Recently I’ve been obsessing over the San Francisco Film Society. That’s a weird thing to admit because I’ve never been to San Francisco and I don’t know anyone in that society. I just stumbled upon their site one day while researching film societies and I fell in love. I visit the site often, dreaming about the future of North Carolina’s film community.

You see, North Carolina has a really strong film scene. Both small and large-scale productions are happening here regularly. North Carolina had a record-breaking year in 2012, according to the NC Film Office, with $376 million in spending and 20,000 job opportunities. Productions like Homeland, Banshee, Safe Haven, and Iron Man 3 have helped make that number so impressive.

There is also a thriving indie film scene in North Carolina. The groups, events, and fests going strong statewide. I am constantly learning about new groups that have been around for quite some time, and I’m so happy about that. I find all of it to be really exciting.

Yet there’s something nagging at me. It’s this idea that keeps my wheels turning constantly.

I have this notion that a non-profit organization — similar to the San Francisco Film Society — could absolutely thrive here in North Carolina. It nags at me because I have this dream but no promising way to make it become a reality. So I keep plugging along, doing what I can to support the community whenever I can find the time do it.

But let’s pretend I didn’t feel so overwhelmed by that idea. Let’s pretend it could, in fact, become a reality in the next year or so. What would that look like, and how would it come to be, ya think?

Just imagine that there were one organization in North Carolina to:

• unite the existing film communities
• make the community more accessible
• share announcements about events and opportunities
• build supportive audiences for NC-made films
• guide filmmaking newbies
• challenge filmmaking pros
• lobby for positive change in the NC film industry
• encourage and support us as we improve our craft
• help the NC film industry continue to grow in smart ways

These things aren’t revolutionary. There are groups already doing this work. They’re doing it really well. But there’s no SINGLE organization — at least, from what I can tell — that could unify all of these efforts in the state, making them more accessible to all.

Right? I mean. Correct me if I’m wrong, please.

This is something I’ve thought about for years. I’ve been researching whenever I have the time, so it’s possible that one organization is doing this at a local level (versus statewide). I’m curious, you know?

It seems like that type of organization, especially if it were a non-profit, would absolutely thrive here. I think it could truly unite the community and do great things for our state. It would give the flmmaking community a voice, access to important information, and a means to do great things.

I’m not sure if this is a hunch that could lead to something great. Or if the idea is a pipe dream and I should just put it to bed. It certainly is a pesky little idea that won’t quit nagging me. And I’ve found that, often, the most annoying ideas — the ones that seem impossible and scare you the most — are the ones that survive and become a reality. What an odd thing, eh?

Feedback most appreciated, y’all. Tell me what you think. What would you like to see?