My cunning plan; given that I've never raised funds for a feature film, I'm considering raising enough to hire a core team (producer, 1st Ad, casting director), to create a solid budget, and get cast & crew attached, so I can create a decent investor package, with respectable names behind it.
Good plan? Bad plan? Anyone done this before?
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Go for it. And no I have not tried seed funds but sounds like it could work. My approach is different.
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speak to a tax accountant before you start soliciting $ from strangers. An indie feature from start (script) to finish (distribution) is about 3 years of your Time.
I've tried crowdfunding. It's an awesome experience, although it would have been even better if I actually raised the funds. I wish I asked your question before going for it, but without that failure I wouldn't have been able to share this story with you today. I can write a few words about what happened, but being in a film community I think you'd rather see the short documentary I made about it?
If so, feel free to watch it here: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/605906200password: success
Take care! :)
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I’ve heard that term but is it the same as development money? Usually hard to do from investors as they look at it that you may never get the full funds to complete the film. Easier to do on a crowdfund.
Hi, it's called "development funds" in the industry. Usually those are provided by personal finances and resources, or a first-in executive producer. I have difficulty with the idea that the public will, or even should, get involved in development.
I'll clarify, when I say "raise funds", I mean raise them myself. I wouldn't go to anyone to invest without a budgeted plan. That's what I'm trying to get done, preferably by someone with more experience & better track record than myself
I'm from a different industry where 'seed funds' or 'startup funds' would be the go-to term. My being new to this industry is the reason for the newbie questions. Thanks for the clarifications.
Colette "ByFilms" Byfield Thanks for that. I've checked out the website, looks good!
Kim Gelvin (Gelvin-Wilks, Gelvin-Melville) Can I ask what your approach usually is? I'm interested in learning about all options!