Hi all,
I’m a Brighton-based producer currently in production on an independent British action-comedy feature film. The project is very hands-on and craft-driven, with an emphasis on practical stunts, physical comedy, and small, efficient crews.
The film is partially financed and shooting is underway. We’re using a modest crowdfunder as audience validation and to help close the final gap, while also exploring finishing funds and international co-production options.
I’d really value hearing from other producers who’ve:
• used crowdfunding alongside private or institutional finance
• closed small finishing gaps late in production
• navigated post-production funding or co-production partnerships
I’m not looking for blind investment or quick fixes, more interested in lessons learned, realistic routes, and what’s actually worked at this scale.
Happy to share more context if useful, and always open to trading notes with others in a similar position.
Thanks.
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Hello Ryan, I’ve seen a few indie features use crowdfunding mainly as proof of audience interest rather than real budget coverage, especially when approaching finishing funds. It seems to work best when the campaign is framed around a specific deliverable rather than the whole film. Curious how you’re positioning yours.
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I can't help, but hello from Kent!!
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Hi, Ryan Liffen. Stage 32 has Financing Blogs I suggest reading. www.stage32.com/blog/tags/financing-85
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Hi Ibukunoluwa Akinsika!
That's a real great point! I think we are currently in a bit of an unknown area with how we are positioning ours, I have a few ideas, but we really likely need to look at some decent examples to gain more credibility and traction. I think we need to have a look at the script and write some new scenes in to reach that?
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Hi Emilia-Maria, we must speak! Would be interested to hear what you do!
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Hi Maurice Vaughan, thank you for the welcome and links, I'll be sure to check them out!
You're welcome, Ryan Liffen. Congratulations on your film being partially financed! Hope you get the rest of the funds!
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Ryan Liffen hey, will send a message :)
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Ryan Liffen
That makes sense. I’ve seen campaigns gain traction when the crowdfunder is tied to a very specific on-screen moment or sequence rather than the whole film. Sometimes that means designing something contained that can live on its own and demonstrate tone and craft without rewriting large sections of the script. Curious what kind of scenes you’re considering.
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@ryanliffen It seems you are well positioned for post production finishing funds. Start talking asap to post production houses about potential equity + services investments, services as equity investment, etc. Very often they are amenable to helping productions get over the line and to put their services to work in the process.