I realize this is a simple question - but still, I don’t know the answer. I’ve been told that a good route to obtaining funding for my horror film. She Lives Again, is to just all businesses up and just talk. I’ll do whatever it takes - have already - but does anyone have any good ideas/experience to share about this way of raising money?
Thanks.
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Hey there Lauran Childs . I mean, I've heard this too, it's basically the original form of crowdfunding, except focusing on businesses. The main thing you want to probably offer is ad placement at the end credits of the film. If they want text only, that's one bracket. Logos? Then they pay more. At the end of the day, as long as the film gets funded, no one's gonna care what the end credits look like. (Except those who funded it.)
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Thanks John! Sorry I only just saw your post. Still working on it. No go so far. Onward and upward.
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My advice is to have a business plan that you can give potential investors, whether they be businesses or individuals. Once you get talking to them, you'll need something to give them - a takeaway. A good piece to the biz plan are sales projections. Reach out to distributors of the kind of film you're making and try to get that. You want to show investors what kind of sales are possible.
I wouldn't say this is a good or easy way to do it, but then again, nothing is in indie film. In addition to a business plan, a look book is become a major part of pitching indie films.
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Have you shot a ten minute short / concept vid? Actors will work for free for exposure. Shoot it on your phone. Today's phones are the equivalent of 5,000 cameras not even a decade ago and there goes that bill. Show you know what you're doing. The theory is if you can get ten minutes right. You can rinse and repeat. Before you shoot make sure you run the script of ten pages past your writing coach because it's about the writing. Emotion wins. If the writing and acting are strong, you'll win the battle. Hope this helps
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From my experience the easiest way to get something financed is to have a European co-producer.
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You will definitely need a business plan. I will suggest creating a list of possible investors. set a goal of how much you need and plan to shoot that date regardless of how much you raise.
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If you can't personally fund 10 minutes of professionally looking footage to show a potential investor, then what are you showing that demonstrates your capabilities and personal commitment? A business and marketing plans that relies on a ton of if's?
NYU, Columbia, UCLA and "other" film school students fund a short out their own pockets every year. Yes, it can be done.
Promising exposure to those working on your concept footage is a lie unless you are going to give employment contract to them guaranteeing a spot in your feature. Investors don't cast or hire crew. Don't be "that" person.
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Lauran-Are you collecting emails or at least attempting to do so, as well as, your own social media following? I've seen a couple of these where it was like a 2 step process. First one, raise enough for an intro. Second, raise the full amount.
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Thanks ever/ tone above - sorry I’ve only just seen the replies!
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no worries here. how's it goin