STORY TO ACTION is a program supporting documentary filmmaking teams to create strategies, build partnerships and organize screenings that educate and expand audience understanding and inspire tangible action on the social and environmental issues featured in their films.
In 2021, the Story Money Impact Pod (five Canadian impact producers in training) chose a handful of films to investigate with regards to what impact these stories made in society. The purpose was to scan the Canadian impact film environment over the years to learn from what was happening and also to ask the question ‘what else may have been possible if there had been more formalized support for this impact work?’. There are many more amazing Canadian films that have done great things to address issues than are included in these studies. The selected films demonstrate different time frames, issues, points of view and financing as a broad first exploration.
The Empowering Creators for Community program fosters a supportive environment for nine documentarians dedicated to community-focused storytelling to spend 10 hours together. Through peer-led knowledge sharing, curriculum created and supported by three senior artists, community of practice groups, final reflection and sharing sessions, we aim to equip nine independent media makers with the tools and insights needed to create content that transcends entertainment, inspires audiences and effects positive change within and for their communities. Artists currently working on a project will be given priority.
Story Money Impact is offering 10 impact coaching hours to three Canadian documentary films (20–90 minutes in length) by underrepresented creators that are in the development phases of their projects, so that they can be better positioned for impact upon completion.
The SMI Pod Program is a part-time paid adventure in building the skillset and toolbox of an impact producer. The goal is to create an understanding of the power and importance of impact campaigns for documentary films, and to endow participants with the necessary skills to design and execute impact strategies. The Pod also works alongside SMI staff to apply their learning directly on active projects and campaigns. This six month long program includes a weeklong in-person residency, and a three month practicum term in support of projects on SMI’s slate.
Good Pitch is a program that brings together documentary filmmakers with changemakers from across civil society to forge coalitions and campaigns that are good for these partners, good for the films, and good for society.
