Arts Doc Q&A Part 1
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…
Here is an excerpt of what Pippa is working on:
