I am in the process of making my first feature length film. And I am in great need of funding. I would like to know from my fellow filmmakers, what approach did you guys take to get funding. What is difficult, easy, hectic, etc? What advice would you give a first time filmmaker on how to get funding? I am all ears, people! Thanks.
Financing / Crowdfunding : How to get funding for a first film by Talia Price
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There are hundreds of hours of education we do for free that you can watch here: https://www.stage32.com/webinars/on-stage-with-rb
Funding is always hard to get. My first film was funded by friends and family and then we had a kickstarter to fund the DVD production and distribution. I will be trying to find my next project with kickstarter because it will be released online and won't really be for sale. So investment might not be as intriguing to investors unless I have a great marketing plan or ad revenue stream.
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Will be looking for funding for my first film soon too - putting the cast together right now. Have you seen www.slated.com? Apparently some films get funded from there. Have a feeling you get more attention once you've done your trailer, which I haven't yet. Good luck!
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Talya, there's a free seminar on film fundraising this Thursday night @ 7 pm (Pacific time) FREE CONFERENCE CALL: Raising Money From Investors & Other Funding Options Film Funding Club with Nancy Fulton Thursday, September 10, 2015, 7:00 PM Free Dial In #s 310-626-1864 or 323-452-6900 Limit 200 People. No Pin Required. Call Starts at 7pm. If one number doesn't work, call the other. Los Angeles, CA In addition, have you checked the many Stage32 webinars on this topic? I've used many different ways to raise financing, including investors, banks, and distributors. This list assumes you already have a great Business Plan to start with. 1) First, make sure your script is rock solid, reviewed ahead of time by potential distribs/sales agents. 2) Get at least one "name" actor lined up, even if for only for a minor role, who has clout with distribs and sales agents, both foreign and domestic. Use imdbpro first to check their latest starpower rating. Many will work for as little as $1000 per day if they like the project/script. Offer them a share in the film's profits (2% to 5%) if necessary, overseen by a professional company such as Freeway Entertainment, to get them onboard. Without name actors you CANNOT assure investors of recouping. It's a MUST! 3) Have some "skin in the game", either money of your own or deferred pay until breakeven or something similar. Both investors & distribs feel more confident putting money into your project if you show you're also "on the hook". It also helps if you show other key players on your team are working for minimal pay, such as $100 per day plus small percentages of profits. 4) If you don't have an impressive track record of your own, make sure you have people on your crew who DO have great track records. That impresses investors/distribs. 5) When you have just enough to start shooting, shoot one or two key scenes with "name" players. Then take clips of those scenes and show them to potential investors or distribs or feature them in your crowdfunding campaign. It reassures investors or distribs or crowdfunding donors that your project is high quality, already "on the move", and worth their jumping aboard with the rest of the necessary financing. Hope this helps some and gives you ideas. Erik
You have to make a business plan, approach business people, friends, etc... Anyone who you think it won't hurt them financially to invest in your movie. Give them the business plan and pitch your project. It takes a lot of time and work... Days, weeks, years... But you definitely need a business plan.