Over the past few months Film Independent has been working on a few exciting and important projects with the United Nations and UCLA’s Burkle Global Impact Initiative, which aims to activate the entertainment industry to engage more deeply and effectively with global policy, humanitarian and advocacy issues. We’ve hosted several of the Under-Secretary-Generals of the UN at our offices, and held a roundtable conversation at the Los Angeles Film Festival with members of the UN and UCLA to discuss humanitarian-themed storytelling.

Now, we’ve been asked to help review an innovative idea launched by another friend of the United Nations, Chideo, which partnered with the UN on its recent World Humanitarian Day.

Chideo is a digital platform created by Todd Wagner (2929 Productions, Magnolia Pictures) designed to raise money for causes that celebrities care about. Here’s how it works: fans make suggestions to celebrities about what exclusive content that they’d like to see. Other fans vote on those suggestions and if there’s enough interest, the star will respond by creating a video based on the suggestion. For example, if enough fans request it, Don Henley might post a backstage video of himself with his band just before they go on stage. Users then pay a small donation ($1.99) to watch the video; and the money is given to the cause the celebrity has chosen to support.

We’re inviting Film Independent Members to check out Chideo and share your feedback on the system and ways to make it better. Below is a snapshot of what you need to do to participate. It’s simple and secure, and the donation is optional. Whether or not you choose to contribute, you’ll be a valuable part of Film Independent’s commitment to global humanitarian and social causes.

1.  Go here to www.chideo.com or download the app in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
2.  Explore and engage with the site or app in whatever way you are compelled to do so.
3.  Register! Using one of several methods of registration, sign up for the full experience of Chideo.
4.  Suggest!  Vote!  Watch! Share!
5.  Purchase. This will require a credit card or PayPal account, but it’s inexpensive and for a good cause.
6.  As you explore, tell them what you think via the “feedback” link on the website or the “Send Feedback” navigation item in the mobile apps.  Try to be as detailed as possible so they can do the most good with the information you provide.
7.  When you are done exploring, fill out this quick and easy survey to give us the most information possible to improve the product! http://bit.ly/13dwWHw