6Qs with Mike Todaro

Mike Todaro is the mastermind behind Nation Undead - a collaborative event that tells an apocalyptic story through a 9-episode film series created by user submissions from across the country.  Mike and his team are in the midst of the project, accepting user submissions as this blog goes to post.  However, already Mike has learned several lessons about DIWO Filmmaking, which he shares in this month's 6Q.

1.  What are the goals for Nation Undead?

MT: The goal of Nation Undead is three-fold.  The first is to create a community of filmmakers and genre fans where people can share ideas and elements that can be used in eachothers' films.  The second is to utilize the talent of the community overall to tell the unfolding story of Nation Undead.  The third is to create an immersive universe where all users can become a part, in some way, of the story we are trying to tell.

2.  How is IndieGoGo supporting your fundraisng effort?

MT: IndieGoGo has been an invaluable resource for meeting and connecting with filmmakers and, as we move into the next phase of our relationship, I am hoping IndieGoGo will become our partner in reaching out to filmmakers and connecting our community to the world.

3.  How are you identifying and reaching your audience?

MT: Our marketing effort has been a two phase approach.  First we are targeting the “Content Creators,” in other words the filmmakers, without whom, the story can’t be told.  The second phase will be an effort to appeal to the “content consumers,” that is the genre fans and general public, without whom the story can’t be heard.

4.  What advice would you give others thinking about fundraising and using IndieGoGo?

MT: Find an idea you are passionate about and if you tell it to 100 people and only 25 tell you you’re crazy….go for it.

5.  How do your connect your online campaigns with offline fundraising?

MT: For sponsors and advertisers the formula seems to be simple: a great idea is great, but traffic is king.  Without the users, in our case, audience, in most other cases, the product has no value outside of the creative team.  I am finding it is all about patience and building your audience.  I am hoping we get to a place where we cannot help but be sought after by sponsors, advertisers and audience.

6.  What other social media tools do you use?

MT: We have been assaulting Facebook with some great results.  I think the key to online advertising is doing the work to start the seeding process.  Too many people, myself included, think that all online marketing is putting it out there and letting it catch fire…the truth is, it requires patience, dedication and lots of hours in front of your computer.