The beloved documentarian, social commentarian and perhaps a prophet Adam Curtis talks about his latest documentary SHIFTY, culture, the old world shifting in the new world, and his views on what art does and doesn't do (like changing the world). Take a look at the trailer in the article as well - the sound is so excellent. https://www.dazeddigital.com/film-tv/article/68120/1/adam-curtis-dubious-that-art-can-change-world-shifty-documentary-interview-bbc?utm_source=Dazed%20Daily%20%7C%20Complete&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The%20Download%2003.07.25%20%2801JZ8EQ29ETK2TXG7DF8SCFKHZ%29&_kx=-3Gn2OcBpweIq00vWh3V66pPMNVFi-SitbBfV16z7io.YsDqRL

How is it possible to make serious money from making a doco?

Hey everyone, Hope you’re doing well! I just wanted to share a bit about Pichardo Creative Collective, the nonprofit I’ve been building with an amazing group of creatives. We focus on storytelling, education, and community work in underserved areas—especially through film and media. While we’re rooted in the Mississippi Delta, we’ve also been active in Orlando, Harlem (NYC), and Miami—using our skills to create space for young voices and local stories that matter. Right now, we’re looking for support to grow the nonprofit side of things. That could mean funding, partnerships, gear donations, or just connections to folks who believe in this kind of work. Every little bit helps us continue empowering the next generation of storytellers. If you have ideas or know someone who might be down to support, definitely hit me up. Appreciate you all for always being in our corner!

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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.