PRODUCER PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Committed to freedom of speech and expression, AFS is pleased to offer a sliding scale scholarships for our Producer Program to ensure that regardless of financial resources, members of the community have access to training, production resources and an avenue to assure that their voices are heard. Distribution of your created content to the community via the three public access cable channels and streaming services is included within this scholarship and a requirement.

To be considered for fee reductions and/or waivers, applicants must first:

Complete the free Producer Program Orientation process, which includes providing a scan of a photo ID and Proof of Austin area residency (you can go through Orientation anytime HERE or register and attend a live virtual session HERE)

Complete the application below and provide the appropriate documentation to demonstrate your financial status (use upload link towards the bottom)

APPLICANT INFO

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Postal Code

Birthdate:

ENTRY INTO PRODUCER PROGRAM

Are you currently a member of the Producer Program (called a "Producer")?

Yes, I am an active ProducerNo, I am not an active Producer

Have you completed the orientation process for the Producer Program within the past two years?

YesNo

What date did you complete this Orientation process?

What would be your main reason for accessing the production resources and training available through this scholarship?

To acquire professional and/or workforce development to build skills and connections for entry into the local creative media workforce, either full-time or as a freelancer. To create personal and/or collaborative video projects and to distribute that content, which could include the City of Austin's Public Access cable channels and streaming services.

STUDIO AND MULTI-CAM KIT USE

How do you intend to use the studios if you selected any of the studio classes? If you did not select the studios then type "NA"

How do you intend to use the Blackmagic Multi-Cam kits if you selected that class? If you did not select the multi-cam then type "NA"

ELIGIBILITY

Our goal is to provide the Producer Program to the Austin-area community at low-to-no cost. We use The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) median income levels to determine eligibility for financial assistance.

Individuals who make 50%-80% of AMFI are eligible to receive 80% support of fees and classes.

Individuals who make less than 50% of AMFI are eligible for full support of fees and classes

The most commonly used document to prove financial status is a tax return, however, we also allow applicants to show proof of an existing means-tested benefit, which would also indicate your income level. We do not require any one specific document but listed below are several options in which to choose. Please upload below or bring in a physical copy of one of the following:

Copy of most recent income tax returns

Any official document with a date within the last 12 months that shows your annual income

Medicaid Notice of Case Action Letter from Texas Department of Health & Human Services

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Notice of Case Action Letter from Texas Department of Health & Human Services (also known as Food Stamps)

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Confirmation Enrollment Letter from Texas Department of Health & Human Services

Telephone Lifeline Program Enrollment Letter or Phone Bill Reflecting Lifeline Enrollment

Travis County Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) Notice of Payment Letter

Medical Access Program (MAP) Clinic Card

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Award Letter

1099-G Unemployment Tax Form or Unemployment Statement of Wages and Potential Benefit Amounts (this may limit the length of the scholarship to 26 weeks or less depending on length of benefits)

FILE UPLOAD:

**PLEASE REMOVE OR BLACK OUT ALL SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND ACCOUNT INFO**

How did you hear about the Producer Program?

I confirm that the information in this application, including the file attachment, is accurate and correct, and that AFS can deem my application ineligible at any time in the process if it does not meet eligibility requirements, or if any information provided in the application is proven incorrect. I acknowledge that this application review process does not determine my financial status but rather we are asking for existing proof of financial status to determine your eligibility. I also agree to indemnify AFS and hold AFS harmless from and against any claim, loss, obligation, liability, cost or expense, including outside attorney’s fees and cost, which may be asserted against AFS that arise out of or in connection with my application. AFS agrees that the application materials submitted are for internal use only in the Producer Program scholarship decision-making process and will be permanently deleted once eligibility is determined. By hitting “Submit” I agree with the above statements.

If you have any questions, please email austinpublic@austinfilm.org.