In January 2021, Dear Producer published a Producers Sustainability Survey Report, which revealed that 56% of producers earned $25K or less in 2020, with more than a quarter of producers earning less than $2,500. This report sparked long overdue conversations within the filmmaking community about how film organizations can do more to financially support filmmakers.
To expand on the Sustainability Survey, Dear Producer has partnered with Film Festival Alliance to commission another first-of-its-kind survey to assess the impact festivals have on filmmaker sustainability, particularly in regard to financial compensation.
Why This Survey?
In the festival world, there are no set standards for filmmaker compensation best practices; this survey will provide an opportunity to understand the financial relationship between festivals and filmmakers, with a focus on 2020 — the year festivals transformed. We are asking about revenue sharing, screening fees, panel stipends, cash awards and travel and lodging paid out to filmmakers.
Why Participate?
This data will establish a baseline during a pivotal year for our industry. It will also allow festivals to quantify their financial impact on filmmakers, compare to other organizations, and identify national trends and patterns in the industry.
We ask that filmmakers share this survey with their favorite festivals, big and small, and encourage them to participate to help us work toward a more equitable future for our industry.
The survey closes at 9 p.m. (PT) May 27, 2021. If you have any questions, please email Barbara Twist at barbara@filmfestivalalliance.org.