Now that we’ve wrapped post-production on Abandoned Allies (and we’re planning screenings), I find myself constantly thinking about future films and how to fund them. I’m shamefully hooked on filmmaking, and anxious to do it again.

[Mind you, this isn't because I feel totally finished with Allies. We have plenty of work left there: screenings, creating DVDs, seeking distribution, developing additional material, etc. You can follow along that adventure on a separate blog called Diary of a Documentary or www.abandonedallies.com.]

Most days, I feel incredibly lucky to be a filmmaker right now. Things have changed drastically: great cameras are relatively affordable, people are relatively eager to work with you in exchange for experience, and social media has made it possible to share what you’re doing (with niche audiences genuinely interested in what you’re doing).

There are a lot of new ways to fund your own project, often from people who have never met you.  At the 2012 Full Frame Film Festival, I even heard a film industry exec talk about how he trolls Kickstarter, looking for projects to support.

The game has definitely changed. What exists is plenty of opportunities–if you’re willing to put forth the effort and be smart about your campaign.

So I’ve been studying case studies where indie filmmakers not only funded their project, but found an audience willing to support them after post-production wrapped. Translation: the film idea became a film and found an audience. This, to me, is some enjoyable success for a filmmaker. Having not only funded the making of your film, but helping it find an audience after it’s finished. That means it has to be a great story, told well.

Right now I have plenty of ideas, and a some of them are rising to the top. Some require much more effort (and greater resources) than others. I’m drawing some conclusions on how to fund my future films, and look forward to sharing results when they’re ready.

The event is free, and open to anyone interested in filmmaking: actors, writers, directors, producers, grips, sound mixers, … the list goes on! Come on out and have a beer.

TriFilm Social, September 2011

Excellent pitches leave you both feeling good. Yay!

People pitch ideas to me regularly. It can be a lot of fun. Here are a few tips on pitching to a producer, but feel free to add your own in the comments.

Know What’s Important

Ask yourself, “What’s important to this producer?” Then pitch an idea that aligns with the producer’s values. Research what inspires him by paying attention to what he blogs, tweets, or posts online. Pitching something he’s not interested is a disservice to both of you. It makes you look uninformed, and he may not be as open to your next idea.

Think of the Challenges

Learn his challenges: resources, access, and timing. Then pitch an idea with fewer challenges. It’s more likely to be considered seriously if glaring obstacles aren’t in the way. Pitching something too challenging might make him cognizant of his current limitations: money, experience, etc. That can end your conversation negatively and he may associate that with you, limiting future opportunities.

Be Succinct

As soon as you start sharing, his mind will be racing so pitch briefly, then leave a comfortable silence while he thinks. Let him ask questions accordingly. Talking just to fill the gap in conversation can make you look less than confident, weakening your pitch.

Sell Your Idea

If you’re passionate about the idea, it’ll show. Enthusiasm is contagious. Every project needs a champion: someone who can keep the enthusiasm going so that the project stays alive. If you’re not willing to sell your idea, why should anyone listen to it?

Don’t Take It Personally

If the producer turns you down, don’t take it personally. Timing can be everything. There are many variables a producer considers, most of which have nothing to do with you. If you’re dedicated to a worthwhile idea, it can happen. Don’t take one rejection as the final answer.

Other Tips

If you have tips to share, please do so in the comments. I’d love to know what you think.

Is anyone making a documentary about North Carolina’s Amendment One? I have posed this question to a number of reliable sources, but haven’t heard any affirmative responses.

I also posted on Facebook, “Is anyone making a documentary on this amendment? If so, I wanna see it. If not, I wanna help make it.” The response to that post has been positive. Some people are offering financial contributions to make it happen. It’s really tempting.

Since I’ve finished Abandoned Allies, I’m looking for new projects. My family and friends keep urging me to take a break, but I’m no good at that. It’s probably a sickness. But when you love what you’re doing, it hardly feels like work. It’s fun, enjoyable, unforgettable–and you want more of it.

This subject seems like a complex, historically significant one–much like Abandoned Allies. It’s a movie I want to watch. It seems like others would find it interesting. It’s full of universal themes: acceptance, man versus man, human rights, etc. I also feel like I have a lot to learn, which makes it an even more compelling subject to explore.

Just before the election on May 8, 2012, my news feeds were flooded with Amendment 1 messages. Yesterday Amendment 1 passed, and I am left very confused:

• What’s the history with Amendment 1?
• Why are we voting on it in a primary election?
• Why did it pass?
• What will this change?
• How will lives be affected?

Right now I have not committed to making a film about Amendment 1; however, it’s an idea that won’t leave me alone. I couldn’t sleep last night. I crave the chance to know more about this amendment and what it means for my home state and the people that live here.

