Filmmaking for Social Change

• Engages and entertains

• A made-up story

• Directly or indirectly addresses social cause

Example: Vanishing Act
Topic: Environment
Angle: Our trash impacts the environment even when it’s out of sight
Hook: What if a kid asks a magician to make plastic waste disappear?

Other examples: Selma, Still Human, Shang-Chi

• Shows or examines

• Based in reality

• A personal or impersonal perspective

Example: Dear Moms,
Topic: Mental health
Angle: Children mental health from a parent's perspective
Hook: What does it feel like for a mom to watch her son struggle with his mental health?

Other examples: Super Size Me, Blackfish, Our Planet

• Educates about specific topic

• Based on facts and data

• Straightforward presentation

Example: What is Hydropower?
Topic: Sustainability
Angle: We need more sustainable energy sources
Hook: Will hydropower be the renewable energy source that replaces fossil fuels?

Other examples: Vox, TED-Ed, The School of Life

Topic: A cause you care about (or “Covid-19”)

Film Type: Fiction / Documentary / Explainer

Angle: What do you want to say?

Hook: Phrase your idea as a question that generates intrigue.

Audience: Who would watch this?

Begin here.