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.
Getting Your Film off the Ground
Offered By
Michigan State University
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
117 minutes to complete
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.
1 video (Total 2 min)
1 video
Week
25 hours to complete
Week 1: Applying for Grants
Why Start with Grants?
4 videos (Total 21 min), 5 quizzes
4 videos
General Advice for Documentary and Narrative Film Grants6m
Documentary Grant Applications6m
Narrative Film Grant Applications2m
4 practice exercises
Why Are We Starting with Grants?8m
General Advice for Documentary and Narrative Film Grants8m
Documentary Grant Applications8m
Narrative Film Grant Applications8m
Week
35 hours to complete
Week 2: Making Your Website
3 videos (Total 11 min), 4 quizzes
3 videos
What Information Should Your Website Include?4m
What Should Your Website Look Like?2m
3 practice exercises
Why Do You Need A Website and What Platform Should You Use?8m
What Information Should Your Website Include?8m
What Should Your Website Look Like?8m
Week
45 hours to complete
Week 3: Developing Your Social Media, Newsletter, and Press Presence
4 videos (Total 13 min), 5 quizzes
4 videos
Which Platforms Should You Use?2m
Creating a Newsletter2m
Getting Press for Your Film3m
4 practice exercises
Why You Need Social Media and How You Should Approach It?8m
Which Platforms Should You Use?8m
Creating a Newsletter8m
Getting Press for Your Film8m
Instructor
Alexandra
HidalgoWriting, Rhetoric, and American Cultures
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 150 years.
One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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