Documentary “Losing Eric Garner” Wins Roy W. Dean Grant

“I can’t breathe.”

Those three words helped spark a national movement, a comprehensive debate about law enforcement and signaled that Americans would no longer tolerate police using excessive force against suspects from marginalized communities.

From the Heart Productions is proud to award a Roy W. Dean Grant for Fall 2023 to the documentary Losing Eric Garner  which will examine the tangled intersection of personal tragedy, systemic injustice, and the relentless pursuit of change throughout.  The documentary offers a poignant reflection on the price of inaction and the hope for a better tomorrow.

It’s been nearly a decade since the tragic death of Eric Garner on July 17th, 2014. With great dedication, the E.R.I.C. Initiative Foundation, founded by Garner’s mother Gwen Carr, has embarked on a mission to commemorate this pivotal moment in history.

“We are gratified to receive this grant, which will help us complete this film and make it ready for the marketplace,” Carr said.

“This film seeks to provide an intimate look into the life, legacy, and impact of Eric Garner, examining the broader societal issues that surround his story. The emotions captured, the stories told, and the insights gathered are both powerful and enlightening.”

About the Film

The film includes interviews with Carr, members of the Garner family, as well as others who were integral in supporting the family as they fought for justice – people like Rev. Al Sharpton, Mayor Eric Adams, Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley, and thought leaders like William Jelani Cobb, MSNBC political analyst and the Dean of the Columbia University School of Journalism. The goal is to have the final cut of the film by July 17th, 2024, marking the exact 10th anniversary of Eric’s tragic death.

In addition to producing the documentary, Carr has established a nonprofit aimed at helping Americans remain vigilant with regard to the injustices eroding marginalized communities. The Garnerway Foundation (https://www.garnerwayfoundation.com/) uses the letters of Eric’s name to spell out its goals: Eliminating Racism and Injustice Collectively.

“Our Goal is to empower others with the knowledge and awareness of the ongoing crisis we face continuously, which is racism and injustice,” Carr wrote on the foundation’s Website.

“We need to arm our young with the tools that will combat these misfortunate situations when necessary, such as educating and assisting in mentoring them, preparing them to be tactful, who to consult with if ever confronted, and know where to turn and who to consult with. Be a guide and a go-to, to make them aware of their rights.”

 

Unveiling the Power of Independent Documentary Filmmaking: A Conversation with Chris White

Exploring the Rich Landscape of American Documentary

by Carole Dean

As the President of From the Heart Productions, I’ve long been an advocate for the transformative power of independent filmmaking. It’s not just about telling stories; it’s about shaping narratives, challenging perspectives, and fostering empathy.

Independent documentary

So, when I had the opportunity to sit down with Chris White, the executive producer at American Documentary Inc., I was eager to delve into the rich history and mission of his organization, renowned for producing PBS’s award-winning documentary series, POV (Point of View), and America Reframed in partnership with GBH World Channel.

A Legacy of Empowering Independent Voices

American Documentary, founded in the late 1980s by Mark Weiss, emerged from a pressing need for independent voices on American television.

Chris White, reflecting on the organization’s journey, encapsulates its essence: “Hundreds of beautiful cinematic stories being brought to the American public, addressing the issues of our times.” This dedication to uplifting long-form documentary filmmaking resonates deeply with my own passion for storytelling that transcends boundaries and challenges societal norms.

POV: A Showcase of Human Stories

POV stands as the longest-running showcase for independent documentary on U.S. television, completing its 36th season. What sets POV apart is its focus on character-driven, story-centric cinematic experiences that delve into the human condition.

As Chris aptly puts it, “Through our films, you can see all the contemporary issues we’re dealing with.” This approach, centering on human narratives, enables viewers to connect deeply with the multifaceted issues of our times.

America Reframed: Focusing on American Stories

While POV offers a global perspective, America Reframed zooms in on American narratives. Chris notes that while both platforms share similar approaches, America Reframed specifically focuses on stories from the United States, creating a nuanced tapestry of American experiences.

