Financing / Crowdfunding : Help with funding a movie by David Millett

Kickstarter.

I was looking for contacts with more traditional film funding.

It seems the answer to that question is always Kickstarter. Crowdfunding is not always the answer and I think way too many people put too much faith into it. What ever happened to raising money by finding investors the old fashioned way like indie filmmakers used to do before crowdfunding came along? Ever hear of Sam Raimi and his movie "Evil Dead"? He raised the money from local business people and medical professionals. Or Tobe Hooper, who shot "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" for a measly $60,000 with money raised through a friend? How about "Clerks", which was financed through credit cards for $27,000? You have just as much of a chance (if not a better) finding an investor as you would trying to hit your funding goal on Kickstarter. I've funded most of my own projects using my own money and couple of them were co-produced with other friends or investors with budgets ranging from $100 to $60,000. The best way to ensure that your project is fundable is to write around what you're able to get your hands on and what you can afford to shoot.

Yes.... luck. I never said it couldn't be done. But almost every filmmaker I talk to about film financing, Kickstarter and crowdfunding is the first thing out of their mouths, even if they've never had any experience funding anything using it. Some I've talked to are so bitter about putting together several failed campaigns that I have to tell them that if they put just as much effort into putting together pitches and business plans and seeking out local investors as they did coming up with all these incentives and rewards and then pushing and marketing the campaign, they may have found their money by now. The problem is that investors want their money back and most people go to crowdfunding because it's essentially free money... and they will sit in limbo for years trying over and over to get their movies funded that way. The other problem is that Hollywood celebs like to use their own fame to raise millions through crowdfunding and I think it's BS. It takes away the attention from the small guys who are trying to realize their dreams. I have several friends who will only help crowdfund projects that feature celebs and it p*sses me off.

I funded my 1st movie with Traditional backers- VISA, MASTERCARD.

If you want to go a different route than crowd funding or maxing out your credit cards there is a book that I am using called "BANKROLL" by Tom Malloy-- How to finance your independent film. I got it at the NYU Book store across from the Film School. I find it quite complete. BTW- Indiegogo Film has no upfront charges like Kickstarter and they have a flexible funding option if you don't meet your stated goal. And they take a flat 9% at the back end which they deposit directly into your account at the end of your campaign. John Trigonis is the film strategist there if you want reach out to him.

If you are looking for an indie film finance consultant, I can try to make an introduction for you. Apologies if I've misunderstood your question.

Regina- Me too, I could use the name of a film finance consultant for my (2) comedies and (1) documentary. Sorry if I jumped in on David Millet's thread I hope it was not a faux-pas.

Hi Steven, I fear my film finance friends would not be a great fit for your needs as a first-time director. I don't want you to waste your money for advice that doesn't fit your needs well. The reason is that typically, finance strategy includes partnering with a non-first time director whose track record helps to draw in financing.

I have experience.

Hi David! Your question is rather broad. Can you dial it in a bit? What exactly are you wanting to know?

The answers in this thread confirm what I already knew to be true. I asked the question to see if I was missing something, but it seems my understanding is confirmed.