Adobe Unveils 10 Filmmakers Receiving Total of $1 Million in Direct Grants, Forms Film & TV Advisory Board With Lena Waithe, Reggie Hudlin, Kerstin Emhoff and More

Adobe is stepping up its efforts to fuel creative work from independent voices in the entertainment biz — including directly giving money to creators.

In 2024, the digital creative tools and services giant launched the Adobe Film & TV Fund, aimed at expanding opportunities for emerging and mid-career filmmakers to get their projects made. Now it’s announcing the first cohort of 10 filmmakers receiving a combined $1 million in direct grants, building on the company’s nearly $10 million commitment in grants and donated products for 2026.

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In addition, Adobe announced the formation of a new Film & TV Fund Advisory Board featuring entertainment leaders including Lena Waithe, Reggie Hudlin and Kerstin Emhoff. The news comes ahead of the company’s Adobe MAX 2026 conference, taking place Nov. 10-12 in Miami.

“We believe in Hollywood. We’ve been a trusted partner to Hollywood for decades,” Lara Balazs, Adobe’s chief marketing officer, told Variety. “We want to empower filmmakers — we care about this community. We also understand that funding is hard to come by, and we can play a role in that.” The company’s direct funding for creators has no strings attached, she said.

Since launching, the Adobe Film & TV…