Few producers have successfully bridged the worlds of government, corporate media, and independent film to create lasting social change like Simone Pero. As the founder of For Impact Productions, she has redefined what it means to tell stories that resonate on both an emotional and societal level. Her journey from public policy to media has shaped a career dedicated to producing films that don’t just entertain but leave a tangible mark on the world.
The Road to Social Impact Production
Pero’s diverse professional background informs her approach to storytelling.
“I absolutely love this question,” Pero enthuses when asked about her multi-sector career. “Surprisingly, I didn’t start out with a plan for its circuitous route, yet today, I consider it almost a necessity for making a social impact.”
Her first experience with impact campaigns wasn’t in film but in government. While working at the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, she was at the forefront of Working Women Count!, the largest federal outreach initiative on women in the workforce. The campaign addressed issues like sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, and equal pay—critical issues that continue to dominate cultural conversations today.
Unseen challenges spark change
Transitioning into corporate media, Pero tackled cause-related efforts like AIDS awareness and diversity initiatives. “I learned how corporations plan their quarters and budgets, how they interact with employees and clients. That experience proved invaluable when approaching corporate sponsorships for independent, socially minded films.”
Today, in independent film, she champions the relentless dedication of filmmakers who create against all odds. “Changing the world doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a hearty stomach to weather the ebbs and flows,” she reflects.
Jyoti Sarda,Simone Pero, Rachel Feldman, Patricia Clarkson, Allyn Stewart, Kelly E. Ashton, Kerianne Flynn
photo by Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com ©2024 robrich101@gmail.com 516-676-3939
For Impact Productions: Shaping the Future of Film
Pero founded For Impact Productions with a mission to help policymakers understand societal issues through visual storytelling. Films like BODY & SOUL: DIANA & KATHY and ESCAPE FIRE: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare sparked conversations among government officials, humanizing policy discussions with real-life stories.
“There was—and still is—a dire need in our country for new approaches to tackling social issues. My goal was to elevate storytelling as a tool for profound change.”
For Impact Productions continues to evolve, now supporting a broad range of creators in using film as a vehicle for transformation. “We help content creators amplify the emotional power of art to make a positive difference in our culture and society.”
Crafting Campaigns That Resonate
Pero’s campaigns tackle urgent topics—cancer prevention, gender discrimination, trauma—by grounding them in authenticity.
“The first step is always personal: do I resonate with the issue? Then, I research extensively to develop strategies that reflect real-world experiences.”
Her process includes analyzing media coverage, public sentiment, and engaging experts in the field. For THE TALE, a harrowing story of trauma starring Laura Dern, she collaborated with clinical practitioners and advocates to ensure accuracy and sensitivity. The impact was tangible: beyond its critical acclaim, the film became a resource for mental health training, educational programs, and United Nations discussions on child sex abuse.
The Art of Impactful Storytelling
Success in social impact filmmaking isn’t one-size-fits-all, but Pero identifies key ingredients. “Casting, story craft, market timing, and audience appetite all play a role,” she notes.
With THE TALE, the team seamlessly integrated social impact into every stage, from funding to distribution. The film’s unprecedented philanthropic investment model was a game-changer. “We demonstrated that a hybrid model—combining commercial investment with philanthropy—could fuel not just awareness but action.”
Her latest project, LILLY, starring Patricia Clarkson, is already moving audiences. The story of fair-pay icon Lilly Ledbetter is striking a chord, particularly among women facing workplace inequities. “Whether a woman is just entering the workforce or retiring, Lilly’s story resonates deeply. That emotional connection is what makes social impact storytelling so powerful.”
Beyond Awards: Measuring Success in Social Change
Pero doesn’t just measure success by awards or box office numbers. “Transformation is key—whether cultural, social, or policy-driven.”
For ESCAPE FIRE, success was measured by its integration into medical training, policy discussions, and educational platforms. “We created a continuing education accreditation for medical professionals, embedding the film’s message into real-world healthcare improvements.”
Challenges in Funding Social Impact Films
Hybrid financing and philanthropic investment in film remain unconventional. “The biggest challenge is working with entities accustomed to traditional equity financing,” Pero admits.
For impact-driven projects, funding models need to showcase the social return on investment (SROI)—a metric that prioritizes societal benefits alongside financial gains. “We’re not just selling a film; we’re selling the potential for systemic change.”
The Future of Social Impact Productions
Pero sees a growing demand for films that drive change. “The industry needs a mindset shift. Social impact should be embedded into every department—from production to financing to marketing.”
She emphasizes that social impact can’t happen in isolation. “It requires an ecosystem of support. The media and entertainment industry must champion these projects, not shy away from bold, politically charged narratives.”
Lessons for Mainstream Entertainment
Mainstream entertainment has much to learn from impact-focused productions. “Audiences crave meaningful content. Investing in impact-driven messaging, community partnerships, and topic-driven media coverage benefits both audiences and the bottom line.”
She highlights cause-focused brand activations, word-of-mouth events, and strategic influencer partnerships as key tools. “Engaging with consumers on social issues can lead to unprecedented visibility and alignment with cultural movements.”
Representation and Advocacy
Pero’s work amplifies underrepresented voices. Authenticity and accountability are central to her process. “Bringing communities into the process early is crucial. Sharing scripts, consulting experts, and aligning with advocacy organizations ensure credibility and respect.”
On women’s roles in media, she acknowledges progress but recognizes barriers. “While TV has seen strides, film still lags. Gender biases persist—women continue to juggle caregiving roles while the industry remains rigid in accommodating these realities.”
Upcoming Projects: Pushing Boundaries
Her latest projects, VIVA VERDI! and VOW OF SILENCE: THE ASSASSINATION OF ANNIE MAE, tackle aging and Indigenous justice, respectively.
“VIVA VERDI! highlights a thriving eldercare model, a much-needed conversation in the U.S. With VOW OF SILENCE, we aim to elevate awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women. Annie Mae’s story deserves to be known, and I hope this series gives Indigenous women a powerful platform.”
Mentorship and Building the Next Generation
As a faculty member at Stony Brook University, Pero encourages aspiring filmmakers to sharpen both craft and mission. “Filmmakers should regularly revisit their North Star—why and how they want to make an impact.”
She also underscores the importance of adaptability. “The industry is always in flux. Those who pivot with grace will have sustainable careers.”
Mentorship and community-building are vital. “No one succeeds alone. Building support networks—whether skill-based or industry-focused—ensures long-term change. As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats.”
The Next Frontier in Impact Filmmaking
Looking ahead, Pero sees an urgent need for industry-wide support. “Social challenges are escalating. We need bold artists willing to address race, gender, justice, health, environment—topics that demand nuanced storytelling.”
Her call to action? “We need the industry to support more voices, embrace complex issues, and champion stories that push humanity forward.”
And if Simone Pero’s career is any indication, the future of impact filmmaking is in powerful, capable hands.
