The Staffordshire Film Collective is a group of filmmakers, writers, and artists dedicated to making high-quality cinema right here in our county. To date, we have self-funded nine original short films by pooling our own money and working on each other’s projects for free.
We believe that filmmaking should be accessible to anyone with a story to tell, regardless of their age or background. To make this vision sustainable, we are currently in the process of becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC). This transition will enable us to move from a private collective to a formal social enterprise serving the people of Staffordshire.
Our Goals for the Funding
We are seeking to raise £10,000 to build the foundation of this hub. This money is essential for three key areas:
- 1. A Professional Edit Suite:
- One of the biggest hurdles for any filmmaker is the cost of high-end equipment. We are establishing a permanent base featuring a Mac Studio edit suite. This will be a "hot-desking" resource available to our members, ensuring that those who cannot afford expensive hardware at home have the professional tools they need to finish their films to a world-class standard.
- 2. Subsidising Member Films:
- Even with a volunteer crew, the "hard costs" of production—travel, catering for actors, props, and insurance—are a significant barrier. This fund will help subsidise these costs for our members’ projects, ensuring that financial gatekeeping doesn’t stop local stories from being told.
- 3. Screenings and Public Events:
- Cinema is meant to be shared. A portion of these funds will cover venue hire and the organisation of public screenings and premiere events. We want to bring the community together to celebrate local talent and see Staffordshire’s stories on the big screen.
The Future: Community Outreach
Once our CIC status is official, we will expand our mission by launching filmmaking workshops and competitions open to the general public. These won’t just be for young people; they are for everyone. Whether you are looking to start a new career, learn a hobby, or share a lifetime of experience, our workshops will provide a platform for anyone in the community to get involved in the filmmaking process.
Why Support Us?
By donating, you are helping us build a grassroots industry that belongs to the people of Staffordshire. We are proving that you don’t need to move to a major city to find a creative home. You just need a supportive network and the right tools.
Help us make film a reality for our county. Let’s tell our stories, together.
Learn more about us here: Staffordshire Film Collective
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