PFPA: Activities & Goals
Since it’s incorporation in June 2008, the directors of the PFPA have been engaged in fund-raising efforts as well as seeking community support for its activities in order to pursue the PFPA goals:
- The Philadelphia Friends of the Projected Arts. Inc. ("the Corporation") is established to promote the appreciation and encouragement of modestly-budgeted independent films.
- Believing that a high quality projected presentation is required to truly appreciate the art of filmmaking that is dependant on appreciating small details, the Corporation will seek to provide and support Philadelphia-based venues for appropriate screening of such independent films with the proper audio and visual projection on a big screen.
- The Corporation will work to build a strong collaborative network of independent film makers and work to assist them to recoup their investments so that they might be encouraged to continue their art.
- The Corporation will engage in programs to educate the public about online file-sharing and other forms of piracy that undercut the ability of independent film makers from pursuing their art.
- The Corporation will advocate nationally for programs that support modestly-budgeted independent films and that minimize all forms of piracy. However, no substantial part of the Corporation's activities will consist of carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. The Corporation will not participate in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
- No part of the Corporation's net earnings will inure to the particular benefit of any directors or other private persons except that the Corporation shall pay reasonable compensation to staff for services rendered.
- The Corporation will seek support for its not-for-profit activities from art and educational foundations, and from individuals; to this end, it will apply for 501 (c) (3) status from the Internal Revenue Service.
To this end, the directors have met with Philadelphia City Councilman Frank DiCicco, the NoLibs Neighboorhood Association, State Representative Mike O’Brien and are working with several city, state and community run organizations to reach these goals.
Functions of the PFPA:
1. Advocating the importance of the projected arts. This is conducted by the marketing and PR departments of PFPA on a regular basis in the 941 Theater offices. The PFPA will try to communicate the importance of the projected arts to people who would not otherwise have been exposed to that concept through press relations, PSAs, a documentary, paid advertisements, public events, etc. This is funded mainly through donations.
2. Advocating the importance of high quality independent filmmaking. This is conducted by the marketing department and the board of directors on an as-needed basis at public events. The goal of the PFPA is to encourage independent filmmakers to create films that can more easily compete with large budget movies. There is generally no funding required.
3. Managing a venue. This is a joint activity by the programming, marketing, press relations departments as well as paid theater staff to show first run independent films which do not currently show in Philadelphia. This occurs whenever the 941 Theater is open (generally every weekend and one week a month), and will be funded by its own revenues, corporate sponsorships, member dues and private donations
4. Supporting other similar venues and attempting to acquire or manage other similar venues. This is a task of the board of directors when the opportunity arises, and is done to expose more communities to independent films they do not have access to. This is funded primarily through donations.
5. Subsidizing the presentation of programming. This is a function of the programming department of the PFPA with the oversight of the board of directors, and will be performed on occasion at the 941 Theater. It will make films available to the public that otherwise would not be seen in the projected form, and will be funded through the theater’s budget and donations if necessary.
6. Providing low-cost audience response. This is marketed by the marketing department and conducted by the programming department and 941 Theater staff, and will be scheduled as requested and so as not to interfere with other programming. The PFPA will integrate an audience response/surveying system that will be made available to filmmakers all over the world for a low cost. The purchase and installation of the system is in the Theater start up budget.
7. Providing low-cost private screening services for films. This is also marketed by the marketing department and conducted by the programming department and 941 Theater staff, and will be scheduled as requested. The low cost fee will be paid for by the filmmakers.
8. Providing low-cost event space for music and other art events. This activity is conducted by the third-part promoters who rent the Theater for their events. They will pay for these events, and will work to expose a greater audience to the PFPA and the 941 Theater.