Hi fellow filmmakers, What would you like a documentary Challenge about? We are doing an interactive Challenge each month to sharpen communal skills as filmmakers, and I would like to create one with your needs in mind. We already did: PREP YOUR DOC iN 14 DAYS challenge FUND YOUR DOC 10 day challenge What do you think would be a useful next one? Access our Past Challenges here: https://www.skool.com/filmmakersaccelerator/classroom/bf318b17?md=68d7422a98c34cb5ba904c68913b7e3e

SXSW was a blast! I was one of the documentary mentors for the festival this year, “speed date” meeting filmmakers in need of advice. These are common questions I got: - I am in -x- place with my film. What’s my strategy to move forward? - What are my options for distribution? - What do I need to know about funding possibilities? - I am a lone creator with a film idea. How do I proceed? To all of these, I could offer one inquiry that helps expand filmmaker thinking. *Who is your audience?* Answering this and analyzing where your film’s audience watch their films will help you to understand your moves forward, strategy, support systems and yes, even possible funding. Meanwhile connecting with your audiences early helps with building the fan base and strategizing film’s impact. Here's a quick example: I am working on a short film about old ladies who are divers and like to clean up ponds. They are badass, young at heart, inspiring gaggle of 70+. How should I think about this: - My audience are people who will be inspired by old ladies being active, they may be getting older themselves, or it's young people excited that old ladies are still living actively, and could be role models. Theres' also a clear environmental angle about it. - Where does my audience live? The older, more, say, sophisticated crowd watches films on The New Yorker or NY Times Op Docs. Younger audience could stumble upon this on Youtube, but I'd say something like ESPN, if we put a competition sport spin on it, shoot it like a race... Also, age-friendly channels (like PBS). It could also totally have a NatGeo spin - focus on natural underwater beauty, an endangered turtle swims by, a beautiful timelapse of clouds moving in.... You get the point. Do you see how such exercise allows me to think about my film through different lenses based on the audience and the channel consideration? It's very useful when I think what's my strategy, where could I pitch this film, and what are my funding options.

Take a look at this interesting list of the documentaries that made the most money in cinemas, ever. Which titles you find surprising? Who would you like to see there? Let's discuss.

Hello! We are starting the 14 day Film Challenge today, welcome, join us! All you need is a vague idea for a documentary you’d like to make. DAY 1!! We start the Challenge with the essential question: WHY do you want to make the film you are thinking to make? What it is about the idea that grabs you? What’s the reason why this film should be made, and watched? Furthermore: why is your idea a film, and not a poem or a drawing? This is your thinking prompt for today. Find your why in your notebook or wherever you do your writing, and then post what you found out here. 🌱 I will post Challenge prompts here, in the FilmmakersAccelerator.com chat, everyday. Join us! Disclaimer: Filmmakers Accelerator is a supportive, collaborative space designed to help you spark ideas and grow as filmmakers. We foster community trust, and we understand the importance of intellectual property, so if you feel vulnerable sharing your ideas, please share what you’re comfortable with and keep any sensitive details protected. By participating, you agree to honor the creativity and work of others. 😘 Lina

Hi film friends! I am beyond thrilled to announce this free 14 day film challenge STARTING FEBRUARY 1. For those mingling with a film idea, this is the most excellent way to get moving forward, with a group! Rules: pick a project or a documentary idea you want to walk the challenge with, and come here every day for a new prompt and exercise. We have 14 days, 14 steps to clarify your vision, to boost your story, your confidence, and get ready to shoot the thing!! I will be posting a prompt every single day in this chat - Skool community chat - and you will be answering it, each day, below. In that way, we will walk together for 2 weeks, to make short or long non-fiction projects. It’s free!! Join us!! February 1-14th - 2 weeks creative challenge to sprint with your documentary idea. I am beyond excited for this. I will be doing this with a short film I am thinking about about old lady divers. What project will you join the challenge with??