A Reimagining: Part 2

Three films and a perspective

Last week, I hope you watched my film “A Reimagining” and read the backstory for what you’re reading today. If you didn’t, I advise you to go back and read that first.

Another theme I talk a lot about is resources (time, energy, money, social capital, CREATIVITY!) —how we prioritize them and how to put them to their best possible use. Today, I will contrast resources used for the grant with those of these film projects as examples of two different paths to the same intended outcome for the artists involved.

Intended outcome: get money to fuel future creative projects.

TIME:

• Film project: For each film, I worked one-on-one with the artist for 90 minutes to develop a script, and we scheduled a 1-hour block to shoot the film (all four were shot at the same location on the same day). In some cases, the artist spent time outside of this refining the script, gathering costumes and props, or, in Laura and Andrea’s case, uploading performance clips to incorporate into the film.

• Grant: I’d estimate between 7-10 hours of researching grant criteria, writing, rewriting, and compiling all supplementary materials to submit with this application. Then add 3-4 months of waiting for a decision.

ENERGY + CREATIVITY:

• Film project: Active use of each artist’s creative skillset to tell their story in their language. Plus creative collaboration with other people - Me and the filmmaker Dillon Vibes- who offered real-time feedback and enthusiasm. Lots of inspirational energy all around!

• Grant: A solitary activity of presenting their story in the format required of them by the grant, with no feedback or sense of whether their message is clear or resonating. More energy drained than gained.

MONEY:

• Film project: The cost of creating each film would have been about $2,000 for their time working with me and for our filmmaker/editor's services. However, this project was subsidized by Dance Wire, and the artists only paid a small fraction of that amount. Regardless, the return on investment (ROI) is an easily distributed film that they can use on their websites, social media, newsletters, sponsorship packets, donor asks, and grant applications as supplementary materials to raise as much money as they are able. The film can be used in perpetuity either as an active promotion of their current work or as part of a portfolio of past work.

• Grant: There were no hard costs associated with submitting this grant. The ROI is a 6% chance of receiving one-time payment of $25,000. If the grant is received, the ROI would also include some degree of validation and prestige that could, in turn, generate more funding.

SOCIAL CAPITAL:

• Film project: As a collaborator on this project, I am happy (and incentivized!) to use my social capital to share the films with my email list, Substack community, and on my portfolio and website. The same is true for filmmaker Dillon Vibes.

• Grant: If they receive the grant, the funder may highlight the artist to their network. If they don’t receive funding, no one but the tiny handful of panelists who reviewed their application will hear their story.

It is no coincidence that the creative process that unfolded in my film “A Reimagining” brought me to the final question: Imagine what could be if we embodied creativity as the asset it is?

The above side-by-side comparison represents my genuine exploration of how we each participate in the World As It Is versus the World As It Could Be. This is a call for artists and funders alike to reflect on how they use their resources in service of their intended outcomes and a challenge to consider other creative options.

So without further ado, please enjoy the following three films by artists who absolutely embody creativity as the asset it is. And if anyone wants to invest funds towards their future creative projects, by all means.

“I Know I am Here” featuring Laura Cannon (inspirational/reflective)

Laura is a site-specific artist, meaning she works in a variety of locations, and the place itself is the central feature and inspiration for the art she creates there. This film highlights her philosophy as an artist and showcases the range of places she creates work, ultimately illustrating her unique artistic voice.

“So What Do You Do?” featuring Andrea Parson (comedic/playful)

Andrea Parson is a wildly talented multidisciplinary artist and solo performer. She is especially entertaining when she turns her personal experiences into a performance. This delightful film captures Andrea’s skills as a comedian, dancer, performer, and storyteller.

“My Unprecious Practice” featuring Barbara Lima (introspective/storytelling)

Barbara Lima is a master of presence, improvisation, and allowing the creative process to lead the way. This film features an improvised performance that reveals insight into her creative process—a captivating ride through vulnerability that ultimately arrives at possibility.

All of my posts are meant to be conversation starters. What thoughts, feelings, ideas did this post bring up for you?