The Role of an Executive Producer: Nurturing Filmmakers and Stories

In his role as Vice President of Programming and Production and Executive Producer, Chris wears many hats. He serves as the public and curatorial face of POV, actively engaging with filmmakers at festivals, pitch forums, and industry events.

His journey from intern to executive producer underscores his profound understanding of the filmmaking process and the importance of fostering emerging talent.

Embracing Diversity and Innovation in Documentary Filmmaking

Chris emphasizes the importance of diversity and innovation in documentary filmmaking, encouraging filmmakers to experiment with storytelling techniques and embrace diverse perspectives.

This commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices is evident in their partnerships and initiatives, such as the Diverse Voices Project, aimed at supporting emerging BIPOC filmmakers.

Paving the Way for Short Form Nonfiction: POV Shorts

The emergence of POV Shorts, now in its sixth season, highlights the organization’s adaptability and commitment to showcasing the best in short-form nonfiction. By providing a platform for shorter narratives, POV Shorts enables filmmakers to convey powerful stories in condensed formats, further expanding the reach and impact of documentary filmmaking.

Empowering Filmmakers and Engaging Audiences: The POV Engage Initiative

Beyond airing films, American Documentary prioritizes civic engagement through initiatives like POV Engage. By collaborating with a vast network of organizations, they facilitate discussions, panels, and educational programs, transforming films into catalysts for dialogue and action within communities.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Documentary Ecosystem

As American Documentary looks to the future, Chris outlines their goals of sustaining the documentary ecosystem by increasing support for filmmakers and expanding co-production opportunities. By nurturing emerging talent and amplifying authentic voices, they aim to continue enriching the landscape of independent documentary filmmaking.

My conversation with Chris White reaffirmed the profound impact of independent documentary filmmaking in shaping our understanding of the world. Through compelling storytelling, diverse perspectives, and community engagement, organizations like American Documentary are not just documenting history—they’re actively shaping it.

As filmmakers and audiences alike, let us continue to champion the power of storytelling to inspire change and foster empathy in an ever-evolving world.

 

Carole Dean is president and founder of From the Heart Productions; a 501(c)3 non-The Art of Film Funding Podcastprofit that offers the Roy W. Dean Film Grants and fiscal sponsorship for independent filmmakers.

She is creator and instructor of Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.  26 classes which will teach indie filmmakers how to produce their films.

She hosts the weekly podcastThe Art of Film Fundinginterviewing those involved in all aspects of indie film productionShe is also the author of  The Art of Film Funding, 2nd Edition: Alternative Financing Concepts.  See IMDB for producing credits

 

Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023 Won by Homele$$, Inc

Documentary Examines the Industry That’s Grown Up Around the Issue of Homelessness

Director Remi Kessler and his producing partner Robert McFalls have won the Roy W. Dean Grant for Summer 2023 with their documentary feature Homele$$, Inc.  Awarded by From the Heart Productions, a top-rated 501(c)3 non-profit grant that sponsors the grant, the grant goes to a unique film that makes a contribution to society.  Remi and his production team will receive $3,500 and thousands more in production goods and services to help complete their film.

 

 

“Director Remi Kessler shines a bright, revealing, and necessary light on the terrible homelessness crisis in our cities, “commented Carole Dean, President of From the Heart Productions. “We know that he and his talented team will turn out an exceptional documentary.”  

In addition to the $3,500 cash prize, the grant winner will receive $500 in grip, lighting or expendables from Filmtools,  $1295.00 Scholarship to Writers Boot Camp, a discount on sound mix from Jeff Alan of  Alan Audio Works,  30% discount by Jerry Deaton for Music Post Production Services at AudioKut, and more from heart-felt film industry companies and individuals.

