Inconvenient Youth is a gripping feature-length documentary that follows the life-changing journey of a 10-year-old girl as she is removed from her home and thrust into the foster care system.
Every 2 minutes, a child enters foster care. Over 400,000 children stay in foster care until they age out at 18.
The foster care system is facing critical shortages in staff, foster parents, homes for children, and resources to meet the emotional needs of those children.
Through cinematic reenactments and unflinching interviews with former foster youth, foster parents, frontline caseworkers, and child development experts, the film pulls back the curtain on one of America's most overlooked humanitarian crises. Intimate, emotional, and urgent, Inconvenient Youth reveals not only what's broken—but what's at stake if we fail the children who need us most.
Inconvenient Youth also examines the political and social landscape shaping the future of foster care. The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, alongside deep cuts to social programs, has created a perfect storm—driving more vulnerable children into a system already stretched thin.
More than a documentary, Inconvenient Youth is a call to action. Through strategic partnerships with nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and local communities, the film will launch a national campaign to raise awareness, mobilize volunteers, and drive support for meaningful reform.
Perks
Every person that supports this film for $30 will get an exclusive digital pre-sale link by email once the film has finished production that you can use to stream the film directly to your home.
This means; you have a direct hand in making this powerful documentary a reality.
During production, you'll get weekly updates, as well as exclusive behind the scenes photos.
Be a part of making this important documentary a reality
Anyone who supports this film with a $100 pledge will get a link to stream the film once production is completed and the film has been released.
Includes weekly updated on the films progress, as well as exclusive behind the scenes photos.
You will also be invited to a free online screening that includes a Q and A with the director.
Includes weekly updated on the films progress, as well as exclusive behind the scenes photos.
When the film is completed, you will receive an exclusive link to stream the film directly to your home.
This level is for companies, business owners, or individuals who see the value in what this film will mean for the 400,000 kids in foster care, and share the passion for having an impact.
In exchange for your generous contribution, in addition to the exclusive streaming link, a link to your business will be featured on the films website, "Preferred Corporate Sponsors" with a short description of your business and link to your website (if applicable) where visitors will be encouraged to use your services.
Highlights
See all activity5The team and budget
Douglas Proce: Writer, director and editor
I
have been making films for over 15 years, and have 2 films in
distribution currently. I am also a former foster child who aged out
of foster care in 1983. This film is deeply personal to me, because by
every measure, I have thrived. I feel a profound sense of obligation
to create a film that will not only educate people on the challenges
facing foster care, but to inspire people to take action.
Portfolio of films
The crew listed below all have years of experience and will
ensure the film reflects the best production standards possible.
Tray Goodman: Emmy-award winning Executive Producer
IMBD Page
Tamara McDaniel: Casting director
IMBD Page
Lisa Palenica: Assistant Director
Samantha Erdmann: Cinematographer
IMDB Page
Josh Lambeth: Drone and vehicle cinematography
Adam Hecht: Audio and sound engineer
IMDB Page
Jennifer O'Bannon: Wardrobe
Tarah McDaniel: Hair and make up
IMDB Page
John Kestner: Storyboards
Behind the scenes photography:
Jim Hesterman:
https://www.facebook.com/jimhestermanphotography
Chadwick Fowler:
https://www.facebook.com/chadwickfowlerphoto
Kristopher Hill: Music score
Budget breakdown: Estimated 10 days to complete filming
elements
It will take approximately 3 weeks to get the
film cast.
Filming: 4 days in studio, 4 days of reenactment
filming, 2 days of b-roll, insert shots.
Editing will take approximately 3-4 weeks after principal filming is complete.
Total estimated costs of film: $249,122
Above the line costs: $33,900
Includes costs for: Exec producer, script, casting director,
director, storyboard artist, primary talent
Production costs: $69,500
Includes costs for: Camera rental, studio rental, wardrobe, HMUA, extras, cinematography, AD, BTS photography, Grip, sound, drone, catering, transportation, locations
Post-production costs: $28,000
Includes costs for: Editing, score, website, DCP, screeners, press kits
Other expenses: $99,200
Includes costs for: Public relations, advertising, marketing,
premier screening rental, legal and accounting, errors and omissions
insurance, contingency fund
Bond Fees / Permits: $6,920
Film Festivals, American Film Market Conference: $11,533
Marketing the film
The goal is to have this film made and ready for distribution before the end of 2026.
The film will be supported by a robust outreach plan in partnership with nonprofits and community organizations across the U.S. who support foster care.
Each nonprofit will get to share in the revenue generated. Nonprofits will receive a unique discount code that their website visitors can use to directly support the nonprofit. $5 of every stream using their unique discount code will go directly to that nonprofit.
Every 3 months, each nonprofit will get a statement of how many visitors used their unique code and receive a check for total amount of times their code was used.
Example:
if 100 people used their unique code, that nonprofit would
receive a check for $500.
If 1,000 people used their unique code,
that nonprofit would receive a check for $5,000
This gives every nonprofit a stake in the film.
The film will also be available to any nonprofit who serves foster
care to use in their own fundraising efforts.
The films website will contain a database of national nonprofits, as well as those nonprofits by state who support foster care.
Screenings will be held in schools, legislative forums, and faith-based settings to spark dialogue and galvanize action.
Digital campaigns and social media advertising will amplify the
message, reaching millions and building momentum for lasting impact.
