FFF a 21st Century fetish

I am now on the verge of launching the crowdfunding campaign. I was due to launch on June 1st but I had underestimated how tricky Imovie is and am still battling valiently to shape it into submission.

Many years ago I used to work for Granada Television making short VT inserts about soaps – so I used to spend a LOT of time in edit suites fiddling about with all the sound and effects etc to get it just right. The difference was that I had an Editor to work all the stuff. I just needed to know what I wanted and he would work the magic. This time it’s just me and the cat.

Coupled with the fact that this is the first time I’ve tried to make a film since then – it has been a slow process but yes (whisper) I have nearly finished it.

So here are some sneak preview stills…… I know you are all desperate to help me to CROWDFUND so I won’t spoil the surprise of the exciting list of rewards I have lined up for you to choose from when you all rush to sign up…….

form an ordally line now please…..

I am now in full swing of planning FFF (pronounced ‘fur’), and finding that each day there is SO MUCH to learn to get it off the ground. Aside from the actually techniques that I will need to learn in order to help participants (I have some expert training planned, very kindly offered by a supporter) I am hoping at this point to embark on a CROWDFUNDING campaign.

This is a project in itself! I have been perusing the possible crowdfunding platforms and it seems that there are several key features to a successful campaign.

1. Prepare the ground. – this is building up a following (and if you are reading this I am counting YOU!) so that when the campaign is officially ‘launched’ it will speed ahead. I suppose it is a version of digging and mulching (though I am not much of a gardener so don’t quote me on that) to feed the ground.

2. Have a short, intensive campaign. 30 days seems to be the advised duration for success.

3. Make a film to explain what you want to do and why you need the money – THIS IS THE SCARY BIT! Despite a former career in TV I am not quite sure where to start with this bit.

4. Work 36 hours a day to drum up supporters. Crowdfunding is not an easy option – it does not do itself!

5. Have a good and interesting range of REWARDS to offer your supporters, ranging from donations of £5 to £250

So with all that in mind – I’m off to make a big plan – don’t think this one will fit on the back of fag packet…..

Welcome to my new project!

I am extremely excited about the whole thing as it takes me to new interesting creative worlds and materials that, at the moment, I know very little about – but that is the BEST BIT!

I should say that this project has been in development for a little while already….. I started work on this last summer and have been trying to fund it – which these days is nearly impossible!

So, here goes with ACE GforA application number 3. And this time I amGOING TO GET IT.

My last two funding applications were both initially approved, but were turned down at the last moment due to ‘competition for funds’. Well this time I am going to wipe the floor with the competition and come out with all barrels blasting!

It is difficult to know how far into the planning to go without confirmation of funds, and at which point to actually apply for grants – a very tricky balancing act. I think my previous mistake was to apply too early in development, so this time I will be putting a lot more things in place at the start.

So this is what I will be doing:

1. Crowdfunding to raise match funding for the project and to gather some interested participants and supporters

2. Twitter – please follow me on @FFF_21C (more about this later)

3. Looking for an official sponsor (fingers crossed for this one)

4. Learning about the amazing intricacies of the nailart world, the vastly varied materials and techniques

5. Hopefully taking this fabulous project to lots of very intresting mix of venues to inspire lots of adults to embrace their creativity.

5. Creating a website where participants will be able to see a timelapse progression of the work alonside being able to search for their work, each photographed individually on a database of pictures.

6. Make, with the help of approx 5000 people, an amazing sculptural work of art.

I can’t wait to get started…..