Masterful Director Inspires Other Filmmakers
Two years ago, I helped director Tiffany Shlain structure her documentary short 50/50. In her signature, direct-camera address style, she asked, “What’s it going to take to get to gender-equity?”
Today, looking even beyond the horizon of the Me Too Movement, I’m thrilled to share with other filmmakers how her short can inspire you to make a bigger impact with your own film. Check out these three features.
First, Shlain’s original 21-minute film injects fresh blood into the conversation about women and power. 50/50 turns the idea that “women are oppressed” into “a new story of abundance”. The ending montage at 18 minutes says it all!
Second, Shlain gives us an extraordinary model of how to make a film that supports a movement. During the first year of the film’s release, she and her filmmaking partners Sawyer Steele and Julie Hermelin then created an annual “50/50 Day” on which they screened the film to 11,000 thousand groups (non-profits, businesses, schools and homes). They turned the subsequent conversations about women and power into action. This year, they already have 20,000 groups signed up, including my own. It is on April 26th and is free because of foundation and corporate support.
Third, check out the 2-minute video that Shlain created to promote the event. (Note this isn’t the original 50/50 film, but a short that promotes that film and its annual event.)
Notice how stylistically simple yet extraordinary the film is–relying on text, iPhone photos and footage, and Oprah-inspired mash-ups to arouse enthusiasm. See how she uses this easy-to-assemble video to inspire a global conversation!
Finally, I encourage you to sign up for 50/50 Day yourself and put on an event (even if it’s with a few friends). Why? If you aspire to make a difference with your own film, then immerse yourself in the process. Seize this opportunity by a masterful fellow filmmaker. See how good it feels. That’s my challenge to you…and my commitment to myself. Sign up here and save the date: April 26, 2018!
