Field of Vision is turning its attention to below-the-line inclusion in documentary filmmaking. The nonfiction unit behind projects such as “American Factory” and “On the Divide” has launched a new apprenticeship funding program for up-and-coming diverse doc crew members. According to a press release, Field of Vision will present four or five $30,000 grants to “independent production companies that are committed to hiring an underrepresented and emerging crew member to mentor, train, and compensate the apprentice on a production/s.”

With this new initiative, Field of Vision aims to remove barriers to entry many underrepresented folks face when pursuing a career in documentary film — as well as support companies who share their philosophy but lack the resources to bring on an apprentice. “Mentorship, access, and on the job training are too often out of reach to many, and are essential to advancing the next generation’s craft and careers,” the company explains in the press release. “We recognize that many members of our filmmaking community would love to assist in mentoring and expanding the field, but the budget to do so is often not there.”

The apprenticeship program was inspired by a similar fellowship scheme that was utilized on the set of “Disclosure,” a Field of Vision doc about trans representation on-screen.

“Field of Vision broadly defines ‘underrepresented and emerging’ and considers socio-economic status, community access and regionality, race, sexual identity, and all other barriers to entry, and will also take into consideration where those differ globally,” per the source. “The definition of emerging is also not limited by age. We strongly encourage productions to consider an emphasis on D/deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse inclusion — and should the apprentice require additional accommodations, we will contribute extra funding.”

The production companies that are selected for funding will be able to find and select the apprentice who best fits the project’s needs. If a production is in need of someone to work alongside a seasoned editor, for example, the Field of Vision grant can be used to create an on-set editing assistant role and provide job training.

Open to the global community, the program will only accept applications from independent production companies/houses, not individuals. Streaming platforms are not eligible for the program.

Applications for the apprentice program will be accepted through October 29 or when 150 applications have been received, whichever comes first. Grantees will be announced November 15.

Further criteria for the program can be found below, courtesy of Field of Vision. Find out more or complete an application here.

• Applicants must be an independent production or production house, and the total budget for each production should not exceed $1.5m.
• This funding is to be used to create a fully compensated apprentice position.
• By applying, applicants guarantee the apprentice will be compensated for work on a single project or across multiple projects.
• Apprenticeships will have a full, credited, paid role on a production/s, and applicants commit to the apprentice receiving a credit in line with that role on the productions they work on.
• Applicants commit to ensuring the apprentice is from an underrepresented background.
• Apprentices are guaranteed roles working alongside more experienced creators on productions to learn the craft.
• This is not a paid internship — applicants must commit to creating opportunities to shadow, train, and mentor and will not be solely for PA roles.
• The apprenticeship can be for any craft area within a documentary production.
• Limit of one apprentice per production/production house.