About the Film

Homele$$, Inc takes a look behind the scenes at the industry that’s grown up around the issue of homelessness, exploring what’s working and what’s not. In the wake of publicly funded ballot initiatives and bond measures, the public has grown concerned about how their tax dollars are being spent.

They see the homeless population continuing to explode and wonder; is money being spent wisely? Meanwhile, entire sectors of homeless industry have evolved, ever increasing the amount of money required to manage the issue. 

The film focuses on two main areas: construction of new affordable housing units and the supportive services industry. Why can’t units get built faster? Why are they so expensive? Painting mass homelessness as an individual failure rather than a housing problem has resulted in billions of dollars being spent on emergency responses, while the underlying problem remains unaddressed. One thing is clear; the answers to solving the epidemic of homelessness require novel outside the box modes of thinking.

In his celebrated film, “The Advocates,” producer- director Remi Kessler focused on the intimate journeys of advocates helping people off the streets and into supportive housing. Remi, along with long time producing partner Robert McFalls, now turn their wider lens on the business side of homelessness in America, knowing that if we don’t face these problems head on, the human and economic costs will continue to grow.

About the Filmmaker

Remi Kessler – Director –Rémi Kessler directed and produced the feature documentary “The Advocates” which premiered at the 2018 Los Angeles Film Festival before being released theatrically.

Prior to this, Rémi produced “Shadows and Lights,” which opened the classic documentary section of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

Over the years, he has produced many television series, independent features, documentaries, and music videos, working with a range of artists including iconic fashion designer Ozwald Boateng and megastar David Guetta.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

From its inception in 1992, the Roy W. Dean Grant has awarded over $2,000,000 in cash and donated film services to independent films. It has been an important lifeline for independent filmmakers that help to get their projects started or finished.  Without assistance from the grant, many excellent and important films may never have been made.  Four grants are awarded each year including one exclusively for short films

Other winners of the Roy W. Dean Grants include Emmy Winners Belly of the Beast, The Love Bugs, the award winning narrative feature Cadejo Blanco which is now in theaters around the world, the 2019 Sundance Film Festival selection Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins, the acclaimed documentary Kusama-Infinity, Stranger at Home which premiered on PBS this November, and 26 Seconds which is now streaming on Epoch TV.

About From the Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects funded and made.  They have been chosen a top non-profit for eight years in a row by greatnonprofits.org. Besides providing funding through the grant, they offer a unique film sponsorship which has helped filmmakers raise over $30 million for their projects.  The program offers personal consultations and guidance on finding funding their project. 

President Carole Dean, is a published writer, a producer, and instructor for two essential classes for indie filmmakers. She wrote the best-selling The Art of Film Funding: 2nd Edition, Alternative Financing Concepts.   Her Intentional Filmmaking Class teaches film funding.  Her new course, Learn Producing: The Ultimate Guide to Indie Film Production is a year-round course that provides filmmakers with the essentials they need to produce their projects.

For More Information and interview requests, please contact:

Richard Kaufman

richard@fromtheheartproductions.com

www.fromtheheartproductions.com

How to Create Documentary Interviews for Successful Film Trailers

“Good interviews don’t make good trailers; good stories make good trailers.”

by Carole Dean

In my first blog about my interview with Michael Torres on The Art of Film Funding Podcast, I shared his wisdom for creating successful film trailers. In this blog, we’ll go more in depth into best practices for conducting documentary interviews, and how to incorporate those into film trailers.

Michael is a talented filmmaker, editor and teacher, and considers himself a lifelong student. He combined his love of history and storytelling with his passion for metaphysical studies to create art that uplifts, inspires, and unites.

His first Installation, The Gods of Puerto Rico is a 12-part documentary series on Afro Puerto Rican revolutionary Pedro Albizu Campos and his quest for Freedom. Michael has created content for Fox Sports, Spotify Studios, The NFL Network, ESPN, and YouTube Originals. When he’s not in production, Michael is a teacher of metaphysical studies and meditation at the Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles. 

