I am looking for an impact practitioner.
Who can join GIPA?
The membership is for active impact practitioners. If you would like to learn more about the free membership you can apply here.
How can I reach out to other impact practitioners?
Engage with other impact practitioners through the Mighty Networks platform here.
I’ve heard about impact but am I experienced enough to join GIPA?
GIPA is a space for active practitioners and if you are keen to become active in this space then we encourage you to read the Impact Field Guide and get connected into one of the many impact workshops happening around the world. Check out the Impact Curious tab. Already attended an impact workshop? You’re ready to join GIPA and we’re lucky to have you.
Can fiction filmmakers be impact producers and be part of GIPA?
Of course! An impact campaign starts with a good film. The point is not to create didactic films that tell our audience to eat their salad. Impact is all about making cinema at its best, art at its best and connecting it to audiences that need to see it…. if you can create impact from that then why wouldn’t you? If this is you, join the GIPA community.
Is this a DocSociety program?
DocSociety is a fiscal sponsor, provides administrative support and is an all round fan girl of the GIPA network. Where the agenda, the priorities for GIPA are set by the members and actualised by the Global Co-ordinators.
I am Impact Curious. What is an impact campaign?
From The Impact Field Guide: “Storytelling has intrinsic properties – but what you do with that story is everything. Today, documentary filmmakers are reaching beyond the offer of traditional distribution on television or in cinemas to think about “Impact,” “Outreach” and “Engagement” campaigns. These are all words used today to describe the plans a film team puts in place to ensure that their film spurs change on an issue – where they are deliberate about who needs to see a film, what audiences need to do, and what partnerships, tools and resources are needed to reach the desired goals of the campaign.”
If your project tells a story that is non-fiction, and if you are planning to use that story for a larger purpose than just entertainment, you can call it an impact campaign. Heck, it doesn’t even have to be strictly non-fiction! An impact campaign is not another word for marketing and public relations for independent films, this is a social justice centered practice created strategically with care, collaboration and organization in order to spark social change through ethical storytelling.
How can I fund my impact campaign?
Key tip! Research issue based funders. It is unfortunate that there isn’t an entire database on impact funds, but that is also the magic of impact producing. It allows us to imagine other possibilities and research, investigate, and get involved. Check out the Impact Curious for some potential funders.
What is the budget of an impact campaign?
Each campaign has its own process and budget depending on the key impact goals, context and region.
When is the best time to start my impact campaign?
Immediately! Seriously, the sooner you can begin strategizing, the stronger your campaign can be. Even in pre-production, there are ways to engage with your potential audience partners, advocates, and allies.
How long is an impact campaign?
Every campaign has its own unique timeline and can mostly be reliant on the film team capacity and budget. These are decisions that should be discussed as a team and planned accordingly. Additionally, the issues reflected in our stories will always be relevant which is why it is recommended to gather and prepare your impact campaign results. Such materials can eventually become references amongst the GIPA community making its timeline everlasting.
What is the role of an impact producer or practitioner?
The impact producer is someone who is interested in the topic of the film and through a thoughtful collaboration with the film team and community is responsible for designing and implementing a strategic plan for the impact campaign.
When is an impact campaign not an impact campaign? What else can it be?
If your project tells a story that is non-fiction, and if you are planning to use that story for a larger purpose than just entertainment, you can call it an impact campaign. Heck, it doesn’t even have to be strictly non-fiction!
