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Visit Mydocjourney.com to download the free ebook Roadmap to Becoming a Documentary FilmmakerWrite your mission statementsGet a fiscal sponsorCreate a trailerStart applying for grants- this is a long game, so if you think you’re going to film this next month and edit it the month after, forget about this for nowIt takes a lot of time, and you have to apply several times before you really have a chanceThere are benefits beyond money, like connections to distributors, film festivals, and labsBuild your communityCreate a spreadsheet of your entire circle of influence and start talking to peopleIn-person request for help is always going to be the best way to get support, and widen your sphereMake sure you keep notes on all your meetings and follow upCreate an “advisory board” of friends and mentorsCreate a social media plan (figure out best sites to post on) and post regularlyFind newspapers, magazine, website related to your topic- submit articles for publication (build awareness and credibility)Develop your pitchShort and sweet (20-30 sec) makes them ask, oh that’s interesting, tell me moreBe passionate Pitch 10 times a dayEvents - Build community, raise awareness2 ways to raise money here: get sponsors (put logos on stuff), have an auctionOnline events during covid- no overhead, people can attend from anywhere in the world8. INDIVIDUALSWhere to find them?In your headAddress bookFamilyLocal newspaper: look for ppl w/ interest in the topic area; business & society columnsBrainstorming partyNet: websites, blogs, social networksHow to approach?One-to-one direct, in-person askFundraising housepartyDirect mailPersonal letter from you to a few people you know, or by avid supporter who will write their friendsMass mail appeal sent to a list you've acquired EmailHow to approach them?one-on-oneFundraising House PartyCrowdfundingBefore you do this you must have already done the work of building your community and email list, so if you’re a first-time filmmaker…Go to seedandspark.com and watch their fundraising class!!!!9. OTHER NONPROFITSWhere to findProfessional journalsConferencesITVSVFW, Knights of Columbus, Lion’s Club, Rotary International10. GOVERNMENTNational sourcesNatl endowment for the artsNatl endowment for the humanitiesCorp for public broadcastingMisc (e..g. Forestry, IRS)StateState arts agenciesState humanities councilsState tourism boardLocallocal/regional arts councilCommerce & growth associationsCity tourism bSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=cU8y8-ux7Oq5VdZhr2eo4G6hgqwY_oldIRT-5qWDcOTzbyRbrAJ08hL8mK4P1W0aH0UbKG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)