IFGA Member Certification

While anyone can become an active member of the IFGA, it takes experience and expertise to earn the IFGA Member Certification.

When you become a Certified Member of the Independent Filmmakers Guild of America, you will receive a seal bearing your name, status as a certified member, and a letter of endorsement.

Professional certification and a letter of endorsement are crucial as they serve as formal recognition of an individual’s skills, expertise, and dedication in their field. Certification provides validation that the professional has met industry standards and possesses the necessary knowledge and competencies to excel in their role.

It enhances credibility and trustworthiness, making them more attractive to employers and clients. A letter of endorsement, on the other hand, offers personalized commendation from respected peers or organizations, highlighting the individual’s accomplishments, professionalism, and contributions to their industry. Together, they bolster your professional reputation, open up new career opportunities, and establish you as a trusted and esteemed figure within the creative community.

IFGA Certification Application and Requirements

NEEDED TO SUBMIT:

  1. Active IFGA Membership (Lifetime or Annual Member)
  2. COVER LETTER: Submit a certification cover letter briefly explaining what you do in the entertainment industry, a brief history of yourself, and why you became a member of the IFGA.
  3. RESUME: A professional resume highlighting your entertainment career.
  4. CREDITS: Verifiable credits in your chosen field.*
  5. [Optional] Up to three letters of reference or recommendation.
  6. APPLICATION FORM
  7. APPLICATION FEE
  • After you apply, the process may take 3-4 weeks.
  • If denied for any reason, you can:
    • Resubmit up to three times during the same calendar year at no additional cost.
    • Receive a detailed explanation of what is needed to complete the process.
    • Or, withdraw your application and receive a 50% refund.

*Verifiable credits include the following:

  1. Filmmakers (any area of the crew) you must have three (3) verifiable credits in three different projects listing you in the same role/profession that meet one of the following criteria:
    • Each credit must have the same or comparable title (Required);
    • Each movie should have verifiable distribution (even if self-distributed); OR
    • Verifiable theatrical screenings at festivals using professional industry standard requirements.
  2. Screenwriters must have three completed screenplays that meet any one of the following criteria:
    • Three writing credits in produced film projects that meet the above requirements for filmmakers; OR
    • Three unproduced screenplays that have been selected as winners, honorable mentions, finalists, or semi-finalists in verifiable film festivals or writing contests; OR
    • A combination of both A) and B) above for screenwriters, equaling three screenplays.
  3. Online Course Completion – You can also qualify for IFGA Member Certification by completing any four of our Online Course offerings and submitting the journal of assignments for each course.
  4. Waiver of Certain Requirements – If you believe your life experience, education, or a previous success should qualify you if you do not fully meet the requirements above, you will need to submit the following:
    • An explanation of the waiver request in your cover letter;
    • The three (3) letters of reference or recommendation will be required.

Once you are officially certified, can tout yourself as an IFGA Certified Member.

YOU WILL RECEIVE:

  1. Official IFGA Certified Seal with your name (digital delivery)
  2. Customized Wall Plaque (physical delivery)
  3. IFGA Endorsement Letter (digital delivery)
    1. Can be updated annually by request.
  4. Customized Endorsement Letter Frame (physical delivery)

As an IFGA Certified Member, you will receive an Official Letter of Endorsement customized to your career and highlighting your uniqueness.

 

We will customize a frame for you and send you a digital copy of the official endorsement, which you can then print and use as needed.

 

As a Certified Member of the IFGA, you will also receive a customized seal, just for you. You can use this seal as you deem necessary to promote your accomplishment and expertise.

The customized wall plaque lets you display your accomplishment as an IFGA Certified Member. 

When you complete your application and place your order, you will be able to choose between the brown/black wood frames below.

You must be an active IFGA Member to apply for IFGA Certification.

You must be logged in to access the application.

There are two fee options (these are in addition to membership fees):

  1. $399 – Full Certification Package: Customized Wall Plaque, Customized Letter of Endorsement Frame, Digital Letter of Endorsement, Custom Digital Seal.
  2. $199 – Digital Assets Only: Digital Letter of Endorsement, Custom Digital Seal.
  • Additional Customized Wall Plaques: $229 each.
  • Additional Customized Letter of Endorsement Frame: $149 each.
  • All prices include US shipping.
  • International Shipping is a Flat Rate of $60.

Be sure to have all of the required elements as noted in the “How to Apply” tab above.