2023 SMI Pod Program

What is the Pod? The SMI Pod Program is a 6 month part time paid adventure in building the skills and toolbox of an impact producer. Pod training is not about the process of making a film, but instead how a film can be used strategically to reach specific audiences to instigate positive tangible change. We are looking for individuals who would be interested in supporting multiple films with their impact skills, not just their own catalogue of work.

What is an Impact Producer? An Impact Producer is responsible for maximizing a film’s potential for social change. Responsibilities may vary based on the film’s content and defined distribution goals, but often include strategy development, issue mapping, organizational partnership development and management, event production, dialogue facilitation, digital content production and engagement, and evaluation and impact measurement.

Who they seek: They are looking for five people from across the country who are passionate about community organizing, activism and advocacy, and using storytelling as a tool for change. Helpful qualities are digital savvy, the ability to work between groups and networks, being highly organized, and an eagerness to learn. Individuals with historic barriers to access are encouraged to apply. This includes but is not limited to BIPOC, people with disabilities, and queer folks. If the application form is itself a barrier, please email conrad@storymoneyimpact.com to explore an alternative approach.

What they offer: In term one, the Pod members will connect virtually as a cohort for workshops with experts, co-teaching sessions and applied assignments. The goal is to create an understanding of the power of strategic outreach campaigns for documentary films, and to introduce participants’ to the skill sets and tools necessary to design and execute them. The Pod will then meet in June for a one week in-person residency to deepen relationships, and put some of their skills to the test in the real world by organizing and hosting a panel event and impact screening. Following this, the second term of the Pod will support our flagship STORY TO ACTION program, each Pod member will be expected to produce one virtual impact screening event and one in-person impact screening event by the end of the term. Films in our current slate are related to some of the following topics: Climate activism, mental wellness, policing, Indigenous health and land protection, food security, labour rights, and migrant justice.

How does it work? The program runs 15 hours per week for 6 months (April through June, and August through October), with a monthly honorarium of $1500. Each week will include at least six hours of virtual meeting time with the full Pod. The schedule is to be determined by participants while factoring in existing initiatives and time zones.

Who they are: Story Money Impact is a Canadian non-profit charitable society that uplifts the work of independent media-makers by connecting them with allies and audiences to enable positive change. As an organization, they cultivate the field for this work through research, education, skills development, convening, innovation and fostering relationships. The Pod program will be coached by anchor instructor Jackie Garrow (Impact Practitioner, Ring Five), and facilitated by Ari Conrad Birch (Media & Programming Coordinator, SMI), both of whom bring a variety of experiences in the field.

Deadline:  The applications are due March 12th, at 11:59pm PST.

Timeline: Pod Program will run April 10 – Nov 10, with a break for the month of July. We will reach out to all short-listed candidates for an interview conversation between March 13 and 21.

Questions: We will host two live Q&A sessions about this program which you can register for here.

• Monday, February 27, 2:00pm  – 2:30pm EST

• Wednesday, March 8, 11:00am – 11:30am EST