Asking and begging for money to get a short film done is really no fun at all. On the contrary, it let me doubt in everything... is it really a good idea, is the story well told, am I good enough, will I ever get this project done etc.
So, I recently got a call from a fellow director in Berlin who was looking for a co-writer, but then told me she just found the right person. But, because she was sorry for the rejection she asked me a lot of questions and gave me great advice like asking for film subsidy. Like every administrative stuff this is an art of itself in my country and I had to read tons of instructions of does and don'ts, but they indeed offer film subsidy in each region here. While reading my eyes became bigger and bigger because the amounts they distribute partly are six figure and higher. No wonder George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino love to direct their films in Germany! Of course they had to play by the rules, but this seems to be a proper way to get a film financed. So, I'm working like hell to be well prepared when calling them (which is btw recommendable before you apply in written form) because of the personal contact etc.
Hence, I wonder how this is organized in other countries around the world. Please let's exchange experiences. So far I learned that you partly have to pay money back only if your film makes proper profit. But I'm still learning and would like to know about your experiences.
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In Scotland, we have a government-financed body called "Creative Scotland" in charge of funding art and film. It is an absolute nightmare and the administration came under scrutiny after they cut out local art in favor of giving money to big productions like Trainspotting2 and Outlander. As far as I know, it's all money given out without returns...If you live in a big city (like Glasgow or Edinburgh) and have connections with film schools you'll have better luck than being an unknown filmmaker from the woods, but even in that case, you have to present your case like if you have a big production behind you, which in some cases, like a short film, you don't always need. Basically, Robert Rodriguez wouldn't have got a penny from them if he stayed in Scotland and applied for "El Mariachi"! City councils give some money away once a year, again you have to present yourself with a local and known production company and it has to be something that presents the local reality, so very limited in terms of projects. I still think your best option, if you want to produce something, is to save some money and do it yourself. Not the fastest or best of options but at least you have the freedom to do what you want and on your own terms. Couldn't see anything filmed on your profile, so just sharing few things I learned while filming few (not great but mine) shorts.If you have a chance, contact University/drama classes for actors, and film school for people to help. There are people out there who need experience like we all do and are willing to help for free. Make sure you have insurance and all permits and your cast/crew is well informed and well fed (plus transportation paid, always). Basically, the day of filming they don't spend a penny. Have a plan for your project. Is it going to festivals? Can you find an independent cinema that will show it for cheap? Invite all crew and cast for a night out to see the result and they'll never forget the experience. This is also filmmaking, not the best but it's a beginning. Good luck! :)
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Here in the USA, there are plenty of grants, fellowships, donors- govt funded and private businesses and individuals.
But you need a track record & referrals. Nobody owes you a movie.
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Martina Cook I already directed 2 times, but not my own stuff and I didn't have to care about the financial part. Hence, your advice is very welcome. Thank you! I'm already looking for acting students in my area so that the transport/travel costs won't be too high. All I found is a lousy local theatre group. Don't know about the insurance stuff yet, thanks for that hint! Have to find an insurance company that covers filmmaking.
The rest is already planned, because you really need a goal for your projects - or at least I do. I'm not running around with my camera to produce something just for Vimeo and YouTube. But, both is very helpful for trailers and marketing for projects.
Dan MaxXx Yes, nobody owes you anything, but this is a doom loop. You need the experience to get financial support and without any support you hardly get proper stuff done that will lead to further financial support. Thanks for your comment and insight.!
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Good luck with your project Elisabeth Meier, it’s tough but rewarding at the end :)
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Dan MaxXx You start off well. Then there's the Scorpion Sting. It's hard enough for most pouring their hearts out in this forum. Try to be a little kind.
I have no experience with short film as I have always aimed at feature DOCs because I know they sell... Netflix I buying and so are others or you can sell on VOD. short films... not sure... but I live and work in Barcelona and there is no money here for films... got to self finance...
