I had not heard of MotionPoems before I was asked if I'd executive produce the 2016 show--and I was intrigued.
MotionPoems is a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis, founded by a poet and animator, who created an annual show of short films based on poems. Each filmmaker chooses a poem from the shortlist provided and creates a short film (completely pro bono) of his or her own interpretation.
The 2016 show (season 7) featured the work of exclusively Black poets--so my goal was to represent the poets with a majority of Black filmmakers. Because most were without representation, finding a group of talented individuals who were able to fund their own projects was no easy task. But my contacts in the ad and film communities jumped in with both feet. My many years as a producer did not prepare me for the talent, generosity and heart that these (unpaid) filmmakers offered in the process. Truly life-changing.