I want to talk about it so that I can understand. I desperately want to share what I learn, in the event that others don’t have the time to research it for themselves. We all have a lot going on in our lives. Some times it is really difficult to stay informed.

One of the only ways I’ll make this film is if I can tell the story without bias. I feel like that’s important. I need to know both sides of the story. (Credit is owed to Mrs. Wellborn, my high school English and Journalism teacher, for helping me understand the importance of honest journalism.) I know how I feel about it, but can I tell the story so that others can make up their own minds on the issue?

From where I’m sitting, money doesn’t seem to be the biggest challenge in making this doc. It would be other necessary resources: access, time, and people.

Would I have the time to make this film? Do it justice? Not kill myself in the process? My life can get a little crazy, and often it gets really hard to keep up. I also want to be a good friend, daughter, sister, and girlfriend. If I take on this new project, it’ll mean that something else would have to take a back seat. I need to find a way to make my next doc without working myself to death, and without totally abandoning the people I cherish and love.

If I were to tell this story, I want it to be a damn good film. I feel like it’s an important one, and I don’t want to mess it up. So, thoughts are still swimming.

I’d love to know what you think on the matter. Is this a film you’d want to see? Would you financially support it via Kickstarter? What would you expect from such a film? Do tell.

I'd like to focus on short docs for a while.

I’d like to hone my craft and become a better story-teller. To do that, I’d like to focus on short docs in the immediate future.

I want short, seemingly straight-forward stories to tell in 20 minutes on-screen. I want to build a dedicated team at the beginning of the project. I don’t want to capture more footage than what’s absolutely needed. And I want to be finished with the project in a few months.

This is my goal at the present time.

Things are taking shape. I look forward to sharing more.

Andy also turned me on to KCRW’s The Treatment with Elvis Mitchell, a well-done podcast about filmmaking. I’m totally hooked. I love convos about filmmaking, and I’ve always enjoyed behind the scenes info. Elvis Mitchell does a great job interviewing, too. This podcast is fantastic, in my humble opinion.

You should check it out: http://bit.ly/ZTI5a. Enjoy!

Listen to The Treatment here: http://bit.ly/ZTI5a.

So I kept it. Dusted it off. And put it on Etsy to see if anyone else would want my little found treasure. This week someone bought the plastic curtain rings! I’m thrilled they’ll find a new home–especially not in a landfill.

Maybe holding on to these little nothings, photographing them, and finding them new homes was part of some messed up grieving process. No matter what, I hope you enjoy the packaging design as much as I do.

My favorite part is the line created for window beauty.

On Tuesday, June 5th at 7pm, people living near the Triangle and interested in filmmaking are invited to gather at Fullsteam (@Fullsteam). Starting at 8pm, we will share samples of what local filmmakers have been working on. To submit your work, email jim [at] turnipvideo.com

The event is organized by Camden Watts (@cammicam) and Jim McQuaid (@turnipvideo, TFSIG). Big thanks to Fullsteam who offered to be our host. Be sure to support them for their hospitality: they helped keep this event free for attendees.

TriFilm Social, September 2011

Since I’ve wrapped post-production on Abandoned Allies I’ve been getting the question, “What’s next?”

It’s tough to say right now, but I know I’m supposed to have an answer. There are really fantastic things taking shape. Not all of them are limited by the need to raise funds, but I desperately want to have a budget for my next film. I want to stay focused on producing and directing, which means I need a crew. And while some people are kind enough to work for free (to get experience, exposure, or whatever), I really want to hire people if I can afford it.

So the age-old question remains: how do you raise funds? It’s been on my mind the entire time I’ve worked on Allies. This form of art is expensive, but I think there are some fantastic fundraising options available. I hope people who fund my films will trust me enough–no matter what subject I pick–to tell interesting stories the best I can.

What I’d like to do is find someone great at building relationships to help with development. This is a very specific position that requires a lot of tact, intelligence, and charm. I need a guy or gal to help me keep investors informed so I can stay focused on my role as captain: keeping the ship headed in the right direction and all hands on deck when needed.

In the meantime, I’m filtering through ideas to find one I can marry. The subject of Allies was so interesting and important that it’s kept me working for more than four years now. That’s a tough thing to find. So I’m building criteria for the next film by asking myself these questions:

• Will this subject keep me interested / engaged?
• Is it something I can live with for the rest of my life, as part of my portfolio?
• Will others will find interesting? Does it have a niche or broad audience appeal?
• Do I have access to the resources needed to cover this subject: people, places, things, and money?
• Will it be a short or feature-length film?

Right now I know that I want something that feels relatively easy and happy. Allies was a challenge, but in a good way. I want something that feels easy to explore so I can improve my craft as a filmmaker and story teller. It needs to help me maintain the level of energy needed to become a better director and producer.

So, for now, I can’t share exactly what’s next but I know I’m really looking forward to it.