We believe in inspiring audiences into activism that results in sustainable positive social impact for LGBTQIA+, black, indigenous, people of color, and disability (including mental illness) communities.
Additional resources and materials can be found here.
We acknowledge that Hard Knock Productions and Art into Activism operate on Kumeyaay land. For millennia, the Kumeyaay people have been a part of this land. This land has nourished, healed, protected and embraced them for many generations in a relationship of balance and harmony. As members of the San Diego community we acknowledge this legacy. We promote this balance and harmony. We find inspiration from this land; the land of the Kumeyaay.
Representation
We develop unique stories to increase the visibility of LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and people with disabilities including mental illness, and we leverage these stories to educate others and advocate for marginalized communities through partnerships with non-profit organizations.
We believe actors should be representative of how a character identifies. In order to increase diversity in cast and crew, we work with relevant organizations to identify strategies to locate diverse talent while also respecting persons privacy (e.g. using inclusion language in employment postings, using word of mouth).
The production team works with key LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC associations to ensure appropriate education in preparation for filmmaking and during the editing process.
At least 50% of cast and crew will be women.
Fair & Equitable
We strive to create a positive, inclusive, and innovative environment; and we advocate for our community in order to develop the next generation of independent artists, musicians, and filmmakers.
Environment
We demonstrate that we can affordably implement environmentally sustainable practices in the independent entertainment industry to do our part to leave this earth better than we found it.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge the original landowners of the land on which we operate, we educate ourselves on their history, and we engage with the communities to identify opportunities for support.
Other areas important to us:
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) support
Audiences are inspired by representation of alternative storytelling, unique uses of technology and diversity in entertainment. The next generation of storytellers can be inspired when they see themselves in the subject matter, in the story, or part of the production.
Family First
We support our cast and crew. This means providing flexibilities and financial support or coordination as needed so that families with children (or fur babies) can be on set but also effectively be there for and with their families.
Measuring social impact
- Changed minds (reach) – we will measure the success of community and festival activations, social media impressions, and views through streaming
- Changed lives (money raised) – we will donate a portion of the Founder’s revenue on profitable projects or raise money for partner organizations, and pay organizations for training materials and education sessions
- Change policy (shifts in government policy) – our partners must have a focus on policy change relevant to the film subject matter and we will work together to support their policy initiatives