Who Is the Team?
Should filmmakers go it alone or bring on someone (or a team) to lead the impact work? Consider the following questions:
- How much time do I/we want to commit? Full time or part time – over how many years?
- Where are we in the process of making the film itself and how much time/energy do we have for the impact work?
- Do I/we have the necessary skills?
You may determine that you need help, even if only to supplement what you are able and willing to do. In some cases, you might start out small and expand your team — and your capacity — as you secure more funding. Here are a few models to consider.
Impact Manager/Implementer
You hire an individual to develop and implement a strategic plan, with the input of the film team.
Impact Strategist/Advisor
You hire an individual to develop the strategic plan that guides you in implementing the impact work yourself.
Impact Division
You hire an entire team to develop and implement a strategic plan — with the input of the film team — or to implement the plan created by the Impact Strategist/Advisor.
Impact Firm/Agency/Organization
You hire an entity that specializes in impact work to either lead the effort or to implement an aspect of it.
Partner Organisation
An organization with expertise in the issue you are trying to address is compensated to develop and lead the impact campaign, integrating the film’s goals into their existing mission-driven work.
Filmmaker-Turned Impact Producer
You may be the best person for the job, and you have the time to commit and the passion to fuel you or you may simply not have the resources to bring in outside help.
Related resources
Brown Girls Doc Mafia
Pay Transparency Project
AIDC Indigenous Documentary Placement
Manifesto Sodarilabs
