NEW DEFINITIONS
Movies are a shorthand for any story that you can watch or play. Storytelling enabled by technology.
There are two flavors of technological storytelling – audience / linear and participant / interactive. There’s overlap in the development of both, (writers, actors, artists, teams) and the Michigan film incentive supports both.
[…available to “eligible production companies,” meaning entities that are “in the business of producing qualified productions, or for interactive games, in the business of developing interactive games.”] link
Why does this matter? The terms film and video are linked to old tech. Our group is preparing to transform, so our name is important. Is “movie” going to accurately describe our constituency and mission for the next 6 months – 12 months?
GETTING REAL (May)
M3 becomes a legal entity, LLC or other
Identify an umbrella – non-profit fiduciary willing to receive funds on our behalf for a fee. Perhaps (eventually) create a second organization, friends of M3 that would be our non-profit arm.
We raise funds to staff M3, Operations Manager concentrates on our issues full time, a talent and resource inventory, maybe education and speakers stipends
Full time OM = $26k
Meetings space, accounting, legal $5k
Web, outreach = $5k
WHY WILL FUNDRAISING BE SUCCESSFUL? 80% / 20%
80% currently exists / delivering
- two year track record of documented meetings – community building / inspiring
- timely blog with push to social media – timely relevant news
- passionate and committed volunteer advisory board (us)
- active mentoring initiatives (CTC)
- Micro Movie Marathons 3x annually (venue and recognition for regional artists, public outreach)
- significant skilled labor contribution to the success of TCFF and related
- robust alliance of professional, educational and community
- in process – legislative outreach campaign receives statewide exposure
- other?
20% to be executed
- enhanced mentoring and matching funds
- talent and resource reference, (people first, skills second)
- legal and communication guidelines for professionals – avoid conflict, support professionalism
LEGISLATIVE OUTREACH CAMPAIGN
main components
- video(s) complete (3 minutes)
- 2-3 of us meet with legislators, present video, make our request – the legislators authorize the MEDC to devise metrics for the film incentives so their effectiveness can be accurately evaluated. Update us on progress.
- meetings are recorded and then released to the TV and radio within 2 hours. State-wide coverage facilitated. “Movie industry offers legislators leading role”
- possible follow up with luncheon with chambers of commerce and legislators
objectives
- Campaign galvanizes other groups around Michigan to create coherency regarding film incentives.
- M3 recognized as a force to be reckoned with in the region and state. Who are these Michigan Movie Makers?
PROFESSIONALISM
Strive for excellence – how can we constantly keep getting better? How do we continue to improve in storytelling, organization, communication, profitability, efficiency, technical, artistry, confidence (not bluster).
Beyond little fish in a little pond, snapping at scraps?
Options
- Bigger pond
- Less fish
- We evolve. Grow legs and climb out of the water, grow wings and fly.