BPS 173: How To Shake The Film Investor Money Tree with Morrie Warshawski

Today, we are going to be talking all about one of my favorite
topics; how to raise money to get our films made. I think every
filmmaker wants to know how to make or get money for their films.
But it becomes very challenging.

My guest is an expert fundraiser, film financing consultant,
facilitator, and author, Morrie Warshawski. He’s facilitated a lot
of fundraising throughout his 35 years career and has authored
Shaking the Money Tree: The Art of Getting Grants and Donations for
Film & Video, and The Fundraising Houseparty: How to Party with
a Purpose and Raise Money for Your Cause. 

Shaking The Money Tree demystifies the art of fundraising for
independent film and video projects for students, emerging, and
seasoned media makers.

Morrie has assisted artists, filmmakers, and non-profit
organizations with strategic planning, organizational development,
and marketing across the entertainment and other sectors. Some of
his clients are Habitat for Humanity, The National Endowment for
the Arts, and Western States Arts Federation.

I really wanted to talk about the mistake filmmakers make when
trying to fundraise. Morrie seemed like the right guy for the job
and he delivered.

It was interesting learning that Morrie initially studied at USC in
hopes of going into filmmaking but ended up majoring in English.
And followed on with an MA in English and the graduate Writers
Workshop at the University of Iowa. 

He started working with independent videographers and filmmakers
through the Bay Area video coalition in San Francisco and that's
when he transitioned to fundraising.

Morrie was generous with knowledge bombs and tips we all need when
it comes to fundraising.
He highlights in this interview how vital it is for filmmakers on
the look for donors to have good comportment --- the basis of
presenting oneself to the world. Another component is,
understanding why they're doing the work and having a strong
feeling that the work you're making must be made. And lastly,
understanding where your strengths lie, and how you can surround
yourself with workarounds for your deficits.

Our conversation was pretty much enlightening and fun. Check the
show notes for links to learn more about the work Morrie does and
his books.

Get a notebook and pen to jolt down gems and enjoy my conversation
with Morrie Warshawski.

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