By Sacramento City Express
Sacramento filmmakers and production companies can now apply for grants that help offset production costs and support film and television projects shot in the city.
Administered by the Sacramento Film + Media office and funded by Measure U, the grant program is now in its fifth year supporting productions filmed in Sacramento.
“This program has helped Sacramento filmmakers bring their projects to life over the past several years,” said Sacramento Film Commissioner Jennifer West. “Continuing to invest in local productions strengthens our creative economy, supports local crews and businesses, and keeps film activity growing in our community.”
Applications close May 15. Up to six production grants of $10,000 and up to two post-production grants of $5,000 will be awarded across two grant rounds.
Grant funds can be used to subsidize permit fees, offset the cost of safety personnel and reimburse qualified production expenses incurred in the city.
Launched in 2021, the film grant program has awarded more than $302,500 across 38 projects filmed or produced in Sacramento. Supported productions have included a range of projects featuring diverse casts, crews and storylines.
To qualify, productions must film at least 50% of their project in the Sacramento region with at least two locations within the city of Sacramento. The program also supports projects completing at least 75% of their post-production work in the city.
Eligible productions include feature-length films, short films, episodic television, television pilots, television movies and miniseries, documentaries, docuseries, commercials, music videos and unscripted television.
One recent recipient, Atrium 916, received grant support for the Sacramento-produced documentary series “Citizens of Planet Earth,” which began airing March 14.
Applications will be reviewed and scored by a panel consisting of staff, film industry peers and economic development professionals.
To review eligibility guidelines and apply, visit the Sacramento Film + Media grants website.
About Sacramento Film + Media
The Sacramento Film + Media office provides services to those interested in filming in the Sacramento area. The office works to promote regional locations, strengthen the local crew base, assist local filmmakers and attract out-of-town productions.
The office facilitates film permitting and provides location assistance, production information, regulatory guidance, internships and grant opportunities.
Forty-nine film permits were issued in 2025 for 83 days of filming. Overall filming activity resulted in 440 local hires, 1603 hotel nights and over $1.3 million in direct economic impact.
The office also launched a film and media incentive program in July 2025, establishing a $250,000 rebate to attract additional large independent films, commercials and television projects to the region. Guidelines and the application are available on the program website.