Michael has also been a friend of mine for many years. He was also a student in my Intentional Filmmaking Class. We were very fortunate to have him as a guest!

Plan in advance.

Documentarians often choose to include excerpts from their interview in their trailers. However, sometimes filmmakers just hope that the interview will produce good content for their trailers without planning enough in advance.  This is not the best approach.

“If you’re hoping you capture what you need for your trailer,” Michael explains, “then you haven’t articulated a vision for yourself and your film, right? You need to be intentional about the stories you want to tell.

“During interviews you will get surprises and hear things to take you somewhere else. But the clearer you are about what you want and need from an interview, the more success you will have.”

Stories make good trailers.

Michael also gave some advice about a common pitfall for using interviews in a trailer. “I’m speaking from experience with this one, with my own film. Good interviews don’t make good trailers, good stories make good trailers. And so you might have this kick ass interview, the person is brilliant, but did they tell you a fantastic story?”

What he suggests you want to do instead is to use the interviews to craft a compelling story, not just give information.

“I think there’s a lot of prep that goes into preparing to film something for a trailer or do those initial interviews. I’d say research, research, research. Once you know who you’re going to interview, maybe they’ve been interviewed before, maybe they’ve been on television, maybe they have a blog post.  Read an article that they’ve written, but understand how they communicate, and what their point of view is.”

Michael highly recommends conducting “pre-interviews” to prepare. “I love the world of Zoom and what that’s opened for us. We could do these pre-interviews on Zoom, and I’ve used Zoom interviews in trailers or bytes from Zoom interviews in trailers.

“That’s something you may not want for your finished piece, but to help you get these ideas down, I think that’s important. Then it’s taking that and really being clear about what it is before you sit down to talk to someone. Then you can have a real conversation. Then you can genuinely and sincerely be an interested listener and confidently know what that person can give you.”

Reduce your costs and do out of town interviews with Zoom.

Zoom is a great benefit for low budget documentaries. In many cases, I believe that footage from Zoom interviews is often good enough quality to include in a trailer, or sometimes in the documentary itself.

Michael agreed.

“I think we’re in a time,” he said,  “where with our willingness to engage with social media that we don’t need to shoot an interview (on a Red Camera) necessarily. There’s a tolerance for low resolution video.

“There’s an intimacy that you get on a Zoom call that you don’t get in a standard sit-down interview… You’ve been on a Zoom call, you’ve been on the other side of that call. It’s not foreign to someone. So I think you get them to be a little more comfortable in a Zoom environment than you would in a three light setup and with a small crew under a hot light.”

This is so true! It’s not uncommon for someone you’re interviewing to have never been on a professional set or filmed with a professional crew and camera before. They might be nervous. They are more relaxed on Zoom. They’re in their home where they are comfortable, which can help you to get a very up close and personal conversation.

And of course, you’ll also save a lot of money without having to travel or hire a crew. This can be crucial if you are still raising funds or in early development for your film. You can get the interview you need for a trailer without spending anything.

A “chicken or egg” situation.

Michael expanded that “you can always go back and refilm that interview… now knowing exactly what you’re going to get, or having a better sense of what the subject can deliver. I think this is going to be a consistent feature in documentary going forward… the lower quality Zoom video camera, phone footage and things of that nature.”

Filmmakers often find themselves in a “chicken or egg” situation. They need to raise the $15,000 or so to make the trailer, but they need to have the trailer to raise money! Using Zoom interviews can help create that initial funding trailer when funds may be limited or nonexistent.

Furthermore, it shows that you are very creative by being able to get such great content over Zoom, and that you are resourceful for being able to create a compelling trailer for a minimum amount of money. 

During your interviews, you must listen for the sound bite that will make the film or trailer move forward. Sometimes, this requires asking the same questions two or three different ways to get the response framed in a way that works.

To tell your story, ask leading questions.