Other marketing efforts include:
Marketing Plan: "Inconvenient Youth" Documentary - Distribution Acquisition Strategy
Total Public Relations / Marketing / Advertising Budget: $80,000
Phase 1 (Months 1-4): $32,000 ($8,000/month) -
Distribution acquisition and industry targeting. Nonprofit partnership development
Phase 2 (Months 5-48): $48,000 ($1,000/month) -
Direct-to-consumer sustainability
Primary Goal Phase 1: Secure
distribution partnership with major platforms (Netflix, Hulu, Apple
TV) or broadcast networks (Nexstar, Sinclair) Secondary Goal Phase 2:
Maintain 700 streams/month at $20/ stream = $14,000 monthly revenue
Phase 1: Distribution Acquisition and Nonprofit partnerships
(Months 1-4) - $8,000 Budget
Target Distributors & Decision Makers Streaming Platform
Distributors as well as decision makers for non profits by state and national:
Netflix: Endeavor Content, CAA Media Finance, ICM
Partners
Hulu: Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, FX
Networks
Apple TV+: Apple Original Films, Participant Media, A24
Broadcast Network Distributors:
Nexstar Media Group: Programming VPs, Documentary acquisitions
teams
Sinclair Broadcast Group: Content acquisition
executives
PBS: Independent Lens, POV Documentary teams
Key Decision Makers:
Netflix: Documentary Programming Directors, Social Impact
Content teams
Hulu: Unscripted Programming executives
Apple
TV+: Documentary Features team, Social Justice content
curators
Nexstar/Sinclair: Programming Directors, News
Documentary producers
Industry Foundation & Credibility Building
Industry-Focused LinkedIn Advertising
Precision targeting of documentary distributors, acquisition
executives
Content programming managers at target
companies
Independent film sales agents and
representatives
Documentary festival programmers and industry
influencers
Sponsored content featuring trailer and press
materials
Trade Publication Advertising ($1,200)
Variety,
The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline advertising
Documentary Magazine
and DOC NYC trade publications
Broadcasting & Cable magazine
for TV station reach
IndieWire sponsored content
Professional PR & Industry Outreach
Press release distribution to industry
publications
Screener creation and distribution to key decision
makers
Industry contact database development
Film festival
submission strategy (Sundance, Tribeca, SXSW consideration)
Content Creation for Industry
Professional pitch deck development
Executive summary and
treatment documents
Awards consideration
materials
Industry-specific trailer cuts emphasizing social impact
Direct Decision Maker Targeting
Executive-Level LinkedIn Campaigns
Hyper-targeted campaigns to specific executives by
name/title
Retargeting website visitors from major media
companies
Video messaging campaigns with personalized
content
Sponsored InMail to key decision makers
Industry Event & Conference Presence
Virtual conference sponsorships (NATPE, MIPCOM, Hot Docs)
Documentary festival presence and networking
events
Industry screening events and mixer
sponsorships
Speaking opportunities at relevant conferences
Direct Outreach & Relationship Building
Professional sales agent consultation
Industry attorney guidance for distribution
negotiations
Screener fulfillment and follow-up
campaigns
Meeting coordination and travel for key presentations
Awards & Recognition Strategy
Emmy Awards consideration campaign
Documentary guild
submissions
Social impact film award applications
Film
festival premiere strategy
Phase 2: Direct-to-Consumer Sustainability - $1,000/Month
Monthly Budget Allocation for 700 Streams/Month:
Facebook & Instagram Advertising
Target audiences: Social workers, child advocates, nonprofit
supporters
Retargeting campaigns for website visitors
Video
trailer promotion and testimonial campaigns
Community group and
cause-related targeting
Google Ads & YouTube
Search campaigns: "foster care documentary,"
"social services crisis"
YouTube pre-roll on relevant
content (social justice, parenting)
Display network targeting
nonprofit and advocacy websites
Shopping campaigns for direct
film purchases
Email Marketing & Automation
Monthly newsletter to subscriber base
Automated drip
campaigns for leads
Partner communication and promotional
emails
Segmented campaigns by audience type
Content Marketing & SEO
Blog content focusing on foster care issues
Social media
management and posting
SEO optimization for organic search
traffic
Guest posting and podcast appearances
Partnership & Affiliate Marketing
Nonprofit partnership maintenance
Affiliate program
management
Influencer relationship maintenance
Community
building and engagement
Activity
Every person that supports this film for $30 will get an exclusive digital pre-sale link by email once the film has finished production that you can use to stream the film directly to your home.
This means; you have a direct hand in making this powerful documentary a reality.
During production, you'll get weekly updates, as well as exclusive behind the scenes photos.
Be a part of making this important documentary a reality
Anyone who supports this film with a $100 pledge will get a link to stream the film once production is completed and the film has been released.
Includes weekly updated on the films progress, as well as exclusive behind the scenes photos.
You will also be invited to a free online screening that includes a Q and A with the director.
Includes weekly updated on the films progress, as well as exclusive behind the scenes photos.
When the film is completed, you will receive an exclusive link to stream the film directly to your home.
This level is for companies, business owners, or individuals who see the value in what this film will mean for the 400,000 kids in foster care, and share the passion for having an impact.
In exchange for your generous contribution, in addition to the exclusive streaming link, a link to your business will be featured on the films website, "Preferred Corporate Sponsors" with a short description of your business and link to your website (if applicable) where visitors will be encouraged to use your services.
