The Vitti Fund
A tax-deductible contribution to The Vitti Fund is a contribution to the art and craft of digital filmmaking
“In 1996, with freshly wetted filmmaking feet, I pursued editing as a method to become a better shooter, but I was sidetracked with the enjoyment of assembling the story, telling it with others, adding audio and motion graphics and experiencing the richness of the delivery…”
– Michael Vitti, February 28, 2009
An Educational Grant devoted to advancing the craft and careers of digital filmmakers in memory of Michael Vitti; community leader, educator, friend.
Purpose
The Vitti Fund is an educational tax-deductible grant program. We support digital filmmakers who advance their career through continuing education. We provide monetary grants for certification programs, seminars, workshops, distance learning, 2-year and 4-year programs.
Eligibility
The Vitti Fund targets filmmakers who reside in the Greater New York Tri-State area.
This includes: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Grant sizes vary based on a variety of criteria, including the amount of grant money available for distribution at any given time.
Apply for a Grant
At this time The Vitti Fund is raising funds to establish The Fund. Please sign up for our mailing list to be informed of all Vitti Fund activities, including the initial application period for grants.
About Michael Vitti
Michael Vitti (1963 – 2009) was the founder of The Moving Pictures Collective of NYC. Schooled as a Marine Biologist, Michael switched careers to become a Still Photographer and then moved into Videography, editing, and color correction. From wedding videos to music videos to documentaries, Michael always moved his career forward through constant learning.
Michael Vitti was also a larger-than-life personality. It’s been said you could bring Michael to party and within two hours not only would he know all your friends, he’d know all your friend’s friends… and their parents! He easily moved between many different circles of friends in varied professions and social strata.
In 2002 Michael re-formed the defunct New York City Final Cut User Group. In 2005 he incorporated the organization with the purpose of re-branding it into an Educational 501(c)3. In 2006 New York State awarded the NYCFCUG non-profit status. In 2007 he renamed the group to The Moving Pictures Collective of NYC. The name change reflected Michael’s desire to move the group past a Final Cut – centric purpose and move into the broader purpose of supporting Digital Storytellers. All through this time Michael went beyond organizing monthly meetings and offered seminars and workshops hosted by some of New York City’s most talented and enthusiastic filmmakers.
After Michael’s death in April 2009 there was a tremendous outpouring of love and support by those whom we call The Tribe of Mike. The one thing everyone in his Tribe agreed upon was Michael’s unwavering dedication to continuing education. A group of friends and family got together and decided we needed to keep Michael’s spirit alive; and the best way to do that is through an educational grant. The Vitti Fund was established.
For more information: http://www.mopictive.org/thevittifund/