For years, I've had producers come and go, each promising to be the missing piece in the puzzle that would catapult my project to fruition. However, reality struck hard – no fruitful outcomes, just fleeting promises. It felt like some producers were more interested in probing my finances than genuinely investing in the creative vision I poured my heart into. An air of charlatanism lingered around, making film financing even more perplexing.
I'm not here to ask for a donation or plaster my GoFundMe page all over this forum (I've been there, done that on Seed & Spark). Platforms like Seed & Spark attract a specific type of film (and supporter), and sometimes, our projects don't quite fit the mold. Last year, I did raise $6,000 on Seed & Spark, but since I didn't reach my goal, I didn't receive any of that money. So, I started a GoFundMe page and recouped $5,000 from the same supporters from my e-mail list. Since then, I have gotten drips and drabs of $100 here and $50 there, but this has led me to embark on a quest to unravel the ins and outs of film financing. I have to believe there is a vein of gold out there.
I've delved into books, absorbed countless anecdotes, and attempted to decipher the mysterious dance. Yet, the elusive nature of financing persists. It's more than just having the right information; it's about being in the right place at the right time and having your ducks meticulously lined up.
How have some of you found success with financing? I would love to tap into some of your knowledge. Let's connect.
5 people like this
Credit cards, extra part-time jobs, pawning jewelry & cars, and good friends with more money than brains. Reality: ppl give money because they trust you. Nobody in my circle read business plans, or care about projects. They just want to have a good time, meet actresses, maybe hang out on set.
4 people like this
Are you talking about feature films or shorts? I mean nowadays shorts of 30-40 minutes can be lucrative- look at Henry Sugar with Benedict Cumberbatch/Wes Anderson sold to Netflix. Are you talking about Features or tv shows?
So I’ve funded and sold quite a few shorts. (30)
I’m slowly cracking the features scene
No bites yet on TV
but I aim to get the way forward on all of them. There’s a formula to everything. I’ll get there.
I’m releasing a webinar on funding shorts and selling them and an e book
There’s 15 ways at least . 30 shorts funded from 2-45,000. sold or bringing in revenue of £500-12,000, but not all of them. . If you raise money for shorts it’s a donation and does not require a return so anything you make should be profit to you.
Feature films- I got 240,000 for one low budget film and just raised 115,000 for a friend’s film. Too low really. I need to crack higher amounts. That's taken me 12 years to figure out. It doesn’t come easy! it’s about trust and knowing people through networking, film festivals, active social media promotion, retreats, clubs, giving to other people, doing talks, helping students etc etc. Nothing comes from friends. Don’t go there.
Here is a good place to network and so is LinkedIn. I make loads of mistakes, I meet with people who ghost me or talk crap, but a few gems keep appearing to make it all worthwhile. There’s no way to tell anyone how to do it, you just do it, ask, barter, give, beg, bargain and pitch, again and again and again.
2 people like this
When it comes to financing a project, most producers won't find your money on an independent level. You have to do it yourself, or do something cheap / self finance.
Most importantly, even more important than a 'good script' is having a distribution deal in place before you make your film.
Best wishes!
1 person likes this
It's truly upsetting to hear about the challenges you've faced with film financing, and your experience resonates with many of us as filmmakers who navigate the crazy world of funding.
The elusive nature of securing financial support for creative projects is indeed a puzzle that requires not only the right information but also impeccable timing and alignment of resources. Many of us have had the "Film Carpet" pulled out from under us... I have personally lost $5000.
Success stories often involve a combination of persistence, networking, and sometimes a stroke of good fortune. Building relationships within the industry, attending relevant events, and leveraging online platforms for crowdfunding are common strategies. Innovation moves beyond crowd funding standards. Some innovation requires the will to risk.
Across your career, It is important to explore grants, film festivals, and connecting with potential investors or production companies that align with your project's vision can be avenues worth exploring. Look for the straight shooter in the industry. People's actions that match their words rather than be incongruous behavior. Flighty, wavering, and flaky behavior can be spotted early on.
Each filmmaker's journey is unique, and while there's no one-size-fits-all solution, sharing experiences and insights with fellow creators can be invaluable.
It's a tough road, but the passion and dedication you've shown in unraveling the intricacies of film financing are commendable.
Wishing you the best in your quest, and may you uncover that path of gold for your project. Let's indeed connect and share knowledge—collaboration often proves to be a powerful force in navigating these challenges. People become jaded very fast in this industry and then some even quit because of it.
To prevent yourself from ever becoming "Jaded" Have strong passion reminder, and reflect on successes. It is crucial diversify your projects and relations.
3 people like this
Sound advice Mario. And sorry to hear you yourself have lost 5k. The reason why so many people have trouble securing financing is most do not know what they'll do with the finished film or have unrealistic expectations when making a movie. Plus, most money you get for an indie film (if you're lucky) are personal relationships. Even then, when I make films, I try to avoid asking for money, or if I do, I'll make a film for a little as possible so there is a chance of getting something out of it.
3 people like this
You actually said it, you need to have all your ducks in order and as mentioned here, you need to do it yourself. Your package must be attractive and enticing for people to want to back you and invest in your project. Perseverance. Always.
2 people like this
I can echo what Jack says, it's good advice. To attract funding first you want to be in a position to show you have all your puzzle pieces and strategy planned out. You'll be better positioned to bring a strong Producer on board. Keep learning and keep going!