Financing / Crowdfunding

Join us for an exclusive virtual summit where top executives from the entertainment industry converge to explore the ever-evolving landscape of global film and television production. Discover insights, trends, and strategies that are shaping the future of entertainment.

About the Summit

Date: October...

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About the Summit

Date: October 19, 2023

Time: 9:00am PT - 1:30pm PT

Location: Virtual, exclusively through Stage 32

Keynote: Cassian Elwes - The Brave New World of Producing

Producer Cassian Elwes has worked on over 150 films and television projects (including MUDBOUND, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, THE BUTLER) and has filmed all over the world on small to large productions. As our industry shifts to more globalization than ever, Cassian will discuss the state of producing and do a Q&A.

Why Attend?

At the Global Film Production Summit 2023, we bring together the brightest minds in the entertainment industry to share their expertise, experiences, and visions for the future. This summit is your opportunity to:

Gain Industry Insights: Hear from industry leaders who are at the forefront of global film and television production. Learn about the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the entertainment landscape.

Network with Experts: Connect with executives, producers, and creative minds from around the world. Build valuable relationships that could lead to exciting collaborations.

Discover New Opportunities: Explore opportunities for investment, co-production, and distribution in the global entertainment market.

Stay Informed: Stay updated on the latest technologies and strategies that are transforming the way content is created, distributed, and consumed.

Join us at the Global Film Production Summit 2023 to be at the forefront of the entertainment industry's evolution. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights, network with industry leaders, and shape the future of global film and television production. We look forward to seeing you there!

Here is a link so you can register - it's free for all attendees: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Stage-32-Presents-Global-Film-Productio...

Hey all, I wanted to share a few points that I've learned so far with running my own Indiegogo for a short film project titled CYBER FIGHTER. It's based on my novel which was adapted from the feature screenplay I wrote first.

This is pretty ambitious project -- we're asking for $20K (because there ar...

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This is pretty ambitious project -- we're asking for $20K (because there are a lot of visual effects/action pieces). We are in the third week and have raised 51% so far. It's a fixed funding model because we need to make at least that to shoot the film. Here's a few things I've learned:

1. PREPARATION IS KEY -- I've spent several years preparing this campaign before I launched it. The more money you need to raise, the more prep work you should do. Preparation includes research and deciding on which platform is right for your project. Seed & Spark is a great platform for Indies, though they are more apt to promote socially conscious type content and lower budgeted projects. Mine is a sci-fi/action popcorn movie (in the vein of The Matrix meets John Wick), so Indiegogo was a better fit.

2. CREATE GREAT PERKS/REWARDS -- Depending on the platform, there are different names for these, but having great perks gives a lot more excitement to your production. Because of how much we need to raise, I knew that I couldn't offer any merch that would need to be manufactured/shipped, so I went all digital. As a kid, I loved all the STAR WARS books and trading cards, so with my project I'm creating a Production Art book, a "making of" book, and even my own digital "Topps" style trading cards. It's my most popular perk.

3. EMAIL OUTREACH IS CRITICAL -- You will need to individually write to everyone you know to give a personal appeal. But you have to frame it as inviting them to "join you on this journey", instead of asking for money. Of course you need to ask, but there's a subtle art to it. Indiegogo's educational articles were a big help on this. And you have to reach out to everyone. Contributions will be made by those people you didn't expect. And be sure to ask people to also share your project too. For those who can't afford to contribute, sharing your project is just as effective because the more eyes on your project, the better chance for success.

4. A GREAT PITCH VIDEO IS KEY -- Especially since you're making a film, you need to demo yourself as an artist. Fortunately, in my many years of development, I had tons of B-roll to use with my "talk to camera" shot, and the footage shows my capability as a filmmaker. Study pitch videos you like, and look at bad ones too to make sure you don't make the same mistakes. Make sure that your pitch video matches your personality -- if you're not naturally goofy, don't try to be goofy on your pitch video, even if your project is a comedy. It will just be awkward and you'll hate shooting it. Be true to yourself and people will feel a connection. If you're not good at all in front of the camera, be sure that you have someone on your team who is, and they'll be the face of the project.

5. RUNNING THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE A FULL-TIME JOB -- I knew this going in, but you will find that the more time you can dedicate to updating, sending outreach, releasing new perks, social media posting, the better your results. I have my wife helping out a lot, and a couple other people who have promised to share it to their networks, but the truth is that you are going to be doing most of the work.

These are just a few things I've learned while I am still in progress. Whether or not I will succeed remains to be seen. I'm cautiously optimistic, but there are a lot of ups and downs with this process. I want to be respectful to the "no spamming" rules for posting so instead of a link to my project, if you are interested in looking at it as a case study -- it's called CYBER FIGHTER and I have it on Indiegogo.

(I also posted the project in "Your Stage" - the direct link can be found there).

View all All comments

Jeanette B. Milio

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
7 months ago

@Anthony - yes of course I remember you :)

@Martin - agreed. We all have to be creative and business savvy to produce something that makes sense creatively, professionally and can generate profits.

Cee Whirx

Jeanette B. Milio I am looking to make a new animated film with producer Danial Zakaria, but we are having trouble raising the money for our budget. Is there a way we can find someone to help with our...

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Pidge Jobst

Jeanette B. Milio Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback, "subject to" you receiving our gratitude. :) :)

Jack Binder

Great tips and information Jeanette B. Milio!

Gerald Waters

students? where’s your class. We have a pilot sitcom sketch show ready and the season completely written. I’d love to learn more about crowdsourcing.

Amanda Toney

2
2 people like this
- John Michael German
- Maurice Vaughan
7 months ago

Excited to see you this week Jeanette! :)

JR Rodriguez

Wish I was there...It's gonna be GREAT!!!

Kimberly Olsen

2
2 people like this
- Maurice Vaughan
- John Michael German
7 months ago

I'm going to be at AFM this week, would be great to meet!

Alexa Bisrat

1
1 person likes this
- Maurice Vaughan
8 months ago

thank you both! believe me I thinkin this likely I will scale back but was just curious if anyone had any experiences as the when I build up my skills and reputation/connections.

hope all is well and wishing you much success and inspiration

ps: I do believe there is a session still available for getting A List Talent here on Stage 32 on case you’re interested

Kelly Stanphill

I took that webinar yesterday and cannot find the handouts for the class. Unfortunately, I jumped the gun and have been calling big time reps for A list actors today and they are all asking me to foll...

Sam Sokolow

3
3 people like this
7 months ago

Bradley Gallo can show you how way better than I can. Here's a link to his Stage 32 webinar on this very subject. Cannot recommend it higher. https://www.stage32.com/webinars/How-To-Approach-And-Attac...