Help Cavan Attend the AFI Conservatory

1. THE ONE THING

My name is Cavan Campbell, and there’s only one thing I’ve ever wanted in my life.

I’ve known since age 10 that I wanted to make films. We weren’t a rich family, and were living in rural PEI, so my parents pushed me to write. After all, every film begins with the writer, and mum and dad felt I could best learn filmmaking with a pen instead of an investment in cameras.

So I invested time. I wrote my first feature film script when I was 12, knowing absolutely nothing of script format. Within two weeks of completing the 95-page longhand endeavour, pride became dissatisfaction. I knew I’d have to keep trying. I wrote five more feature screenplays in high school.

The majority of films and TV made in Canada are American productions. This means there’s less money for Canadian films, and fewer opportunities for Canadian filmmakers.

So I’ve had to make opportunities for myself. The last several years have been tough, but I’ve kept trying, and there have been successes:

My film Hangnail premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival in 2011. Receiver won Best Short Film at the 2020 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (and is streaming on CBC Gem). And Through the Throat is touring festivals right now, having just been nominated for Best Mini Short at the FilmQuest Festival.

But it has been a real struggle to earn a living as a filmmaker. I’ve had to support myself with lighting design work while I continue to make films. There’s a lot of rejection, and few professional development opportunities here. I want more for the film community. I want more for Canada. And I want more for myself.

And as of this spring, I think I’m going to get it:

2. THE INVITATION

In March I was invited to the screenwriting conservatory at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles!

The AFI Conservatory is uniformly considered North America’s best institution for working filmmakers, and in the top 5 worldwide. Its alumni include David Lynch, Terrence Malick, Patty Jenkins, Ari Aster, Scott Frank, and Darren Aronofsky.

Each year, the conservatory invites only 24 screenwriters from around the world. That’s less than 1% of applicants. On a good year, one or two might be Canadian. For a Canadian writer, this is like an acceptance to Harvard. And I know I'm the first screenwriter from PEI to ever be invited!

The AFI conservatory will be a huge accelerator for my work. I’ll be writing and networking full time in the creative and business heart of North American filmmaking. The conservatory has the kind of support structure that I’ve been craving at home.

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity with no equivalent in Canada. It’s an institute that very few Canadians have joined, and I know I’m the first writer from PEI to ever be invited.

The conservatory is like Harvard in another way too:

3. THE IVY LEAGUE FEES

The cost of attending the conservatory is high. Especially for a Canadian. Put simply, the tuition expenses surpass my savings.

Tuition for the first year is $73,000 USD. It will be higher in Year 2.

The conservatory doesn’t offer deferrals, so if I can’t afford to attend now, I have no guarantee that it will be offered again.

But with your support, I can grab this opportunity right now.

4. HOW YOU CAN HELP

I’m raising money to help pay my conservatory tuition fees.

Your help today will allow me to attend this prestigious program where my voice as a Canadian will be singular. Your support will allow me to focus on what will most help grow and sustain my career: my writing.

And most importantly, your assistance will mean I’ll be returning to Canada with greater professional skills, to make more (and larger) films at home, and be a bigger part of building the community support needed by filmmakers all across Canada.

5. THE MATH

Tuition for the first year is $73,000 USD. My savings add up to just under $55,500 USD. So I still need to raise $18,500 USD ($26,250 CAD) to pay for my first year tuition.

This means that if 175 people are each able to donate $150 CAD, that will put me over the top, and well on my way to year 2!

This is my fundraising goal, and I’d be immensely thankful if you could help me get there.

Though I’m not a math person, there is an equation I think about a lot:

SUCCESS = PREPARATION + OPPORTUNITY.

I’ve been preparing since I was 12 years old. Now I have a big opportunity in my grasp. I just need some help successfully stretching out my arms.

I’m asking if you are willing to stretch your arms out with me.

Any amount you can contribute, even a few dollars, would be an incredible help on the way towards completing this equation.

If you aren’t able to donate, you can also support me by sharing this GoFundMe with others. I’m truly grateful for any help you’re able to provide.

Thank you so much for being here and for your generosity!

Cavan