MPI Programs

MPI Film Production and Promotion Program
MPI identifies targets of opportunity for the features market (shorts, documentaries, and narrative feature-length films) and provides crucial funding for development, pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution. MPI supplies support when it identifies what it considers to be a winning project that fits with the goals stated in MPI’s mission statement. Although support can involve all five phases or just one phase, MPI’s objective is to ensure the development and distribution of a final product.

Artists who are passionate about the defense of a free society will find no stronger ally in the nonprofit arena than MPI. Awards for feature-length films range from $15,000 to $250,000. Awards for short films range from $2,500 to $15,000.

Films greenlighted through MPI's Film Production and Promotion Program can also consider MPI as a fiscal sponsor. That is, MPI would serve as the recipient vehicle for funding if a filmmaker can secure additional funding. Click here to read more about MPI’s current film projects.

The MPI Fellowship Program
MPI supports developing filmmakers who have demonstrated a commitment to the values of freedom and are involved in or attached to the production of marketable film projects. MPI fellows assist MPI in building its network of contacts within the film industry, participate in MPI’s internship program, and provide essential technical assistance to MPI’s short-film grantees. Fellows serve as mentors and connectors while using the support from MPI to devote their time to developing their careers.

Application Procedures
To apply for a grant, the filmmaker should send a letter of inquiry not exceeding two pages that describes his or her background and general filmmaking objectives and goals. The letter should include a résumé, a brief description of the project, and the reason the applicant has decided to seek support from MPI. If MPI determines the project to be within its program objectives, MPI will invite the applicant to submit a formal proposal.

Please submit letters of inquiry to info at thempi dot org. Letters may also be sent to MPI’s mailing address, but e-mail is preferred.

Internships
The MPI Internship Program cultivates talented young filmmakers, screenwriters, producers, directors, and others who are committed to using the aesthetic power of film to promote the core American values of freedom. MPI places interns at such well-positioned production companies as Johnny Depp’s Infinitum Nihil, Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions, and the Disney Channel. While most interns will be based in Los Angeles, some may be matched with directors or production companies in New York, Boston, or other major metropolitan areas.

Maintaining close ties with interns and host companies alike, we strive at every point to create an integrated, positive experience for both. To ease the process for both interns and host companies, MPI provides stipends for all interns, and assists with housing as needed. Interns participate in regular discussion sessions with MPI advisors and staff, who will assign readings and host discussions about various aspects of the industry. Los Angeles interns will have the opportunity to meet one another and, when possible, to attend industry events.

The results speak for themselves—our interns regularly receive offers of fulltime employment from their host companies, and our host companies routinely express the desire to work with MPI interns in future. Most of our former interns are now working in the film industry; others are carrying their appreciation for liberty (and for the role film can play in promoting it) into related career paths, including policy analysis and new media marketing for non-profit organizations.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
--“At Infinitum Nihil, I received my first straight-from-the-trenches Hollywood education. I got a solid feel for what life is like for a true producer.” --2007 summer intern Jameson Haesler

--“I want to sincerely thank you for sponsoring me as an intern at Happy Madison Productions. The experience was extremely rewarding, and I learned more than I could possibly have imagined. … I would not have been able to get this far without the assistance I received from the Moving Picture Institute. Hopefully, with help from MPI, more supporters of liberty will be able to thrive in the media and eventually turn public opinion on to the ideals of individual and economic freedom.” --2008 summer intern Heston Roewe

--“I worked in the brand management department of Disney Channel in Burbank this summer. It really was a phenomenal experience working there. They are the best in their field and I could not have been in a better place to learn about the industry." --2008 summer intern Jonathan Willbanks

--“The Moving Picture Institute’s internship program is the best I have come across in this town. Your filter process for matching interns and host companies is excellent, and is doing much to ensure that the Hollywood of the future will be populated with young people of great ability, determination, artistry, and know-how. I hope Happy Madison will be home to more MPI interns in the future.” --Allen Covert, screenwriter and actor, Happy Madison Production

APPLYING FOR AN MPI INTERNSHIP
MPI is looking for independent, dynamic, creative, energetic, and self-motivated students or recent graduates who possess excellent research and communication abilities and who have a demonstrable interest in film production. The ideal candidate is committed to individual rights and has an informed appreciation for American liberty. Judgment, focus, organization, empathy, an ability to work under pressure, and a sense of humor are also important.

MPI reviews applications for summer and academic year internships on a rolling basis and will work with production partners and interns to set a mutually convenient schedule. Interested candidates should fax, mail, or e-mail a cover letter and résumé to:

Internship Coordinator
Moving Picture Institute
375 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013
Fax: 212-202-3705
E-mail: internships at thempi dot org

In your cover letter, please discuss:
--Why using film to advance liberty and individual rights is important to you;
--Five pivotal people, films, or books, that have influenced your world view;
--Your long-term career and life goals and how the MPI Internship Program will help you achieve these goals;
--Your leadership ability, self motivation, or entrepreneurial spirit; and
--What interests you most about MPI's work and why.

HOST MPI INTERNS: Become an MPI Production Partner
MPI’s candidate screening process saves production partners from the considerable costs of advertising for interns, reading résumés, interviewing candidates, and providing stipends. We guarantee production partners the highest quality and hardest-working interns. To find out how to become an MPI production partner, please email Stacie Smith, MPI’s internship coordinator, at internships at thempi dot org.