“Some people will probably not like this,” Michael suggested, “but I tend to ask leading questions. I’ll pepper in a piece of the answer in my question, and then I’ll also be very clear with the person I’m interviewing that I need them to mirror back to me the question that I asked.

“So, for example, if I ask you, what’s your favorite color? I can’t do much as an editor if you just say ‘purple.’ But ‘my favorite color is purple’ just conveyed a piece of information. So, it’s being clear about the answer you want, and then figuring out ways to ask questions to get it.”

Learn Adobe Premiere or Final Cut

Once you have your interviews and other footage you can use for a trailer, the next step is to organize it and select the best clips to create the trailer. Michael recommends taking the time to at least learn enough editing on Adobe Premiere or Final Cut to create an assembly of your footage. You can learn everything you need on YouTube in a day.

Michael considers that “then you’ll be a proficient enough editor to assemble, to take an interview apart and break out bites and things of that nature just to play with it and begin seeing how it strings together.

Get interviews transcribed

“But I’d say even before that,” he suggests, “you want to take your interviews and get those transcribed. That’s a really important tool and resource for me. I lean on my transcripts and I try to cut on paper as much as I can before I start cuttingin the program, because I only get to see this a couple of times with fresh eyes. I only get to experience it a few times.

“And so I want to take it as far as I possibly can on paper and work with the producer or director that I’m working with to really get a tight outline.  Knowing that once we start editing, that outline may go out the window. We might fall down the rabbit hole and it leads to somewhere else, but we’ve set an intention and we’re moving towards that intention. Now that we’re on that journey, we can allow it to take us where we want to go, but first we’ve set a destination.”

Rev.com is excellent for automatic transcriptions.

Michael and I both recommend using www.rev.com to create inexpensive transcriptions of your interview footage.

He considers it “a great resource. You could take your interview, you upload it, and minutes later you have a transcription. One thing I will just remind listeners is please, please, please get the time code, on your transcriptions. It really helps speed up the process when I know 10 minutes and 13 seconds is where I’m gonna find that bite versus listening through the interview to find it.”

I highly recommend you take a moment to view the trailer that Michael created for his Albizu docuseries at www.whoisalbizu.com, where you can also learn more about the project.

In case you missed it, please make sure to check out my first blog about my interview with Michael Torres (Insert Link Here). You can also listen to the full interview on Blog Talk Radio. You can learn more about Michael Torres at www.mtorresproductions.com.

 

Carole Dean is president and founder of From the Heart Productions; a 501(c)3 non-The Art of Film Funding Podcastprofit that offers the Roy W. Dean Film Grants and fiscal sponsorship for independent filmmakers.

She is creator and instructor of Learn Producing: The Ultimate Course for Indie Film Production.  26 classes which will teach indie filmmakers how to produce their films.

She hosts the weekly podcastThe Art of Film Fundinginterviewing those involved in all aspects of indie film productionShe is also the author of  The Art of Film Funding, 2nd Edition: Alternative Financing Concepts.  See IMDB for producing credits

 

Stephanie Howard Wins Roy W. Dean Film Grant

Documentary explores family members and loved ones who care for our wounded upon their return to civilian life

Oxnard, CA Feb 12, 2015 From The Heart Productions, the film funding non-profit that oversees the Roy W. Dean Film Grant, has awarded the final Film Grant of 2014 to director Stephanie Howard for her documentary “Not The Same: Families After War”.  Stephanie will receive nearly $30,000 in film services and cash to help fund her project and get it completed.

Soldier and Child

“Not The Same: Families After War” addresses the emotional challenges faced by those who care for their loved ones wounded in the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan. It is about military men and women who must now rely on their families to heal and to function.

