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Alexandra
This course is an introduction to many of the possibilities that exist to fund your film, market it, and create an audience for it. It will give you a sense of possible options and avenues to explore and it will start you on the process of making your film dreams a reality. The course covers the grant researching and writing process for fiction films and documentaries, strategies for developing impactful film websites, best social media practices for filmmakers, and how to approach crowdfunding and seeking investors. Through these experiences you will be prepared to seek funding for your film and to build your own audience through digital spaces.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/7dyx8m/getting
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Getting Your Film Off The Ground
General Course Goals:
This course is an introduction to many of the possibilities that exist to fund your film, market it, and create an audience for it. It will give you a sense of possible options and avenues to explore and it will start you on the process of making your film happen. If you watch the videos and complete the assignments, you will:
• Become familiar with the grant writing process by articulating their requirements, researching grants that fit your work, connecting with grant winning filmmakers, and outlining you grant application.
• Plan your film’s website by evaluating film websites, articulating what you want your website to achieve, and developing a plan for launching your website.
• Launch your social media presence as a filmmaker by evaluating the social presence of fellow filmmakers, choosing a platform for you, creating an account and posting in ways that help you establish your brand.
• Understand the possibilities of crowdfunding and seeking investors, evaluate successful crowdfunding campaigns and develop a plan for your own, and brainstorm possible investors and articulate why they would fit your project.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to Getting Your Film Off The Ground
General Course Goals:
This course is an introduction to many of the possibilities that exist to fund your film, market it, and create an audience for it. It will give you a sense of possible options and avenues to explore and it will start you on the process of making your film happen. If you watch the videos and complete the assignments, you will:
• Become familiar with the grant writing process by articulating their requirements, researching grants that fit your work, connecting with grant winning filmmakers, and outlining you grant application.
• Plan your film’s website by evaluating film websites, articulating what you want your website to achieve, and developing a plan for launching your website.
• Launch your social media presence as a filmmaker by evaluating the social presence of fellow filmmakers, choosing a platform for you, creating an account and posting in ways that help you establish your brand.
• Understand the possibilities of crowdfunding and seeking investors, evaluate successful crowdfunding campaigns and develop a plan for your own, and brainstorm possible investors and articulate why they would fit your project.
Read more
Week 1: Applying for Grants
Why Start with Grants?
Week 2: Making Your Website
Week 3: Developing Your Social Media, Newsletter, and Press Presence
Week 4: Crowdfunding and Finding Investors
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Covers the basics of film funding, marketing, and audience development, providing an overview of options and avenues to explore
Introduces the grant application process and teaches how to craft a successful grant proposal, increasing chances of funding
Guides learners through developing an effective film website, helping them establish an online presence for their film
Provides insights into the best social media practices for filmmakers, empowering them to build their brand and reach an audience
Explores the potential of crowdfunding and seeking investors, offering practical guidance on securing funding for film projects
Features experienced instructors in film, providing valuable insights and industry expertise
Save this course
Save Getting Your Film off the Ground to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Practical filmmaking fundamentals
Learners say Getting Your Film off the Ground is a practical, informative course that teaches basic filmmaking fundamentals. Students describe the lectures as engaging and the course as insightful. Overall, learners recommend this course to beginners with little or no filmmaking knowledge.
Lectures and course content are interesting and engaging
"I'm verry happy to do this course. It's so interesting."
"The course is so insightful. I enjoyed how the presentation was done."
"Its very use full to learn some basic about film making"
Teaches basic filmmaking principles
"I'm verry happy to do this course. It's so interesting."
"The course is so insightful. I enjoyed how the presentation was done."
"Its very use full to learn some basic about film making"
Geared towards individuals with little to no filmmaking experience
""When they say beginner, they mean it. It's for people who have never thought about how to approach the topic before.""
"This course gives important lessons about a film's..."
"This course is for people who want to learn the basics and make their film."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Getting Your Film off the Ground with these
activities:
Review Grant Writing Basics
Show steps
The course provides a deep dive into grant writing, making it beneficial to master the basics of grant writing beforehand.
Browse courses on
Grant Writing
Show steps
-
Review foundational materials on grant writing, exploring the key components and requirements.
