Reel Change: Managing Social Issue Film Campaigns

Filmmakers at a previous Reel Engagement listen closely to facilitator Judith Helfand. Photo by Robbie Gemmel

Reel Change is an innovative 4 day hands-on workshop designed for individuals who are interested in developing the skills necessary to be an Engagement Coordinator – someone who designs and manages creative and impactful audience engagement campaigns with independent social issue documentary films or media projects. Through case studies and interactive sessions that include on-the-ground engagement coordinators and strategists, Reel Change explores the core methodologies of audience engagement and showcases best practices in the field. Skills developed range from strategic planning for a film or media campaign, to creating partnerships with NGOs and social justice non-profits, identifying and reaching target audiences, leveraging social media tools, pursuing new opportunities with brands, fundraising and budgeting. These topics are built into an overall agenda focused on creating robust and interactive campaigns that are financially independent from traditional distributors and designed to achieve social impact. Stay tuned for the next Reel Change training on the East Coast in 2013.