The goal of this documentary is to create awareness of what it is like to care for our wounded, illuminate their “new normal” and celebrate the unsung heroes of war

“Stephanie is a passionate and very talented filmmaker who cares deeply about the subject of her documentary” commented Carole Dean, president of From The Heart Productions.  “It is wonderful to honor her work and assist her in getting this important project to the screen”

The Roy W. Dean Grant is awarded to films that are unique and make a contribution to society.  The grant offers cash as well as discounted production services and goods to help filmmakers get their projects started or completed.  Over 200 filmmakers applied for the Roy W. Dean Fall Film Grant.  The yearly deadline for submissions was September 30th, 2014.  Projects submitted included documentaries, narrative features, and short films.

In addition to $2,500 cash given by From The Heart Productions, the winner will receive a hard drive from G-Technology, tape stock from Comtel/Edgewise Media, major discounts on post production services from Solvent Dreams, full theme music and score from composer David Raiklen,  and much more from many heart-felt donors.

“Carole Dean and From the Heart Productions have been my fiscal sponsor for my documentary.  In that time, Carole has gone above and beyond to guide me through the documentary process and has always been there for advice… and some great “cheerleading.” said winner Stephanie Howard.

Submissions are now being accepted for the 2015 Roy W. Dean Spring Film Grant.   Cash value for the grant has been increased to $3,500.

About the Filmmaker

Stephanie is a co-producer of the award-winning documentary “Refusenik”.  She is a television news producer and writer based in Los Angeles and has worked at local television stations as well as the L.A. bureaus of Fox News Channel, CNN, NBC News and Reuters.  Stephanie is winner of a commemorative Los Angeles Area Emmy for her work as associate producer of the news magazine program “L.A. Roundtable”.  She has also been nominated for Emmy awards as a segment producer at KTTV News and KNBC-TV.

About the Roy W. Dean Grant

Now in its 23rd year, the Roy W. Dean Grant awards filmmakers with great stories, told with passion, the funding to get their projects started or completed.  Films submitted to the grant can be short films, documentaries or features from early stages of pre-production to those needing help in post.

The grant has been integral in making sure that talented artists with great stories get their films produced.  Recent past winners of the grant include the award winning “Heist: Who Stole the American Dream”, “The Winding Stream: An Oral History of the Carter and Cash Family” which was featured at film festivals in , and “Mia: A Dancer’s Journey” which just premiered in New York this February.

About From The Heart Productions

From The Heart Productions is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping filmmakers get their projects made.  Besides providing funding through the grant, they are also a fiscal sponsor which allows donations made to films they sponsor to be tax deductible.  From The Heart has raised over $1.6 million for crowdfunding films as a partner with Indiegogo.  President Carole Dean is the best-selling author of “The Art of Film Funding” which is now in its second edition.

3 Nuggets of Gold: Indie Marketing and Distribution Expert Jon Reiss

Digital Media Strategist

Digital Media Strategist

by Elizabeth England

What’s a PMD?  Something every indie film budget needs, a Producer of Marketing and Distribution.  Carole Dean’s interview with Jon Reiss was astounding in its torrent of knowledge and ideas, giving us a glimpse of the raw curiosity that drives Jon’s filmmaking.  Daily Variety named him as a ‘digital director to watch.’ (Jon in Wikipedia.)

Check out his imdb.com!–fascinating films and subjects–Robotic Mayhem from Survival Research Laboratories; Bomb It featuring rave influencers Crystal Method and Moby; and Bomb It 2 exploring global graffiti leaders. His current project is producer and PMD (a dual role he doesn’t recommend) for a breast cancer awareness doc following the treatment choices, decision-making and post-treatment stories of several women.

This interview is so chockfull of smart info and brilliant ideas—I’ll share a few of the nuggets.  (Listen to the interview for so much more!)

Nugget 1 –  Every indie film budget needs a PMD, a Producer of Marketing and Distribution.  The PMD develops and implements a marketing and distribution strategy at the start of the project.  The PMD ensures early and ongoing engagement of the target audience through a storytelling platform, develops niche-influencer partnerships, and defines a festival, live event and digital strategy including merchandise and delivery.  The PMD starts with a low percentage of budget and high time investment and inversely ramps up over the life of the project.

