Catholic International University
The 43rd Annual Gala film, carried by three interviews in the community's own words, with narration used only at the seams.
Read the case studyPuritano Media Group
Fundraising and Gala Films
A gala film has about four minutes to make a room feel something true. We build them from the stories of the people your mission serves.
What it is
The films that work at galas are not institutional histories. They are one or two human stories, told by the people who lived them, in their own words. Institutional facts ride along in graphics and a line or two of narration. The emotion, which is what opens wallets and fills next year's tables, comes from real people.
We work backward from the gala date on an eight to ten week schedule, with delivery, including a venue playback test file, landing days before the event. From the start we also plan the other versions: short cuts for social media, a web version, and the appeal follow-ups that run after the night.
What is included
- Mission and impact films for the night of the event
- Anniversary and milestone films
- Interview preparation and direction for honorees and beneficiaries
- Archive photos and footage woven into the film
- 30-second and vertical versions for social media
- Venue playback test files and event-night coordination
- Post-event versions for appeals and annual reports
How we work
Find the story
Script consulting to choose the one or two stories that carry the mission, and the people who will tell them.
Film the interviews
Prepared, unscripted interviews, usually on one shared shoot day per subject group.
Edit for the room
A three to five minute cut built for a ballroom: clear at distance, captioned, and timed to the program.
Deliver early, then extend
Test file to the venue days ahead. After the event, the additional versions roll out while the night is still fresh.
Related work
See it in practice
SMPS
A 50th anniversary film premiered at the celebration for the association of marketing professionals.
Read the case studyCommon questions
How long should a gala film be?
Three to five minutes for the room. Long enough for a real story, short enough that the program keeps moving.
When should we start?
Eight to ten weeks before the event. Archive gathering and scripting happen early, the interview day lands around week four, and the edit needs room for two revision rounds.
What does it cost?
Gala and event productions usually run $5,000 to $12,000 depending on crew size and how much original production the screened piece needs. Shoot days are $2,800 and post-production is $150 per hour.
More answers in the full FAQ.
Tell us what you are making.
Every project starts with a conversation about what the finished piece has to do and who has to see it. Call us, or send the details and we will reply within one business day.