In a Time of Uncertainty, Dear Producer Awards $200K to Support Independent Producers

By Rebecca Green

Dear Producer, founded by producer Rebecca Green, is excited to announce the four recipients of its 2023 Dear Producer Award, now in its second year. Diane Becker (NAVALNY, KING COAL), Kellen Quinn (A STILL SMALL VOICE, TIME, MIDNIGHT FAMILY), Sarah S. Kim (I WAS A SIMPLE MAN, AUGUST AT AKIKO’S, CROSSINGS) and Sarah Winshall (GIVE ME PITY!, WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR, STRAWBERRY MANSION) will each receive an unrestricted grant of $50,000, attend a retreat focused on rest and community building and commit to mentoring an emerging producer for one year. This award is part of Dear Producer’s ongoing commitment to amplify the role of the producer and provide the independent film community with resources to build a more sustainable future. 

The Dear Producer Award is generously sponsored by Facet, founded by Maida Lynn, which embraces creative non-fiction filmmaking by visionary artists, works that push the cinematic form and explore universal and timeless themes, and a robust US-based independent non-fiction ecosystem.

Green noted the timeliness of this Award, “With the WGA strike underway, producers are confronted with the harsh reminder that unlike their collaborators, producers do not have minimum salary protections, healthcare or pension contributions, or residuals.” 

A Producers Sustainability Survey, commissioned by Dear Producer that surveyed over 550 producers, revealed that in 2019, 41% of producers earned $25K or less from producing with more than 80% of producers having had to defer their producing fee on at least one project, with nearly 50% deferring their fee on multiple projects.

“I am in awe of the producers being honored with this award who, despite the financial hurdles and personal sacrifices that are asked of them, continue to create thought-provoking, original films that push the boundaries of storytelling,” said Lynn.

The work of the award recipients—as well as their commitment to nurturing and advancing the careers of independent filmmakers—made them stand out among a very strong group of nominees. 

Award Recipients

• Diane Becker (NAVALNY, KING COAL, TINA)

• Kellen Quinn (A STILL SMALL VOICE, TIME, MIDNIGHT FAMILY)

• Sarah S. Kim (I WAS A SIMPLE MAN, AUGUST AT AKIKO’S, CROSSINGS) 

• Sarah Winshall (GIVE ME PITY!, WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR, STRAWBERRY MANSION) 

“Producers have always played a crucial role in discovering and developing the visionary artists who have gone on to create some of the most beloved films and television shows of our time. It is vital that the industry invest in producers in order to have a diverse and thriving business with artistic integrity.” 

Lynn added, “I want to challenge nonprofit organizations to create more granting opportunities for filmmakers and not just projects. The money given directly to these producers allows them to have greater control and autonomy over their careers, which in turn, gives them the ability to pursue bold projects that can have lasting impact on our culture and communities.”

Green concluded, “The business is in a moment of uncertainty where every day we read about more layoffs, shows being dropped from platforms, and productions suspended due to the strike. It feels like an impossible time to make anything, let alone an indie film, yet the producers chosen for this award remain resolute in their missions. My hope is that this award can be a glimmer of light for them as we all look toward a future of possibilities."     

For full bios of award recipients, visit dearproducer.com.