At the project’s start the PMD’s focus will be audience and partnership strategy and development, a big investment of the PMD’s time.  As the project matures, the PMD’s budget will increase with live event, digital and merchandise strategy rollouts leading up to the ‘premiere’ event.  Once the film is released, 100% of the budget becomes marketing and distribution related expenses.

Basically, it’s a key job that needs to be baked into today’s indie film budget if you want to “dent the media landscape,” as Jon put it.  Makes sense, huh?

Nugget 2 – To engage, build and maintain your audience relationships, have a storytelling platform that lives alongside the film project.  The storytelling platform will build your audience community and create a win-win relationship, nurturing partnerships with like-minded influencers and organizations in your story niche.

Jon’s example: His current breast cancer project examines the controversial questions about over-screening and overtreatment, trends in lumpectomies and mastectomies, and issues of reconstructive surgery.  The breast cancer film’s storytelling platform is partnered with a like-minded charitable organization, sharing their audiences and publicity campaigns during the project.  His tip for filmmakers with controversial subjects—engage influencers early and hold off on social media promotion of your topic until there are strong strategic partners with buy-in to share in diffusing controversy. A win-win for both, the breast cancer charity will ‘inherit’ the film’s storytelling platform after the film reaches distribution–a real motivator for charity buy-in.

Nugget 3 – Think about ways to engage your audience both episodically and for your one off film premiere. There was so much good advice here I’ll just touch on it so make sure you listen to Jon’s interview for more info. Powerhouses like Netflix and HBO are tapped into consumer preferences for series, gaining the advantage of repeating promo and recurring royalties for replays—but they have the ad money for series promo.  Taking a cue from the series concept, Jon uses production and post-production to deliver a series of live events with film previews to elicit feedback, engage audience discussion and make adjustments for the desired impact.  His idea: release discreet film clips with fanfare as a series to build fan base and excitement for the final product. Using this model, the live events format could range from mini-screening parties with interactive discussions, to publicity events…whatever suits your topic…or a mix of both during post-production.  Post release, additional content not in the final cut makes great series content for ongoing audience engagement and film promotion on the storytelling platform. You can take any of this and run with it to suit your project. (This idea applies during the filmmaking and between projects, too, engaging your loyal fans until your next film is released.)

Audience development tips.

  • Make the media match the audience: know who your audience is and develop content that engages them directly as early as possible in the project.
  • Marshall geographic/regional support: If you can link your film subject to a community or region, you’ll interest local press and publicity for your project.
  • Strategic relationships: develop win-win relationships with both influencers and organizations in your niche subject.  Having the support of celebrities, bloggers, charities, civic groups or even government agencies to develop your audience should be a win-win. To develop these relationships, just introduce yourself and connect, and be prepared to answer should they ask what you have to offer and what you want from them, such as screening outreach, dvd promotion, profit sharing, co-publicity events, etc.  Jon’s breast cancer strategy started with the influencers and organizations in the breast cancer niche, then expanded to embrace influencers in women’s health.

Some last few tidbits to chew on:

  • One off films are easier to produce events around than a series because a filmmaker has more opportunity to dent the media landscape—but take advantage of series elements in your marketing.
  • Your final film doesn’t have to have a 90-minute format!  45 minutes more or less is an optimum length for a live event with publicity or a screening party with interactive discussion.
  • Check out the interesting events other indie filmmakers are doing like This American Life and HitRECord.

Jon wants to talk to you.  He made it clear in this interview that he is very curious about what you are up to – he just loves talking to filmmakers. Once again, thanks go to From the Heart’s Carole Dean for her extensive reach into the world of independent filmmaking to deliver this great interview.  Here’s more info from Jon, including how to get him on the phone for a chat:  www.jonreiss.com; Jon in Wikipedia; Think Outside the Box Office; and Jon’s Free Consultation.