Week 2 Post 2: My vision, objectives and project plan introduction

Class,

I’m pleased to share a redirection in my focus for this class. The Pennyroyal Project previously mentioned is a fascinating one. But, it’s not particularly feasible for me.

I’m shelving it. Instead, I’ve got something else in mind. Lest you begin to say Pa-…well, we won’t go “there…” I’ll simply say I’m not quitting. Instead, I’m going in the direction of my interests.

Vision: South Carolina Film Patronage Circle

Do you remember when E.T. made the bikes fly…Luke Skywalker destroyed the Death Star…The “objects in mirror are closer than they appear” writing on the Jeep’s side mirror disappear into the mouth of a chasing dinosaur in Jurassic Park?

Americans love film. I know I do. My family has maintained an annual Oscar Competition for 34 consecutive years. I remember growing up voting for Glenn Close because I liked her name (go figure!).

It’s therefore a natural progression to my new direction. I’m building a community. It’s untitled (but I have an idea in mind), but I intend to leverage the web to create a state-wide film patron circle. A patron is, by definition, one who appreciates and supports an artistic endeavor.

In broad strokes, I provide a forum for conversation on film to a general audience based in South Carolina. Through strong ties to the film community in South Carolina, I intend to organize several viewing events and film discussion.

But that’s not the “end game…”

I’d like to create a scholarship/grant for young filmmakers from South Carolina. Those passionate and gifted artists seeking to create their first independent film or advance their film skills through education would benefit from financing. My patron’s circle would produce the funding for a general scholarship fund and first-time film-maker grant. It makes sense to charter this as a 401(c) non-profit charity.

Product: Community Website/Portal

My overall project plan is in development. However, I’d like to throw out a few tentative organizational targets for the next 18 months.

1) 250 paid individual members ($10 for the first year)
2) 3 sponsors ($1000 or more)
3) 5 fundraising events (Oscar Viewing, Red Carpets, Dinner and a Movie, Design a Logo, etc.)
4) $25,000 raised into general fund
5) A noticeable presence at core film events in North and South Carolina
a. Charleston, Greenville and Charlotte Film Festivals

The website would clearly play an integral part. Key elements (and components of this class project) would need to include

1) A compelling explanation of vision. Ultimately, I'm seeking financial support for a public charity and promoting film appreciation.
2) Overview of member and sponsor benefits.
3) Calendar of events.
4) A monthly newsletter.
5) Space for “member only” discussion – community design (I'll discuss this more under a seperate post...part II of my post, I suppose)

For this class, I would like to make the prototype “live," finish my business plan, and charter the organization. In short, be on the lookout for a "kickoff celebration" in August :).

Areas of further study:

Simply put, I don’t have the technological skill to pull this off. I’m great at management, sales, and not too bad with generating ideas. I really don’t know about the technology. This class will hopefully help me with that. Also, as a result of this, I’d like a realistic budget for expenses in the first 18 months of operation...Knowing the technology will help me know what administrative costs to expect.