Patricia Poulos no problem. How about this idea? It says in your bio you are run/own a steel manufacturing company. Can’t you shuffle $ from your company and fund your own movies? Use creative bookkeeping and deduct movie as a company business expense.
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I'm not looking for movie funding but thank you for the suggestion.
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Sorry Dan MaxXx, even in this you leave a sting. You must be a very unhappy man. My bio reads a lot of things but you managed to get out of it that which you could use. What a pity.
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Patricia Poulos Im a happy camper. I stopped making excuses & removed a desperation coat. Everything you need to make movies is in your powers.
Dan MaxXx, thank you. I believe in God so everything I need is brought within my power. Thank you. God Bless
Sorry Elizabeth, didn't mean to take over your blog.
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Patricia Poulos No, you didn't mean it - of course not - but nevertheless you did it and that for no reason, because I was fine with what Dan MaxXx replied to my question. So, Patricia Poulos it would be really great if you could handle your private stuff directly and not via other people's lounge posts. Thank you very much!
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Elizabeth Meier, I didn't make it personal but thank you.
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It is difficult, but i just posted the two biggest websites for Europe and The Netherlands - https://www.filmfonds.nl/page/6372/home-englishhttps://www.filmfonds.nl/... and https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/funding-grants_enhttps://europ...
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Raymond Zachariasse Thanks for your input, but both links say the page doesn't exist. :)
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Hola, Elisabeth, is there any chance a kickstarter project could work for you? We've been looking into it from a book publishing stance, and notice producers have made highly successful fund raising campaigns.... Though, yes, the cringeworthy asking and begging can be stressful, but there are many people out there who would love the opportunity to follow your project. All the best Andi x
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Hallo Andi, of course I know Kickstarter, Indiegogo and some other crowdfunding sites, but when searching for possibilities I figured out that there are official fundings from the government as well - no matter how small your project might be. So at least in my country. I always thought only those projects with big names would get this support, but it's far from that. Students from film universities learn this early, I had to learn it this way. Hence, I thought this might also be true for other countries and an interesting discussion for all of us. If you read the text of my original post I was just asking exchanging that. Thank you.
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Quite right, Elisabeth, it also turns out to be a really good exercise... I, for one, have learnt a few interesting facts reading through your discussion. It's almost weekend so have a good one. Best wishes Andi
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https://www.filmfonds.nl/page/6372/home-english and https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/funding-grants_en Have to look closer and see the urls were doubled. Germany does have loads of official funding I worked on a project in Munchen and it was fully financed by a Govt. arts program. Europe and Canada have pretty good finance support for film and TV projects. I get support from tourism for my travel series!
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Indeed they were doubled. I have no idea why, but these are the links https://www.filmfonds.nl/page/6372/home-english and https://europa.eu/european-union/about-eu/funding-grants_en
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Pat, here in the Netherlands it is nightmare to get finance unless you are a student or made a few feautures before. So we are solely tied to crowdfunding or company sponsoring. In fact I am looking for finance myself. 10.000 for a short, so we will try crowdfunding. I hope it wlll work.
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Pat I am interested on how you get funding for a travel show from tourism? I am a resident of the EU and I am showing a Old World Wine Doc + a travel show in Europe... any advice?
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Pat Savage, thank you.
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Michael Connolly if you are showing off an area of a country approach the local, regional and national tourist offices for their involvement and support. Most have money piled up each year for film and television producers.
Michael Connolly I'm already searching the right companies after you said you could need my support. But what I need is your script or outline and the locations for being able to explain what exactly is the film about and which region in Germany is involved in which way. These wine producers always are connected and interested in extra marketing. Hence, the possibilities to get money are endless, but I need more details. The contact should look professional. Then, I of course need to know how much money you need after you already got some support from your country.
So guys, I startet a crowdfunding campaign at Indiegogo because the next deadlines to apply for subsidy in my country are in 2019. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/short-film-when-a-man-tries-to-buy-a-...