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Financing / Crowdfunding

From all facets of a traditional raise to soft money to crowdfunding strategies, this is the place to discuss, share content and offer tips and advice regarding raising funds for a project.

November Community Open House 2025

Liked by Pat Savage

Jason Matthewson
Maurice Vaughan

Hi, Jason Matthewson. The text of your post didn't show up. You can edit your post by clicking the downward arrow to the right of your name, selecting "Edit Post," and reposting the text....

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Jack Binder
$1.3 Trillion Projected to Flow Into Media, Entertainment, Tech Industry in Next 4 Years

As Hollywood and media seek new business models able to capitalize on unprecedented changing consumer habits, the question always ends up: Where will the growth come from?

A report from Activate Consulting offers some answers through new forecasts that includes a projection that as much as $1.3 trill...

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$1.3 Trillion Projected to Flow Into Media, Entertainment, Tech Industry in Next 4 Years
$1.3 Trillion Projected to Flow Into Media, Entertainment, Tech Industry in Next 4 Years
https://www.thewrap.com/media-entertainment-tech-industry-financial-trends-michael-wolf/
As Hollywood and media seek new business models, the question always ends up: Where will the growth come from?
Sean Patrick Burke
I’ve been thinking a lot lat…

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about all the different paths indie filmmakers take to get a movie financed. There’s no single blueprint — everyone hustles their own way — but here are some of the lanes I see used most often:

Sean Patrick Burke

Personally, for me, I have only used private equity for the films I have produced. BUT incentives/rebates are always a big part of the financing plan to help mitigate risk. I have several features com...

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Maurice Vaughan

Thanks for the info, Sean Patrick Burke. Are there any special documents or pitch material indie filmmakers need when going the Pre-sale model + heavy international co-pro deals route?...

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Sean Patrick Burke

Maurice Vaughan, always need that stellar script, but also a solid look book is handy. I usually make two iterations of a lookbook. One for creatives, agents, and actors/actresses; and the other is mo...

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Maurice Vaughan

Thanks for the detailed answer, Sean Patrick Burke! I'm sure your post and answer will help indie filmmakers and others!

Sydney S
Stage 32 5-Part Finance Lab: How To Find Investors & Raise Money For Your Feature Film

In this private Stage 32 five-session lab, you'll discover everything you need to find, pitch, and secure quality investments from someone who has raised over $15 million in financing for her own projects.

Your educator, Sara Elizabeth Timmins, was on the producing team of the Emmy-nominated docuser...

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Sydney S

Reminder the lab starts today! Excited to kick off another wonderful lab with Sara Elizabeth :)

Sara Elizabeth Timmins

Sheri Barbera That is so kind thank you! I love your commitment to learning and nurturing your craft and am always here to support!

Chidera Emmanuel

I have been looking for investors and also Loan how can I get there

Sydney S

Hi, Chidera! Let's get you in the lab :) Email me at edu@stage32.com

Phil Savage

Sara Elizabeth Timmins Please see message.

Geoff Hall
Raindance Rant: Culture Washing — When Art Becomes a Cover-Up

Elliot Grove is the man in charge of the Raindance Festival. He is never concerned about hitting ‘raw nerves’ and this article may hit a few more!

He’s also great at the one-liners:

“If th...

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Raindance Rant: Culture Washing - When Art Becomes a Cover-Up
Raindance Rant: Culture Washing - When Art Becomes a Cover-Up
https://elliotgrove.substack.com/p/raindance-rant-culture-washing-when
"Every age has its hypocrisies. Ours just happen to come with red carpets."
Chidera Emmanuel

Pls can u connect me to any lenders or Loan private

Geoff Hall

Chidera Emmanuel in a word, no. That’s not the way the industry works, Chidera. Cultivate relationships before asking something of a person.

Maurice Vaughan

Thanks for sharing the article, Geoff Hall. I think this is my first time hearing of culture washing.

"We live in an era when every brand wants to be seen as creative, inclusive, and purpose-driven. Th...

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Geoff Hall

Maurice Vaughan me too, Maurice. I'd never heard of culture washing before this.