-
Study successful grant proposals to identify effective writing strategies and approaches.
Attend a Filmmaking Workshop
Show steps
Practical, hands-on workshops allow learners to delve into the filmmaking process, complementing the theoretical aspects covered in the course.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant workshops catering to your interests and skill level.
-
Register and participate in the workshop, actively engaging in discussions and exercises.
-
Follow up after the workshop to reinforce your learning and connect with other participants.
Write grant proposals
Show steps
Enhance your grant writing skills by practicing the process repeatedly. This will increase your chances of securing funding for your film projects.
Browse courses on
Grant Writing
Show steps
-
Identify grant opportunities relevant to your film.
-
Develop a compelling project proposal.
-
Write and submit your grant application.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Explore Social Media Optimization Techniques
Show steps
Understanding social media optimization is essential for effective film promotion. This activity provides guided learning to enhance your skills in this area.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable tutorials on social media optimization for filmmakers.
-
Follow the tutorials, implementing the techniques and strategies in your own social media presence.
Create a film website
Show steps
Develop your skills in creating a professional film website to showcase your work and connect with potential audiences and investors.
Show steps
-
Research different website builders and templates.
-
Choose a domain name and hosting provider.
-
Design and develop your website.
Build a Digital Portfolio
Show steps
Creating a digital portfolio is essential for showcasing your filmmaking skills and attracting potential investors or collaborators.
Show steps
-
Establish a clear purpose and target audience for your digital portfolio.
-
Curate your best work, including videos, stills, and written materials.
-
Choose an appropriate platform and design a visually appealing and user-friendly portfolio.
Develop a Film Marketing Strategy
Show steps
Creating a marketing strategy is a crucial aspect of filmmaking, and this activity allows learners to apply their understanding of marketing concepts to a practical project.
Show steps
-
Research and analyze target audience, market trends, and competition.
-
Outline key marketing objectives and goals.
-
Create a detailed marketing plan, including strategies for promotion, distribution, and outreach.
Participate in film festivals or competitions
Show steps
Showcase your filmmaking skills and gain recognition by submitting your work to film festivals or competitions, providing valuable feedback and potential exposure for your projects.
Browse courses on
Film Festivals
Show steps
-
Research film festivals and competitions relevant to your genre and style.
-
Prepare your film for submission, ensuring it meets technical and eligibility requirements.
-
Submit your film and follow up with the organizers.
Participate in a Film Competition
Show steps
Film competitions provide a valuable platform to showcase your skills, receive feedback, and gain recognition.
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant film competitions that align with your project and goals.
-
Develop a compelling short film or documentary that meets the competition's requirements.
-
Submit your project and actively promote your participation to increase visibility.
Review Grant Writing Basics
Show steps
The course provides a deep dive into grant writing, making it beneficial to master the basics of grant writing beforehand.
Browse courses on
Grant Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review foundational materials on grant writing, exploring the key components and requirements.
- Study successful grant proposals to identify effective writing strategies and approaches.
Attend a Filmmaking Workshop
Show steps
Practical, hands-on workshops allow learners to delve into the filmmaking process, complementing the theoretical aspects covered in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant workshops catering to your interests and skill level.
- Register and participate in the workshop, actively engaging in discussions and exercises.
- Follow up after the workshop to reinforce your learning and connect with other participants.
Write grant proposals
Show steps
Enhance your grant writing skills by practicing the process repeatedly. This will increase your chances of securing funding for your film projects.
Browse courses on
Grant Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify grant opportunities relevant to your film.
- Develop a compelling project proposal.
- Write and submit your grant application.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Explore Social Media Optimization Techniques
Show steps
Understanding social media optimization is essential for effective film promotion. This activity provides guided learning to enhance your skills in this area.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable tutorials on social media optimization for filmmakers.
- Follow the tutorials, implementing the techniques and strategies in your own social media presence.
Create a film website
Show steps
Develop your skills in creating a professional film website to showcase your work and connect with potential audiences and investors.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different website builders and templates.
- Choose a domain name and hosting provider.
- Design and develop your website.
