SPARK FILMMAKERS COLLABORATIVE INCORPORATED
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Mission Statement
Spark Filmmakers Collaborative (SFC) envisions an open, loving society that recognizes and values our similarities and differences. Our stories help us see ourselves in each other, dismantling stereotypes perpetuated by lack of representation. SFC expands cultural awareness by inspiring and supporting voices of all abilities, ages, ethnicities, genders, sexual identities, and income levels to self-represent through video/film, the dominant form of communication in our world today. PRIORITIES Introducing marginalized community members to storytellers and storytelling that reflects their voices and experiences Co-developing programs that honor marginalized creators' voices, values, and traditions while compensating them for their insight and experience Building cultural awareness with free and accessible short film screenings that amplify diverse perspectives often overlooked in mainstream media Sharing low-cost and free instruction related to visual storytelling, grant writing, and video/film self-distribution Creating revenue streams for micro-short filmmakers Collaborating with organizations to combine resources and expand outreach to community benefit
About This Cause
We expand cultural awareness and increase representation in film and media arts by: - Introducing marginalized community members to storytellers and storytelling that reflects their voices and experiences - Co-developing programs that honor the voices, values, and traditions of marginalized creators while compensating them for their insight and experience - Building cultural awareness with free and accessible short film screenings that amplify diverse perspectives often overlooked in mainstream media - Sharing low-cost and free instruction related to the basics of visual storytelling, grant writing, and video/film self-distribution - Collaborating with other organizations and individuals to create programs that combine resources and expand outreach to community benefit CURRENT PROGRAMS The Haudenosaunee Micro Short Film Program (HMSFP), in its 4th year, co-creates a safe space for Haudenosaunee filmmakers and Indigenous community members to celebrate and share their stories with general audiences. All Curation, programming, marketing, and communications decisions are made with Indigenous participants, who are compensated via stipends, screening fees, and a 50/50 event donation split. Spark Micro-Short Film Festival (2019-present) is a free multi-day short film screening series bringing impactful films, each 5 minutes long or less, by local and international creators, including artist panel discussions and audience Q&As. Film festival events are hosted at public libraries and other venues accessible by public transportation or on foot with wheelchair access. Filmmakers in attendance are invited to discuss their work and converse with audience members via Q&As. Additional 'Meet the Filmmaker' programming and panel discussions are scheduled for which filmmakers are compensated for their participation. Cash awards are paid to for best-in-category films juried by an ethnically diverse panel of WNY local media artists, previous year winners, and general audience members during scheduled, pre-festival judging events. The MicroMania® channel Created in 2020 as a response to COVID restrictions, with over 2.2 Million views for over 300 films to date, our micro-short film streaming site provides independent micro-budget creators year-round opportunities to reach an international audience, growing their audiences more rapidly in aggregate than they can on their own. Spark Micro-Short Film Festival officially selected films are invited to join our channel and stream with us as long as they like. Visiting Filmmaker Program Filmmaker-compensated micro-screening programs were created with instructors to supplement classroom curricula—filmmaker-led conversations covering concepts of distribution, ethics in filmmaking, and more. Instructors are provided with codes for students to submit films as part of real-world practice. Initiated in Fall 2022, we've visited classrooms four times at SUNY Buffalo State University, Hilbert College, and Niagara Community College. Compensation is provided to filmmaker presenters, and screening fees are provided to filmmakers whose work is used in the presentation. Films are drawn from our Spark Micro-Short Film Festival officially selected film community. Companion Micro-Short Film Programs (2023 - ) Filmmaker-compensated micro-screening programs curated to enhance meetings, conferences, and retreats by stimulating discussions and engagement among attendees. Current partners include SUNY University at Buffalo Humanities Insitute and Burchfield Penney Arts Center. PROGRAMS IN DEVELOPMENT Visual Storytelling for Nonprofits Empowering low-resourced nonprofits with visual storytelling skills to augment their outreach, fundraising, and marketing campaigns. This program developing in collaboration with local media arts organizations Squeaky Wheel and CEPA (Center for Photographic Arts). Mobile Micro-Short Video Challenges Community-wide contests encourage participants of all ages and backgrounds to explore the power of micro-short storytelling in a mobile video while exploring themes that promote cultural awareness building and inclusion. Each contest culminates in a free public presentation event that showcases and celebrates participants and the films they have created. Film/Video Meet and Greet Casual and periodic small group pop-up meetings introducing video/film professionals and aspirants to each other, building networks for collaboration, mentorship, and referrals. ACHIEVEMENTS Since 2019, SFC has organized and produced over sixty free short film screening events Since 2021, SFC has redistributed most of our cumulative budget (over $30,000) to independent filmmakers and vendors. Since 2022, SFC Spark Micro-Short Film Festival and The Haudenosaunee Micro-Short Film Program (HMSFP) have been supported by NYSCA SCR/DEC funding and a Humanities New York Action Grant with a first-time award in 2022. Support for these programs has also been provided locally through Buffalo Common Council North, Niagara, and Ellicott district discretionary funding. Since 2022, SFC has presented to students in film programs at SUNY Buffalo State University, Hilbert College, and Niagara Community College on five occasions. Since 2022, SFC has presented to students in film programs at SUNY Buffalo State University, Hilbert College, and Niagara Community College on five occasions. COMMUNITY SERVED I. Marginalized communities who have been or are mis or under-represented in entertainment media and the arts through inclusive and accessible short film screening events that showcase creators and storytelling that reflects their experience II. Independent Filmmakers, Film Students, Video Content Creators, novices, and hobbyists in Western New York seek opportunities to create social impact with their work through public screenings, build online audiences, grow beneficial networks, build their creative resumes, and get paid to screen their work. III. We serve fellow nonprofit organizations by: - developing symbiotic programming that overlaps but does not duplicate the services of other organizations, - referring and sharing opportunities created by other organizations like grants, residencies, and workshops, no-cost invitations to present and/or having a presence at our public events, co-developing programs that provide new opportunities for our mutual audiences while expanding outreach