Financing / Crowdfunding : How do I Get Funding? by Ta Neil Adams

Check out this site. http://www.filmfinanceguide.com/

I understand how you feel, I did the same thing and got the same results. It happens to thousands of filmmakers that use these sources, you only hear about the lucky ones. The trick to making your short starts with the script. Write a script that is very convenient to shoot, use sets within your area and try to use as few sets as possible. Find another way to tell the story without EFX that will cost money. Find film students, family and friends that want to be a part of your production. Make sure your logistics are tight and try to anticipate every possible problem. (Logistics include; getting crew and equipment to all your locations, feeding & where to feed your crew, bathroom needs, dressing and makeup area, parking, alternate locations if you lose one or if it's outside and it rains, lighting for night shoot, permits, noise problems that can affect the audio.) Ask local businesses for product placement to lower your catering budget. The number one rule when making a short on a short budget is to try to make it on what monies you have in your pocket. It can be done, but it will require a huge amount of planning and foresight. Sometimes the best films are made on a dime, The Blair Witch Project, El mariachi, She's Gotta Have It and I'm sure you can name a few. Look to family and friends first, search your own pockets, sacrifice and save your pennies, nickels and dimes. You can do it. So make that film!

@Ric James. Yes I was just talking to a potential client who wants me to do a music video for him about Gorilla film making. I've always written for budget. I didn't think of doing product placements. I'm an events planner and have access to lots of direct sales vendors. Right now we've filled out the application to shoot a student film for a week at a local park. I have my own equipment consisting of two Sony HDV cams, lighting, and shot gun and TASCAM D4. Anyway, thanks for the support!

Wow, sounds like you're already there. I'm glade you're familiar with gorilla shooting, it's the best way to do low budget filmmaking.

Hi Ta Niel, I recommend watching the June Edition of On Stage with RB - Our CEO RB goes over crowdfunding and how to move and engage your audience. He shares some really good insights. You can watch it here: https://www.stage32.com/media/1192546734148953455

Is it gorilla or guerrilla? Anyway, I think it's pretty difficult to get investors for a short, you should be looking for sponsors instead, not investors. Investors are looking for an investment return and that hardly happens with a short.

Rafael, I'm not sure. The latter refers to a small group of soldiers in warfare. I'm sure this is the proper term being used by film folks. My bad. Thanks for your feedback. You're right. We've ceased going this route and will just be coming out of our own pockets. ;)

I'm pretty sure it's called guerrilla filmmaking instead of Gorilla. It's when you totally improvise without budget and shoot without permits, something like that

Rafael you're right it is spelled guerrilla, but so many spell it Gorilla (including me) it's just accepted either way. If you Google it, it understands what you mean and corrects. But you're right that is the correct spelling. And you're definition is spot on, it's the horror and the thrill of shooting on the edge. You have a small crew, only the equipment you can carry, your actors and a lot of prep and luck. The majority of the time you'll improvise, that's why you'll need to scout all your locations in advance to see what's there, how you'll set up and the available lighting. Because you're shooting without permits, in some cases without permission and totally self contained, the idea is to get in shoot a few takes and get out before you get caught. It's the rush that gets you.

it's good to grow your audience first. I realize it's a little late now, but it's never too late to grow your audience. there are many ways to do that. having an audience helps tremendously when doing crowdfunding or approaching investors.

Thanks Steven for your feedback. I'll check that book out.

Thanks Joe! That's what my partner and I are thinking since we're not known. This short can be used as a promo tool.

I funded all of my shorts the same way Kevin Smith funded his first feature.

Bill, mate, I hope that worked out well for you.

P.S. the Proof of Concept, one-day shoot my company just did for our program was fully funded from my own, incredibly shallow, pocket.