We’ve all heard the many horror stories of filmmakers using friends, family and their own money to make their dream film only to create something after many years of hard work that everyone ignores. Except your disappointed and out of pocket friends and family!
But that is not always the case, the outcome of all the handwork and risk can have a happy ending both financially and creatively.
Actress turned film maker Kate Gorman turned her creative talents to filmmaking in 2005, shooting the micro-budget dramatic feature Five Moments of Infidelity which went on to win the Screen Producers Association (SPAA) digital film making competition DigiSPAA and ultimately lead to a successful DVD release in Australia and internationally, generating significant revenue from DVD and download sales.
After the success of Five Moments of Infidelity, Kate was searching for her next project. She decided to “look within”, literally. Having had three children through home birth, Kate had long been a advocate of home birth but with the federal government bowing to pressure from the professional medical lobby and looking to close opportunities for women to have the choice of a home birth, Kate decided to use her experience and passion for this cause and make the feature documentary The Face of Birth.
The documentary saw her travel the world comparing the different systems for birthing mothers and highlighting the repressive and quickly closing system in Australia. It became both a fascinating and emotional journey. The Face of Birth became a story not just about the Australian home birthing system, but a story about women’s choice.
Since completing the film, it has screened in hundreds of community halls, small cinemas and festivals earning revenue in the hundreds of thousands from DVD sales and downloads.
Kate’s production story like all independent films is long, hard and full of faith; her work creating a dynamic interesting and broad film was always focused on the fact that there was a HUGE audience, which had not been catered for.
Using social media, angel investors, community based groups and sheer passion Kate’s film continues to sell and will for years to come, creating a significant revenue stream and freedom for Kate to pursue future projects as a film professional.
Open Channels’ early advice and advocacy for Kate and her project was an important kick- start for the project and we are excited that Kate will be participating in a Q & A with “Framed” stalwart Marc Gracie, who through Open Channel mentored Kate through the rigors of production and successful distribution.
If you would like to see a clip and know more about The Face of Birth go to:
www.faceofbirth.com
Kate will discuss her journey with Marc on Thursday 8th November at 3.30pm at Open Channel, Victoria Harbour, Shed 4, North Wharf Road, Docklands (03 8610 9300) / www.openchannel.org.au
This is a FREE session so be quick to reserve your place at rsvp@openchannel.org.au
