Profitable Docs and One Percent Myth

A few years ago I heard a statistic on the useful Doculink forum for documentary filmmakers that chilled my bones.

The statistic claimed that only one percent of documentary films are commercially successful.

For awhile, I believed it.  Now I’m beginning to question that statistic.

Where did it come from? Does anyone know?

And how accurate is it today, a few short years later, when distribution consultants like Marc Rosenbush and Stacey Parks are helping filmmakers devise innovative roll-out plans to sell your film? And when more filmmakers are selling their films online, keeping all the profit?

Before I blow the one percent statistic out of the water, a quick announcement: my Inner Circle program for documentary filmmakers sold out last Friday.

Since there is such high demand for this popular program, I am starting a second, concurrent Inner Circle. There are two spots left. Please email me today if you are interested in joining so we can talk about whether this six-month documentary story consulting program is right for you.

Now…here’s my manifesto for 2012:  ignore the one percent statistic!  Expect to make money from your film!

There’s a growing movement among indie filmmakers that addresses the fear embedded in the outdated archetype of the poor, starving artist. For example, the innovative radio show Film Courage (http://filmcourage.com/) empowers indie filmmakers to follow their bliss and create monetary and emotional rewards.

Many filmmakers in my six-month Inner Circle program are creating profitable documentaries by:

–  a) getting their films fully funded through angel investors, so there’s no one to pay back when the film is done; and

– b) turning to innovative distribution models that give the filmmaker the lion’s share of the profits.

Check out my upcoming Inner Circle program at:

newdocediting.com/land/innercircle

According to film fundraising consultant Morrie Warshowski and documentary mentor Jilann Spitzmiller, who were guests on past Inner Circle Mastermind calls, there’s hope.

Recent fundraising and distribution innovations include:

–       Crowdsourcing to build your audience while you create your film;

–       Engaging your film’s character in fundraising;

–       Correctly implementing fundraising software like Kickstarter and Indie-Gogo.

If you want to join the growing tribe of filmmakers making profitable documentaries, consider joining my upcoming Inner Circle beginning January 31, 2012.

newdocediting.com/land/innercircle

This high-end consulting program is not for everyone.  It is a great way to save on my story consulting fees and get cutting-edge storytelling guidance and support from fellow filmmakers over a six-month period.

For example, one of our current Inner Circle members recently shared with our five fellow members how her team raised tens of thousands of dollars from progressive, upper-middle class professionals to fund their last award-winning environmental documentary.

I’m proud that Inner Circle members tell me over and over again how helpful they find the mindset aspect of the program.

“The Inner Circle is a rare, perfect combination of individual attention and

group support,” says Inner Circle member Mark Davis, with whom I am consulting again tomorrow. “The motivational boost alone is worth the price!”

Cultivating a positive, purpose-driven attitude is something I’ve personally worked on a great deal. And I’ve developed unique ways for Inner Circle members to provide encouragement and support for one another, including Mastermind Calls and accountability partners.

Frankly, next to my world-class story consulting skills, my ability to help you stay positive and on track is a major part of my value to you as a filmmaker.

So please, don’t fall prey to dubious and out-dated statistics such as the above-mentioned one percent stat.

Learn more about how the Inner Circle can help you create an engaging, profitable documentary at:

newdocediting.com/land/innercircle

Again, note that while my Inner Circle program sold out last week, I am starting a second, concurrent Inner Circle on January 31st.

I am only accepting six filmmakers to provide a quality experience. There are two spots left.

Email me today: karen@newdocediting.com,  so we can talk by phone about how Inner Circle can provide you with the storytelling guidance and peer support to create a profitable documentary.