In a moment when the documentary industry is facing both new and protracted constrictions in funding and distribution, this workshop looks to Multitude Films, exemplars in the field, to help us navigate independent documentary producing. Without glossing over the hard realities, this workshop will offer participants insight into the role of a producer, a practical road map for how we might bring documentaries to life in the current landscape, and a sense of the opportunities we can build on.
Multitude Films is an independent production company dedicated to transformative culture change through nonfiction storytelling that blends artistry with political commitment. Life After (Special Jury Award Winner, Sundance 2025), Power (Sundance 2024) and It’s Only Life After All (Sundance 2023) are just a few of the recent productions helmed by Multitude Films. They’ve produced some of the most impactful documentaries in recent memory, and have experience working with major streamers as well as leading innovative self-distribution efforts. Across three days of interactive seminars, producer Colleen Cassingham (Life After, To Use a Mountain, Queer Futures) will lead us through the contemporary landscape of nonfiction producing, from budgeting, fundraising and development, to hands-on collaboration, distribution and impact, all through a philosophy of care and equity. Alongside her team, Colleen will tackle questions like: how do we operationalize our values in how we budget and schedule our productions? How does a producer cultivate healthy, collaborative relationships with directors and crew, and authentic relationships with funders? What does an impact campaign look like, and how can it be interwoven with distribution?
Colleen will kick off the workshop by walking through the foundations of producing, including building a team and a budget, and the ethos and questions that help set the stage for the film’s launch and rollout. Multitude’s Co-Founder and VP Anya Rous will discuss varied approaches to fundraising strategies, raising financing, and cultivating relationships with partners. The next day, Sweta Vohra, Head of Production at Multitude, will bring her background in journalism, risk analysis, and safety to discuss challenges and opportunities in production. Finally, Emma Alpert, Head of People and Partnerships, will join us to talk through impact, grassroots distribution and marketing.
Participants will also get the chance to share works-in-progress in a focused feedback session, where Colleen can address your pressing production and creative questions. Join us for our last workshop of the year, entering 2026 with a new set of tools and perspectives for documentary producing. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best!
