Having a Social Impact

From 4docs

Strategies for Impact

Most films don't achieve any impact by happy accident. It mostly comes of making a robust strategy and the earlier the better. Try not to wait until you have finished the film to start thinking about

- what impact/ footprint you'd like it to have.

You need to be able to define what you want the film to do - think about whether this is to raise funds for a cause/ raise awareness in certain audiences/ lobby for legislative change etc. Each film will be different.

- who you need to connect with to make this possible.

Are there organisations/ broadcasters/ online platforms/ newspapers/ brands who will share these goals and you can partner with. This requires a lively brainstorm session as its easy to miss some of the angles first time round.

- building your online presence for the film and its aims.

The earlier you start this process the better. The first step might just be a facebook page or blog but will enable you to start connecting to possible future partners and getting the idea of your film out there.

Working Films are a US based organisation (but now also in the UK) who specialise in helping filmmakers create their change strategy around their film. These site resources are a great place to start in understanding where to start]

Third Sector partners

A key part of having a social impact is working with Third Sector (charity, foundation, campaigner, philanthropist) partners to achieve together what you could never achieve on your own.

In the end you are a filmmaker and your contribution is the film that others who are professional lobbyists/ fundraisers/ campaigners need to help them do what they do best.

See here for more about The Model of working with the Third Sector.

See here for Case Studies of Making a Social Impact