Telling Your Story on Film

Charities have resources and constituencies. But they are typically terrible at storytelling, the very element they need to grow their constituencies and resources. All around are “starving artists” with the inexpensive digital tools and talent to tell their stories. Film schools, let alone professionals, are producing film projects that could be put to work for the benefit of a cause. Imagine your own freely accessible outlets for such an independent  film: your Website and social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter), house parties, Public Access cable television, a DVD in your press kit and major donor packet, a screening at your annual gala (if a short) or even standalone screenings (for full-length).  

The Old World of movies relied on commercials, newspaper ads and the mass audience. The New World relies on YouTube, iTunes and niche audiences. Inexpensive digital cameras and editing software have lowered the barrier for filmmakers even further. The festival circuit has emerged as a de facto distribution stream for many filmmakers, yet the ad hoc world of festivals is not a substitute for real distribution. Today movies are consumed on laptops and iPods as much as in the theater. The Old World model sold one ticket to a moviegoer; the New World enlists fans into media feedback loops that they in turn help create and sustain. This can and should include causes.

Are there talented film projects at little or no cost available here or elsewhere for putting a memorable face on your cause?

http://www.documentary.org/

http://mfasocdoc.sva.edu/

http://www.itvs.org/index.htm

http://www.firstshowing.net/

http://www.documentaryfilms.net/index.php/film-finder/

http://newschool.edu/docstudies/default.aspx

http://shootingpeople.org/ifpoffer/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_film