The KET Fund for Independent Production
In addition to our own full slate of productions, KET supports Kentucky programs through grants to local independent filmmakers. Using funds specially allocated by the General Assembly, the KET Fund for Independent Production has been awarding grants to Kentucky-based film and video makers each biennium since 1990.
The KFIP has helped fund projects ranging from documentaries and dramatic features to animated shorts. In return, KET viewers get the first chance to see the completed works.
Though made primarily for regional audiences, several KFIP-supported films have gone on to air nationwide. They include Robby Henson’s Pharaoh’s Army (pictured at left), Eren McGinnis and Ari Palos’ The Spirituals and Beyond the Border, Tobacco Blues by McGinnis and Christine Fugate, Heather Lyons’ M&M Smith: For Posterity’s Sake, Walter Brock’s LAND (and how it gets that way) and If I Can’t Do It, Andy Garrison’s Wilgus Stories, and Louis Guida’s You Ain’t Seen Nothin’: Tales from the Kentucky Derby. Browse our list of KFIP-funded programs, and you’ll probably see several other familiar titles.
Kentucky was the first state to establish such a fund to support local filmmakers. Through the KFIP and other production partnerships, KET is a leader among public television stations in working with regional independents. And several individual filmmakers have gotten national recognition for their KET-supported work. But the ultimate winners, of course, are Kentucky viewers!
For Producers: The next scheduled round of applications will be taken in fall 2010. You can read more about the requirements and print or download an application form on our application guidelines page. If you would like to be notified when it’s time to apply, e-mail a request to . Please include your full postal address.
