Works in Progress
The Alliance of Women Directors (AWD) Works in Progress program provides peer-to-peer opportunities for members to share and receive feedback on projects that are currently in post-production or heading to the festival circuit.
This month the Tech Talk was with Sam A. Davis, who talked about going from Oscar-qualified to winning for his short narrative The Singers. Sam gave advice on the various stages of the campaign season and fielded questions about specific projects.
Attendees then reviewed Meow!, a narrative short directed by Nikki Braendlin, and provided feedback on fellow members’ directing reels.
Social Sunday
AWD Directing and Ally Members were invited to join for a virtual “FALL RESET” Social Sunday this month hosted by Board Member Natalie Simpkins and Operations Coordinator Nikki Braendlin.
During the hour participants introduced themselves and shared something coming up that they are excited about as well as a stressor they are committed to letting go of. It was a supportive conversation where members were able to talk openly and honestly about things going on in their lives and careers.
Fundraising for Directors
Independent filmmakers often hear about financing, but many projects are made possible through fundraising—grants, fiscal sponsorship, sponsorships, and individual donors. This interactive 90-minute workshop with Alicia Pani demystified the world of contributed revenue, helping directors understand how to build a fundraising strategy that complements (rather than replaces) traditional film financing.
Participants learned how to identify the right funding sources, craft a compelling case for support, avoid common fundraising pitfalls, and develop a practical plan they can use whether they’re raising funds for a short film, feature, or series. The workshop also presented AWD’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program, a member benefit that enables eligible projects to raise tax-deductible contributions from individuals, foundations, and donor-advised funds.
Attendees left with actionable tools, recommended resources, and the confidence to begin securing philanthropic support for their creative work. A recording of the workshop is available to members in their Member Center.