In filmmaking, funding the film is the greatest conundrum.
A great idea, but will they fund it?
For all filmmakers, funding is both a matter of faith--they will come, the funders-- and art-- the art of strategy, business acumen, and effective marketing and promotions.
Funding the film is a high-risk venture for any filmmaker who commits to "putting it all in". That's why it sometimes feels like insanity to venture in.
But having raised several million dollars to make my nine documentaries--four that made it to PBS and one that won an EMMY, I know that it still takes unreasonableness to say, "I am going to make another film, because this is my gift and calling, this is what I do and do well."
Art is never a rational process when it comes to creation; funding, on the other hand, is a rational process and can be successful with smart thinking, out of the box strategies, and luck of your own making.
Yes there is luck in business. And good timing. And fistfuls of stories of dreamers who found a way. I am up to it all and am asking you to take the journey with me, and to be a partner in making this film a reality.
Early Birds are needed to assist in the film's launch and survival during its R&D (development and research) phase -- when there is nothing to see. Who are the Early Birds? They fans or friends. They are connected, like a supportive family or circle. Or they just love the idea of the film, or just BELIEVE. Belief is a strong expression of confidence in the film idea and in the filmmaker.
When I had creative doubts early on if I could make this film and I was unsure of myself, the fear was strong. My sister Terri sent me this quote to encourage and embolden me. It's from William Hutchinson Murray (1913-1996), from his 1951 book entitled The Scottish Himalayan Expedition.
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.
And so I say: I have begun. And so has Providence.
Early Bird Friends can donate now.
A great idea, but will they fund it?
For all filmmakers, funding is both a matter of faith--they will come, the funders-- and art-- the art of strategy, business acumen, and effective marketing and promotions.
Funding the film is a high-risk venture for any filmmaker who commits to "putting it all in". That's why it sometimes feels like insanity to venture in.
But having raised several million dollars to make my nine documentaries--four that made it to PBS and one that won an EMMY, I know that it still takes unreasonableness to say, "I am going to make another film, because this is my gift and calling, this is what I do and do well."
Art is never a rational process when it comes to creation; funding, on the other hand, is a rational process and can be successful with smart thinking, out of the box strategies, and luck of your own making.
Yes there is luck in business. And good timing. And fistfuls of stories of dreamers who found a way. I am up to it all and am asking you to take the journey with me, and to be a partner in making this film a reality.
Early Birds are needed to assist in the film's launch and survival during its R&D (development and research) phase -- when there is nothing to see. Who are the Early Birds? They fans or friends. They are connected, like a supportive family or circle. Or they just love the idea of the film, or just BELIEVE. Belief is a strong expression of confidence in the film idea and in the filmmaker.
When I had creative doubts early on if I could make this film and I was unsure of myself, the fear was strong. My sister Terri sent me this quote to encourage and embolden me. It's from William Hutchinson Murray (1913-1996), from his 1951 book entitled The Scottish Himalayan Expedition.
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.
And so I say: I have begun. And so has Providence.
Early Bird Friends can donate now.
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