Build a Digital Portfolio
Show steps
Creating a digital portfolio is essential for showcasing your filmmaking skills and attracting potential investors or collaborators.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Establish a clear purpose and target audience for your digital portfolio.
- Curate your best work, including videos, stills, and written materials.
- Choose an appropriate platform and design a visually appealing and user-friendly portfolio.
Develop a Film Marketing Strategy
Show steps
Creating a marketing strategy is a crucial aspect of filmmaking, and this activity allows learners to apply their understanding of marketing concepts to a practical project.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and analyze target audience, market trends, and competition.
- Outline key marketing objectives and goals.
- Create a detailed marketing plan, including strategies for promotion, distribution, and outreach.
Participate in film festivals or competitions
Show steps
Showcase your filmmaking skills and gain recognition by submitting your work to film festivals or competitions, providing valuable feedback and potential exposure for your projects.
Browse courses on
Film Festivals
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research film festivals and competitions relevant to your genre and style.
- Prepare your film for submission, ensuring it meets technical and eligibility requirements.
- Submit your film and follow up with the organizers.
Participate in a Film Competition
Show steps
Film competitions provide a valuable platform to showcase your skills, receive feedback, and gain recognition.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant film competitions that align with your project and goals.
- Develop a compelling short film or documentary that meets the competition's requirements.
- Submit your project and actively promote your participation to increase visibility.
Career center
Learners who complete Getting Your Film off the Ground will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Grant Writer
Grant Writer
Grant Writers are responsible for researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals to secure funding for various projects and organizations. This course can be highly beneficial for aspiring Grant Writers by providing a comprehensive understanding of the grant writing process, including grant research strategies, articulation of grant requirements, and the development of effective grant applications. By completing this course, learners will gain the skills necessary to identify potential funding sources, develop compelling grant proposals, and increase their chances of securing funding for their projects.
Film Producer
Film Producer
Film Producers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of film production, from development to distribution. This course can be useful for aspiring Film Producers by providing insights into the various stages of film production, including funding strategies, website development, social media marketing, and crowdfunding techniques. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these essential aspects, learners can enhance their ability to produce successful films and navigate the complexities of the film industry.
Film Marketing Manager
Film Marketing Manager
Film Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing campaigns to promote films and attract audiences. This course can be highly beneficial for aspiring Film Marketing Managers by providing a foundation in film marketing strategies, website development, social media management, and crowdfunding techniques. By learning how to effectively market films, learners can increase their ability to reach target audiences, build brand awareness, and drive ticket sales.
Social Media Manager
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers are responsible for creating and managing social media content to promote brands and engage with audiences. This course can be useful for aspiring Social Media Managers by providing insights into social media best practices for filmmakers, including platform selection, content creation, and community engagement. By developing a strong understanding of social media marketing, learners can enhance their ability to build online presence, reach target audiences, and promote their films effectively.
Fundraising Manager
Fundraising Manager
Fundraising Managers are responsible for developing and implementing fundraising strategies to secure financial support for various organizations and initiatives. This course can be useful for aspiring Fundraising Managers by providing a foundation in grant writing, crowdfunding techniques, and investor relations. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these fundraising methods, learners can enhance their ability to identify potential donors, develop compelling fundraising proposals, and cultivate relationships with investors.
Film Distributor
Film Distributor
Film Distributors are responsible for acquiring and distributing films to various platforms, including theaters, streaming services, and home video. This course can be useful for aspiring Film Distributors by providing insights into the film distribution process, including funding strategies, website development, and marketing techniques. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these essential aspects, learners can increase their ability to successfully distribute films and reach target audiences.
Film Editor
Film Editor
Film Editors are responsible for assembling and editing raw footage to create finished films. While this course does not directly focus on film editing techniques, it can be useful for aspiring Film Editors by providing insights into the filmmaking process, including funding strategies, website development, and marketing techniques. By gaining a broader understanding of the film industry, learners can enhance their ability to collaborate effectively with filmmakers and contribute to the successful production of films.
Film Director
Film Director
Film Directors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of film production, from pre-production to post-production. While this course does not directly focus on film directing techniques, it can be useful for aspiring Film Directors by providing insights into the filmmaking process, including funding strategies, website development, and marketing techniques. By gaining a broader understanding of the film industry, learners can enhance their ability to lead film projects effectively and achieve their creative vision.
