School of Journalism director Geneva Overholser was joined by Active Voice founder Ellen Schneider on March 6 to discuss The Prenups: What Modern Media Makers $hould Talk About Before They Tie the Knot. Schneider shared details about her 11-year old company, Active Voice, which seeks to make social change via digital campaigns, high-profile events and national partnerships. She also spoke about Active Voice's recent research project, The Prenups. Schneider visited as part of Overholser's latest Journalism Director's Forum, which usually occur on Tuesdays at noon in room 207. The Prenups focuses on the increasing number of filmmakers struggling to produce influential stories on social issues around the globe. A series of individual interviews and focus groups were conducted to gather opinions, data, and strategies to foster more productive relationships between funders and filmmakers. "We think that there is nothing like the story, the actual watching a character transform, the walking of shoes of someone you don’t know and to get into their hearts and minds. You evoke through truth a lot of context, nuance, and possibilities," Schneider said. The Prenups discovered three issues that often caused disagreements between the filmmakers and funders: visions and expectations; roles and participation; and business and legal issues. Schneider discussed the importance of clear communication skills and corresponding values and expectations in successful partnerships. "There are a lot of possibilites, a lot of different kinds of funders. We are champion to funders," Schneider said.