The Story
Every artistic journey has a beginning. For me, that beginning was a music video for a German singer named Monika Maid.
We met years ago through a shared love for the musical storytelling of Chris de Burgh. Monika was a private soul who sang for the love of it, and she became the very first artist to trust me with directing a music video. That collaboration didn’t just create a video; it sparked my career as a director and formed a lasting bond rooted in music.
Monika passed away in December 2023. In the years since we first met, life took us in different directions, but the impact of that first project never left me. To honor the friend who gave me my start, and to ensure her name continues to inspire new art, I am proud to announce the launch of the Monika Maid Memorial Grant.
What is the Grant?
The Monika Maid Memorial Grant is an annual initiative designed to bridge the gap for emerging musicians.
Each year, I will select one independent artist to receive a fully produced animated music video—completely free of charge.
Because animation is a universal language, this grant is open to artists worldwide. You do not need to be in Germany or the UK; you only need a song that tells a story.
The Award
The selected recipient will collaborate directly with Sam Chegini (Director of videos for Jakko M. Jakszyk, Jethro Tull, Chris de Burgh) to bring their vision to life. The grant covers:
Creative Direction: Scripting, storyboarding, and character design.
Production: Full animation (2D, 3D, or Mixed Media).
Delivery: A master 4K video file ready for global release.
How to Enter (2025 Cycle)
We are looking for authenticity, passion, and a strong visual vision.
Submission Requirements: Please send an email to [monikamaidgrant @samchegini .com] with the subject line: “Monika Maid Grant – [Your Artist Name]”.
Include the following in your email:
The Music: A streaming link (SoundCloud/Spotify/Private Link) to the song you want to animate. Note: The track must be mastered.
The Vision: A short paragraph describing your concept for the video. What is the story? (Feel free to include links to a mood board or visual references).
The Artist: A brief bio and a note on why this video would change your career right now.
DEADLINE: December 4 to 25 – Christmas 2025. WINNER ANNOUNCED: Monika’s Birthday on January 2, 2026
A Final Note
There is no entry fee. This is a labor of love, created to keep the music playing in memory of a dear friend.
“Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory.”
We look forward to hearing your stories.