Funding anthropological film and video production

Abstract

There are current ly no funding sources interested in anthropological film research, per se. But before getting down to specifics, I will outline the general procedure involved in the planning of a film. There is a general perception of film makers as people who spend their time making films. This view may fit Hollywood producers, but it certainly does not apply to independent film makers, nor to anthropologists making films: these film makers are usually compelled to spend most of their time trying to raise money for their films. Fundra is ing is a burning problem for everyone involved in independent film productions; analysis, and open discussion, of funding problems is overdue. I will look at three aspects of fundraising for anthropological film: first, there is the practical side of fundraising; secondly the ideological side; and finally, how do anthropological films fit into existing funding structures?