Franz Wieser Grant recipient “Rocket” by Brenna Malloy
To support and promote talented filmmakers, ARRI is expanding the Franz Wieser Grant program beyond feature-length films, shorts, and documentaries. The program, which is open to filmmakers across the continental United States, subject to an application and approval process, will now be available to creatives in photography, live events, worship, and broadcast projects.
Created in 2013, the Franz Wieser Grant program gives qualified emerging filmmakers access to education and the opportunity to use ARRI’s award-winning products complimentary. Since its inception, the program has worked with a diverse range of talented filmmakers throughout the continental United States to offer creatives the resources they need to help bring their vision to life.
Franz Wieser was the inspiration behind the grant program and an important figure at ARRI for nearly 30 years. Born and raised in Rosenheim, Bavaria, Germany, Franz first joined ARRI as an intern in the United States. Over a career that spanned 25 years, Franz built a reputation as a kind visionary, eventually becoming ARRI Inc.'s Vice President of Marketing. Franz was a significant force behind the industry's transition from film to digital and was responsible for greenlighting the original AMIRA Grant program. Franz passed away in 2019, but the grant program in his name will continue to honor his legacy of empowering filmmakers.
Last year, in collaboration with ARRI Rental US and Illumination Dynamics, ARRI expanded the grant program committing to provide the equivalent of up to $200,000 value in equipment to support talented, underrepresented filmmakers.
“At ARRI, we are committed to helping the next generation of filmmakers through education and support programs like the Franz Wieser Grant program. Last year, we expanded the program to further concentrate our efforts on supporting talented filmmakers that were looking for that stepping stone needed to launch their careers and now by expanding the number of qualified categories, and expanding the offerings of equipment, we hope to foster even more new talent,” says Peter Crithary, Vice President of Marketing and Market Development at ARRI, Inc.
Past recipients of the Franz Wieser Grant program have gone on to be recognized for their outstanding films. Some of these include:
- Elizabeth Lo, Director and Cinematographer of “Stray.” Nominated for two Cinema Eye Honors Awards, including Outstanding Achievement in a Debut Feature Film and Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography, along with a Critics' Choice Documentary Awards nod for Best First Documentary Feature.
- Star Victoria, Director of “La Ruta.” DGA Jury award-winner for Best Woman Student Filmmaker in West Region.
- Brenna Malloy, Writer and Director of “Rocket.” 2016 Student Academy Award and screened at more than 40 festivals in eight countries.
Those interested in participating are required to submit an application to be considered for the grant program. The application process is open year-round, with projects selected several times each year. Projects are chosen by the grant committee and may be selected based on the details of the production proposal, script, visual style, concept, and more. Each qualified project receives support with a bespoke equipment package that may include the ARRI Amira, Alexa Mini, Signature Prime lenses, ARRI LED lights including L-Series, SkyPanel, and Orbiter.
“Our goal is to challenge and inspire filmmakers to create the best projects they possibly can. We encourage you to submit your production proposal with as many details as possible and wish you the best of luck,” says Ksenia Lappo, Chair of the Franz Wieser Grant program.
For more information on the program and past recipients, please visit our website: www.arri.com/franz-wieser-grant-program.
The program is currently available in the United States only.
