THE POWER OF 600
How is the Fund devised?
The mission of the Power of 600 is to create an incredible network that in its own right will help connect writers, directors and producers to help get projects off the ground. But, more than that we want to give independent film-makers across the UK hope outside praying to the Gods of the traditional funding models. Once the network is 600 strong, we activate and each member pays £10 pound a month/£120 a year. The £60,000 film fund generated will be split £30,000 for a micro-budget feature project, £20,000 for a high budget short, £10,000 for a low budget short. Each member will be required to upload a synopsis, a script, for their project. 3 winners will be selected at an end of year event in a lottery.
Q&As
DO I HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING TO BE A MEMBER NOW?
No, not at all. We are just building the network but a £10 pound fee a month will be required when we hit the magical 600 number.
WHY IS THE FUND £60,000 NOT £72,000 (IE £120 a year x 600 is 72,000)?
It might take a year to build our network of 600 brilliant writers, directors, and producers, but when we activate there will be a host of costs to contend with including: paying for an accountant, setting up the company as a social enterprise, as well as hosting networking events and screenings throughout the UK, as well as our end of year event.
WHY MAKE IT A LOTTERY?
With other funding models there are so many hoops to jump through, with a producer required to apply, and it can already feel like a lottery with thousands applying for funding with many talented film-makers missing out. With three winners each year in the Power of 600 fund, there is a one in two hundred chance of a film-maker winning, as long as they have uploaded their script and synopsis. And if you don't win, we believe the opportunities and information sharing within the network will be well-worth the £10 a month membership.
WHAT IF THERE ARE MORE THAN 600 MEMBERS IN THE NETWORK?
Great! We'll still be called the Power of 600, but let's say we broke the 700 member barrier, we would push the total fund to £72,000 and so on.
WHAT STOPS THE MONEY GOING TO A RUBBISH FILM?
We believe our quality control is the fact the network is invite only, and only talented writers, producers, and directors who have created festival worthy or even newsworthy work being invited to join. Even some of the greatest film-makers of all time, have done a so-called 'bad'/not so great film. We believe in the network, and the talents of the creators within it with many just needing that extra step that the money can provide.
WHY SHORTS AND MICRO-BUDGET FEATURE FUNDING?
We believe that for most directors, writers and producers that a feature gives them legitimacy and experience to make much higher budget films in the future. A micro-budget feature is the next step and £30,000 can go a long way to funding it, while also providing for talented short film makers earning their stripes as they seek to create their own award winning short.
WHY A NETWORK OF PRODUCERS, WRITERS AND DIRECTORS?
There are many film networks out there, but they often come in silos. There are networks just for directors, producers, and writers but often not together. Film is a team game, and most writers and directors will be able to make a lasting impact in the industry through their relationships with producers, and equally producers will have a successful career on the back of collaborating with talented writers and directors. We need each other, and it's time we brought us together, which we will be doing quite soon at our Power of 6 screenings (more below).
THE POWER OF 6
SCREENINGS
Every quarter we are planning on hosting a short film night across the UK showcasing 6 short films, with 6 film-makers attending to do a Q&A together at the end. We believe this is a great way of networking, with film-makers getting to meet crew members and actors from other films, while 25% of the seats will be dedicated to top industry professionals to help make the night a potential stepping stone to gain an agent or collaborate with production companies.
