APPLY TO DEAR FILMMAKER
Talent opens doors. We help you walk through them.
Tyler had people who believed in him before anyone else did. This year, that could be you.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2027 OPEN IN JANUARY
WHERE YOU ARE
You have the story. You don't have to figure out the rest alone.
Most emerging filmmakers have more ideas than access: no crew, no budget, and no one who has done it before to ask.
Tyler knew that gap. His family had no background in acting and no network in the industry. What changed his path were the people who invested in him: who answered his questions, gave him real work to do, and cared about the person he was becoming.
Dear Filmmaker passes that investment forward.
WHO YOU'LL LEARN FROM
Learn alongside people who have already done the work.
Dear Filmmaker is developed with filmmaker Scott Brignac and Watershed Motion Pictures, the same team Tyler learned from on set.
Our first filmmaker went from script development through professional production. The Sun Rises won Best First Time Director (Short) at the Los Angeles Film Awards and was an official selection at two festivals.
HOW IT WORKS
FROM YOUR SCRIPT TO THE SCREEN
Apply in January with your original script and two references; the $50 fee is waived if cost is a barrier. One filmmaker is selected in the spring, then develops and produces their film alongside mentors and a professional crew in the greater Houston area over the summer.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We invest in people, not just scripts.
A year of mentorship is a working relationship. We look for an emerging filmmaker who is ready to learn by doing: someone who asks questions, takes on real responsibility, and wants to grow as much as they want to finish a film.
Faith shaped Tyler's life and remains part of our roots. Your story doesn't need to be faith-based, but it should be one worth telling: honest, hopeful, and made with purpose.
Full eligibility and script requirements will be published when applications open.
IMAGINE NEXT SUMMER
It could be your story on set.
"Being able to see my name under the words 'written and directed by' was one of the most life-affirming experiences."
KEELY BOUTWELL, THE SUN RISES
APPLICATIONS OPEN JANUARY 2027
Bring your story.
Questions? We’re happy to answer them!
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Applications for the next Dear Filmmaker cycle are expected to open in January 2027. Sign up for updates to be notified when applications are available.
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Dear Filmmaker is designed for an emerging filmmaker with an original short-film script and the willingness to participate actively in development and production. Full eligibility requirements will be published when applications open.
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Specific script parameters and submission requirements will be published with the application.
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You’ll work alongside experienced filmmakers to develop your script, prepare for production, make and finish the film, and bring the completed work to audiences. The experience is designed to provide both a professionally produced short film and firsthand experience with how professional filmmaking happens.
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Dear Filmmaker is produced in the greater Houston area. Applicants should be prepared to participate in the development and production process as required by the program.
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Yes. The application fee is $50. If the cost of applying would be a barrier, please contact the Tyler Sanders Foundation. We don’t want the application fee to prevent an emerging filmmaker from being considered.