Posted on Oct 20, 2009

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The title of this panel is a bit misleading, because, unless you’re one of a handful of documentarians around the globe, there really *isn’t* a lot of money. But the panelists offered some great advice, and there’s no reason why a smart, driven, and savvy documentarian shouldn’t be able to support herself comfortably.

  • Only raised a small amount of money? No sweat, you’re not doing anything wrong. That’s how it goes …
  • … plan on working incrementally. Start, get a bit done, raise more money, do a bit more; wash, rinse, repeat.
  • “Crowd Funding” is becoming an option, and a brilliant one at that. Check out The Age of Stupid.
  • A good resource for fundraising, promo, and discovery: indiegogo. Useful free templates and other jonks: workingfilms.
  • While you’re trying to cobble together money, TAKE that time to meet with potential advisors, NGOs, outreach partners, etc.
  • If you’ve been “kissed” by a grant or have landed a reputable non-profit partner, you’re in great shape.
  • With production costs (relatively) low, it’s harder and harder to get money from a piece of paper, people want to see footage.

The day of going to the NEA or some other large granting institution and getting a lump sum of money is over. From the beginning, doc filmmakers need to have a solid financial plan and distribution strategy in place. Peter Broderick suggested meeting with a distribution strategist (and he’s one) asap to get an idea about where–if anywhere–your project might find a home (and money). Although Broderick’s suggestion was a bit self-serving, it makes sense, if you can show other potential funders where money might come from, you’ll be able to raise more. Louise Rosen, the moderator, can also help here. Broderick advised that it’s better to go a contribution/non-profit route for documentaries instead of an LLC route.

There’s a sweet spot for docs around 400k right now. With falling production costs, you can make a compelling doc with good production values without skimping too much.

Pitch, pitch, and then pitch some more. Own this skill. Hotdocs, realscreen, the good pitch at silverdocs, your dog, your cat, the hotdog your cat is eating … whatever.

Regarding production, always be thinking of different versions; a 1-min trailer, 3-min advocacy piece for your non-profit partner, 30-min cut for house parties, 42-min for broadcast, 60-min for international broadcast, etc. Keep in mind educational extras and how to reach that lucrative market.

In your budgeting, remember E&O insurance, fees for archival footage, professional fees (legal, sales, distribution, marketing & outreach during and *after* production is over), online fundraising & community building. Meet with an accountant as soon as you can.

Fresh Funds Modern Ideas Doc Finance

Moderator:
Louise Rosen, Managing Director – Louise Rosen LTD

Panelists:
Peter Broderick, President – Paradigm Consulting
Katy Chevigny, Executive Director – Arts Engine Inc.
Wendy Ettinger, Co-Founder – Chicken & Egg Pictures
Julie Goldman, Founding Partner – Cactus Three Films
Ryan Harrington, Director – Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund

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