Three experienced film producers from different animal organizations – Shannon Keith, Nathan Runkle, and Kim Sheridan –  shared their experiences and recommendations at FARM’s 2011 Animal Rights Conference. The three had some similar recommendations and some opposing views. To my view, the three represented a range of film-making from the gifted amateur to the seasoned pro. My notes:

Kim Sheridan of HealthForce Nutritionals:

• Eighty percent of books that people buy do not get read. Film, however, gets watched.

There are three broad steps to making a film:

1. Pre-production:

- determine what to produce

- create the script (consider using Keltex.com software if writing it yourself)

2. Production:

- footage! Produce it yourself or obtain from others. Use any kind of camera, even the small point-and-shoot kind.

- music: produce it yourself or find royalty-free stock music. Garage band on the Mac is a good program for producing it yourself.

- still photos: stock photos or use images from animal organizations that permit this use (most do).

3. Post-production:

- editing: can use small programs like imovie.

It isn’t necessary to have expensive equipment or salaried workers. You can do it yourself.

Airing the film:

• Youtube of course
• Public access channels
• Film festivals – check withoutabox.com
• Contests

Confidence is important. Meet deadlines for submission.

The Message: follow your heart and your film will be better for it.

 

Shannon Keith of Uncaged Films

Films get through to people.

Animal Entertainment Terrorism Act -

Sometimes the illegal approach works.

Generally, about film:

• Script – useful to have one, including for a documentary.
• Distribution of film: festivals
• use of public relations team really valuable
• Use good equipment

Nathan Runkle of Mercy for Animals

Been involved in all kinds of films.

Video is powerful.

Lights, camera, action:

• Use top equipment from the start. You never know when your film may be picked up and the base footage should be of good quality.
• Lighting kits are available and are especially useful. Without one you may have nothing but useless footage.
• Camera: get a decent one and learn how to use it. Need to be able to work in all kinds of lighting and sound situations.
• 10-second rule: film at least ten seconds of everything you film.
• Music: try royaltyfreemusic.com

Making a viral video:

Don’t try for a feature-length film.

Success on facebook or youtube:

Try for

• funny
• amazing
• helpful

evoke emotions, keep short – of the top ten videos on youtube none are over five minutes, most are between two and five minutes.

Make it easy to share – include a facebook share link.

Give the story to the Associated Press when appropriate.

Described MFA’s Farm to Fridge cross-country tour and the new pay-per-view technique.

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Sections: Vegan Activism, Vegan Resources
Topics: activism, animal rights 2011, animal rights conference, ar 2011, conference, FARM, film, films, Kim Sheridan, MFA, movies, nathan runkle, notes, Shannon Keith, veg, videos