The first set of questions comes from Pippa Hirst, a talented filmmaker from Victoria who is working on a doc about the massive funding cuts to the arts in British Columbia.
Q: “Dear C.S.,
I’m currently working on a documentary about the arts in Victoria and the cuts to funding and the fight against it. I’m not sure how to proceed with no funding, no camera of my own, and so much to film on an ongoing basis. Would you recommend approaching private investors? Taking this time to do research rather than capturing things as they are happening? What do I need to present to potential investors? I’m very much a process-driven filmmaker so have broad ideas but no specific treatment for the project yet. Any advice you have as a filmmaker / producer would be greatly appreciated.”
A: Pippa, my main suggestion is, if the story is happening now, focus on capturing it. Obviously you need access to a camera, but there must be someone you know who can lend one out. Regarding funding, personally, I’ve never approached private investors. If you know some people with cash who are sympathetic to the subject, then that’s great!!! Offer them producer credit (or exec producer if they’re putting in a lot cash) in exchange for financial support. A “one-sheet” or one page description of what the film is about is useful. However, equally or perhaps even more useful is a well edited trailer about the film you are making…
Over the last few years, filmmakers have started approaching me for advice with questions regarding the craft and the process of working as an independent in the industry.
Also, I’ve begun giving a few seminars here and there when the opportunity presents itself. Not that I’m anything resembling an expert, but I’m always happy to voice my opinion and share my two cents. I figure, since I’m doing it anyways, I might as well start posting some of these Q & As.
It’s been too long since my last blog. Mostly because I don’t really feel I have much to say these days.
The big news is that I received my first ever applause in a yoga class today. I’ve been practicing on and off for (off mostly) for seven or so years and this is the first time I’ve seen anything like it.
The instructor who I’d never met before decided I was the one to demonstrate a new partner pose with him. It was some sort of alternative to “the wheel” where you lift you hips in the air, chest upward. Your feet are planted, and your hands are grabbing tightly onto your partner’s ankles. It helps you with leverage, I guess… Anyway, I’m not sure why he picked me but I guess I did it well enough because afterwords he led the rest of the students (who had all gathered around my mat) in a rather rambunctious ovation. As I lay there on my back, sweaty and exhausted, I wasn’t sure whether I sure whether I should struggle to my feet for a bow, or act nonchalant… in the end, I just smiled weakly, looking kind of awkward and embarrassed.
