Just back from the Impact workshop “Where Content Meets Intent: Ensuring Impact in Film”, which Renew Media organized for 11 documentary fellows. The four day program was run by Robert West and Judith Helfand of Working Films and focused on creating outreach strategies to connect film projects with audiences.

Special guest Peter Broderick presented a stimulating session on new models of distribution, packed with examples of the possibilities of creative self distribution methods. Cara Mertes, Director, Documentary Film Program at the Sundance Institute, offered filmmakers practical tips on presenting projects to potential funders, and also gave immediate insightful feedback to participants who pitched their projects on the spot.

Working Films led the group through a case study on each project. Every filmmaker had a session of in-depth focus on their current project, brainstorming possibilities and strategies for outreach campaigns for their projects. There was a great spirit of generosity and goodwill, sharing stories, information and ideas.

The final day focused on fundraising techniques, and Brian Newman, Executive Director of Renew Media, presented on some of the latest examples of the potential of using the web to market films and connect with new audiences. Creating a participatory audiences was a key theme.

Thanks to the generosity of Paola Freccero, the group had the opportunity to attend the International Documentary Association Awards Gala on Friday night, adding a touch of LA glamour to our stay!

Filmmaker participants: Selena Burks, Ellen Bruno, Luciano Larobina, Anne Lewis, Victor Masayesva, Paulina del Paso, Anayansi Prado, Janice Tanaka, Pepe Urquijo, John Valadez, Andrei Zagdansky. All filmmaker profiles are available online.

The workshop was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation and The Ford Foundation.

We look forward to sharing the workshop content with the field. Clips, links, participant comments and other information to follow shortly.