufacturers , related "traditional muzzleloading" manufacturers and organizations, etc. to layout your plan and what you want to accomplish and ask for their corporate sponsorship in helping fund the project.

Above all . . . don't under-estimate your abilities as far as "writing" a grant application or filling out one . . . if you have thought it all out and can present your reasons "why" it is needed, "what" you want to accomplish with it, "what will be needed to get to dome as far as written estimates for production costs, etc. . . . . at least attempt to fill out the application or "write" you needs in plain and simple straight forward language. If you worry that you may not have the ability as far as proper grammar, spelling, etc. - once you get your draft filled out or written, find someone who can proofread it for grammar, spelling, etc. errors. Preferably someone that you know and who knows you and if they make suggestions for changes, don't take it personally.

Good luck with your project and I hope you have great success with it. As I used to tell my students, "the only way we learn is by doing, and by doing, we are bound to make mistakes which will teach us even more. Success only comes to those who are not afraid to take the chance."

[Sixgun Symphony]

Thanks for the information on how to go about this endeavor.

I must say though that the firearm industry is focused on producing modern inline ML rifles rather than traditional ML firearms. Some manufacturers have dropped all production of traditional ML firearms because the modern inline market is much more lucrative. They are not going to fund a film project that focuses on traditional ML firearms, they just want a commercial for their new inline products and it is why 99.999999% of "muzzleloading hunt" videos produced for two decades only have the modern inline ML rifles being used.

The reason why this situation exists is because modern hunters want a rifle that looks like their modern centerfire rifles. It is why several inline ML rifles have the faux bolt-action, it keeps alot of modern hunters in their comfort zone really.

My film project is to demonstrate that traditional muzzleloading rifles will get the job done. Not just small to medium game like deer, but big game like elk, bear, bison, and moose.

[Sixgun Symphony]

I have found a professional writer, am meeting her today. I know that some here think I should do it all myself. I care more about getting this film project in production and will take every advantage I can get.

[bedbugbilly]

Glad you were able to find someone - hope she can help. Please keep us posted on how it is going and good luck to you.

Jim

[Sixgun Symphony]

:drinks:

The meeting went well, I am so glad that her fiance is experience with firearms and can translate to her much of what I am trying to say. Her advise is that I use social media, so I opened up a new YouTube channel, Twitter, and an email for this film project.

I am learning how to use a GoPro camera to produce videos. I will start with some "running ball" videos and some "day at the range" videos.

[Wayne Smith]

Check out local film and production programs at local colleges. Here at Regent University they have such a program and the students are always doing local shoots. Lot of experience there and they need the practice.

[Castaway]

Sounds like it has the potential for an all expense paid big game hunt. Brilliant!

[Sixgun Symphony]

Check out local film and production programs at local colleges. Here at Regent University they have such a program and the students are always doing local shoots. Lot of experience there and they need the practice.

That is most excellent advise, Thanks!

[Sixgun Symphony]

Sounds like it has the potential for an all expense paid big game hunt. Brilliant!


Jim Zumbo gets paid to go hunting. :smile:

[waksupi]

I look forward to seeing what you come up with. I was pleased to be informed that the Folk Firearm Collective (Denny Ducey) will be going back into production this fall, thanks to a work schedule change

[405grain]

Have you contacted the NRA and asked if they might be interested in contributing to funding your film? Check with other pro-gun rights organizations and see if they would be willing to contribute too.

[Kestrel4k]

Where in the PNW, out of curiosity?

[dondiego]

Where in the PNW, out of curiosity?

Pacific North West?