Financing / Crowdfunding : Fundraising PLUS a Continuing Revenue Stream for Actors? by Mike Fass

Just want to get an idea of what you think about this. I've just recently mounted a fundraiser to cover the advance legal expenses necessary to launch pre-production of a brand new action adventure series and to clear the way for the transfer of funds from the sponsors. The fundraiser takes the form of a series of live readings I'll be doing of an original story I've written (no relation to the show being funded). The only potential obstacles into which I've run have been: a) I'd still need a sponsor to cover the rental costs of any venue presenting it and b) There's always the risk of only breaking even on a bad weather day or perhaps even losing money under such conditions. So I came up with the idea of networking to find small venues willing to donate their spaces to us in return for a 50% cut of anything the readings pull in nightly until we've reached our goal. No advance rental fees and, worst case scenario, no money is made but, at least, no money is lost. Best case scenario, everybody comes out ahead. This is the probability. This made me think; for actors and writers who read well live, this could also become a more steady stream of revenue to get us through those periods when we're "between series" and still being sent out by our agents for piecemeal freelance work and guest appearances on other production companies' shows. I'm seriously considering this as a fill-in gig until the first of my new series launches. It could be a viable means of somewhat steadier work for many of you as well. Would love to get your feedback on this. Thanks, gang.