Ideas sought from Hawai‘i moviemakers, content creators to showcase islands as prime place for media development

The state is seeking ideas for small, mid-sized and microbudget film and creative media project from Hawai‘i moviemakers, content creators and other media entrepreneursl to support local talent and show the world that the islands are a prime place for media development.

A request for proposals was released earlier this week by the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Creative Industries Division.

Phase 1 seed funding totaling $400,000 from the Hawaiʻi Film and Creative Industries Development Fund will be used to support local filmmakers, media makers and content creators with the goal of growing Hawai‘i-made media content to be licensed and distributed worldwide.

Awards from $3,000 to $15,000 for short films will be made up to a total of $100,000, with longer format projects eligible to receive from $16,000 to $50,000 individual awards up to a total of $300,000.

The fund will be open to apply for through 4 p.m. March 21.

​“Opening sources of access to capital is essential for growing new markets for creative media entrepreneurs in Hawaiʻi,” said state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director James Kunane Tokioka. “Our call out to content creators and strategic spread of seed funding will both showcase local talent while further positioning the state as a premiere media development hub.”

Information sessions detailing the request for proposals and application process will be hosted Jan. 7-17 via Zoom.

There also will be an opportunity to submit written questions about the funding and program.

Key dates to remember:

• Jan. 20: Initial deadline to submit written questions.
• Jan. 31: State’s response to written questions and posted addenda.
• Feb. 3-28: Best and final offer proposal presentations (for those who submit proposals before Feb. 3, a best and final offer presentation might be required).
• 4 p.m. March 21: Deadline for proposal applications.
• Jan. 3-April 30: Review committee convenings/scoring.
• Jan. 27-April 30: Award letters time frame.
• Jan. 27: Contracting process begins.
• May 31: Contracting completion date.

Successful project proposals will define how the works will be developed, budgeted and produced and the potential for festivals or other forms of distribution.

These can include digital streaming, web-based online platforms, exhibition/festival competitions and other forms of media licensing and distribution opportunities.

“The community has been eagerly awaiting this first call for submissions, which marks an important step in more opportunities for Hawaiʻi creatives to access a funding resource to expand their careers,” said Creative Industries Division Chief Officer Georja Skinner. “Through seeding the development of early-stage projects or completion of those underway in various phases of production, we’re staking a claim that our growing roster of talent in the islands is a force to be supported, cultivated and expanded here and beyond our shores.”

All proposals should be sent via email to dbedt.cidrfp@hawaii.gov, with “RFP-CID-25-002” in the subject line.

For more information about the request for proposals, visit the online Hawai‘i Awards and Notices Data System and search under “Bidding Opportunities.”

Any additional questions can be directed to Creative Industries Division Branch Chief Rick Manayan via email at ricky.c.manayan@hawaii.gov.