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 Sacramento Film + Media.
The grant program, funded by Measure U and administered by the Sacramento Film + Media office, is in its fifth year of supporting productions filmed in Sacramento. The initiative aims to strengthen the creative economy, support local crews and businesses, and encourage continued film activity within the community.
“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 this round close 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 locally. 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 in the Sacramento region with at least two locations inside city limits; post-production grants require that at least three-quarters of work be completed within the city.
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 will be reviewed by a panel made up of staff members as well as peers from the film industry and economic development professionals. More information on eligibility guidelines is available on the Sacramento Film + Media grants website.
The Sacramento Film + Media office provides services such as permitting assistance and location guidance for those interested in filming locally. 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 by cast or crew members and over $1.3 million in direct economic impact.