Scriptwriter
Scriptwriter
Scriptwriters are responsible for writing the screenplay for films. While this course does not directly focus on screenwriting techniques, it can be useful for aspiring Scriptwriters by providing insights into the filmmaking process, including funding strategies, website development, and marketing techniques. By gaining a broader understanding of the film industry, learners can enhance their ability to develop compelling stories and collaborate effectively with filmmakers.
Film Professor
Film Professor
Film Professors are responsible for teaching courses in film studies at colleges and universities. While this course does not directly focus on film teaching methods, it can be useful for aspiring Film Professors by providing insights into the film industry, including funding strategies, website development, and marketing techniques. By gaining a broader understanding of the film industry, learners can enhance their ability to develop engaging and informative film courses for their students.
Film Critic
Film Critic
Film Critics are responsible for reviewing and analyzing films for various publications and media outlets. While this course does not directly focus on film criticism techniques, it can be useful for aspiring Film Critics by providing insights into the film industry, including funding strategies, website development, and marketing techniques. By gaining a broader understanding of the film industry, learners can enhance their ability to provide informed and insightful film reviews.
Film Festival Director
Film Festival Director
Film Festival Directors are responsible for organizing and managing film festivals. While this course does not directly focus on film festival management techniques, it can be useful for aspiring Film Festival Directors by providing insights into the film industry, including funding strategies, website development, and marketing techniques. By gaining a broader understanding of the film industry, learners can enhance their ability to organize and manage successful film festivals.
Film Historian
Film Historian
Film Historians are responsible for researching and writing about the history of film. While this course does not directly focus on film history research methods, it can be useful for aspiring Film Historians by providing insights into the film industry, including funding strategies, website development, and marketing techniques. By gaining a broader understanding of the film industry, learners can enhance their ability to conduct research and write about film history effectively.
Film Archivist
Film Archivist
Film Archivists are responsible for preserving and managing film collections. While this course does not directly focus on film archiving techniques, it can be useful for aspiring Film Archivists by providing insights into the film industry, including funding strategies, website development, and marketing techniques. By gaining a broader understanding of the film industry, learners can enhance their ability to manage and preserve film collections effectively.
Film Curator
Film Curator
Film Curators are responsible for selecting and programming films for film festivals, museums, and other venues. While this course does not directly focus on film curation techniques, it can be useful for aspiring Film Curators by providing insights into the film industry, including funding strategies, website development, and marketing techniques. By gaining a broader understanding of the film industry, learners can enhance their ability to curate engaging and informative film programs for their audiences.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/7dyx8m/getting
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Getting Your Film off the Ground .
Guide to making films on a shoestring budget. It covers everything from pre-production to post-production. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to make a film without breaking the bank.
Save
Guide to the art of film funding. It covers everything from finding investors to negotiating contracts. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to raise money for their film.
Guide to the legal issues that filmmakers face. It covers everything from copyright to contracts. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to protect their rights as a filmmaker.
Guide to budgeting for film production. It covers everything from creating a budget to managing expenses. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to make a film on a budget.
Guide to scheduling film production. It covers everything from creating a schedule to managing delays. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to make a film on schedule.
Guide to building a social media marketing plan. It covers everything from setting goals to measuring results. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to use social media to market their film.
Guide to finding and pitching to angel investors. It covers everything from identifying potential investors to negotiating terms. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to raise money for their film from angel investors.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/7dyx8m/getting
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Michigan State University
Instructor
Alexandra
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
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Italiano
中文
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Good to know
Covers the basics of film funding, marketing, and audience development, providing an overview of options and avenues to explore
Introduces the grant application process and teaches how to craft a successful grant proposal, increasing chances of funding
Guides learners through developing an effective film website, helping them establish an online presence for their film
Provides insights into the best social media practices for filmmakers, empowering them to build their brand and reach an audience
Explores the potential of crowdfunding and seeking investors, offering practical guidance on securing funding for film projects
Features experienced instructors in film, providing valuable insights and industry expertise
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