Sacramento filmmakers and production companies can now apply for grants to help offset production costs and support film and television projects shot in the city, according to a Mar. 19 announcement from the Sacramento Film + Media office.
The grant program aims to strengthen Sacramento’s creative economy by supporting local crews, businesses, and ongoing film activity. The initiative is funded by Measure U and is now in its fifth year of operation.
“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 for the current round close on May 15. Up to six production grants of $10,000 each and up to two post-production grants of $5,000 each will be awarded across two rounds. Grant funds may be used for permit fees, safety personnel costs, or reimbursement of qualified production expenses incurred within the city.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has awarded more than $302,500 across 38 projects filmed or produced in Sacramento. Supported productions have included a variety of projects with diverse casts, crews, and storylines. To qualify for funding, productions must shoot at least half of their project within the Sacramento region at a minimum of two locations inside city limits; post-production grants require that at least 75% of work be completed locally.
Eligible formats include feature-length films, short films, episodic television series or pilots, television movies or miniseries, documentaries or docuseries, commercials, music videos, and unscripted television programs. One recent recipient was Atrium 916 for its documentary series “Citizens of Planet Earth,” which began airing March 14.
Applications are reviewed by a panel consisting of staff members as well as peers from the film industry and economic development professionals. More information about eligibility guidelines is available on the Sacramento Film + Media grants website.
The Sacramento Film + Media office provides services such as permitting assistance and location scouting while promoting regional filming opportunities. In 2025 alone it issued forty-nine permits covering eighty-three days of filming—activity that resulted in four hundred forty local hires, sixteen hundred three hotel nights booked locally, and over $1.3 million in direct economic impact.