Although, I have to say, many of my favourite art exhibition spaces used sponsorship from dubious sources. In my day, w...

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Michael Fitzer
Why Won't They Fund Me?

I'm willing to bet almost every filmmaker reading this post has asked that question of themselves at one time or another. You have a great script, you have the passion, the drive, most of you even have experience making other films, but you still can't seem to break through.

The problem likely isn't...

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Maurice Vaughan

"Instead, it's that there is no specific plan in place to make sure your film gets sold and seen." That was one of the problems I had when I tried to make two features, Michael Fitzer. I think a busin...

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Meriem Bouziani

I’m not a filmmaker — I’m a sci-fi author, and right now I’m trying to develop my first script.

But I always have the same question:

Since this industry is so competitive, why would a producer or exec...

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Wyman Brent
Scam Alert on Stage 32 – Please Read Carefully

#ScamWarning #Stage32Safety #CreativeCommunity #Brentango

Friends, I want to share a warning that could help someone avoid being taken advantage of.

Today, I received a connection request from a “member” with no photo and a long list of random skills — 15 in total. I always thank anyone who connects...

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Maurice Vaughan

Thanks for warning the community, Wyman Brent. If anyone sees a fake account, scam account, or suspicious account on Stage 32, email support@stage32.com with the person’s name and their Stage 32 profi...

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Wyman Brent

Maurice Vaughan, you are very welcome. Yes, I also reported it by email. Just that I want to warn the good people on Stage 32. Maybe the scams are not so obvious to everyone. I know all about wishful...

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Maurice Vaughan

Great, Wyman Brent. Thanks for reporting it to Stage 32.

Meriem Bouziani

I also received a message that seemed too perfect to be true.

I contacted the support team, and they deleted the account after discovering that the person was using the name of a well-known producer....

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James Lagrimas
How to Develop and Package a $10-$40M Film with Pre Sales In Today’s Market with Joe Smith

Many filmmakers dive into presales without the right foundation. Maybe you’ve built a deck that doesn’t resonate with financiers. Maybe you’ve attached dream talent that isn’t realistic—or you’re unsure how to approach an LOI or pay-or-play deal. You might have a great script but no understanding of...

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Chidera Emmanuel

I have been looking for investor I don't know how to go about it

Time Kumar
Seeking Mentorship & Funding Support for My Feature Script

Hi everyone,

I’m a teacher and screenwriter from Pakistan developing a feature film titled “From Dust to Dream” — the story of an Afghan girl who finds peace through Sufi poetry after war trauma.

I’m seeking guidance, mentorship, or financial collaboration to develop and produce this story.

If any prod...

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Maurice Vaughan

Hi, Time Kumar. Welcome to the community. Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you navigate the platform and connect with creatives and industry professionals all over the world. www.stage32.com/blog/how-...

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Ilanna Mandel

Hi there! Perhaps consider posting the script. Writers like myself love to read other peoples' work. Good luck with this.

Leah McBean-Willis
Some advice of Crowdfunding (like Kickstarter)

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are all doing well

I have a question:

Has anyone here run a Kickstarter campaign? I’d love to hear how you handled scammers or red flags professionally.

Thank you for your time and have a blessed day

Maurice Vaughan

Hi, Leah McBean-Willis. Hope you're doing well too. I haven't done a Kickstarter campaign, but here's a post that might help: www.stage32.com/lounge/fundraising/Would-love-advice-for-crowdfunding-ca.....

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Ilanna Mandel

I have never done one myself but I understand they give you support. Good luck!

Sabin Tehodor Gabriel Dicu
New Project

Hi everybody,

Hope I'all doing well.

I’m Sabin, a 24-year-old writer from Romania, driven purely by passion for storytelling. I’ve recently finished a script that I truly believe in — it’s a project that means a lot to me, and I’d love to hear your honest thoughts about it.

I’m also looking for someo...

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Sabin Tehodor Gabriel Dicu

Thanks a lot!

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Sabin Tehodor Gabriel Dicu.

Phuc Quang Vu Dao

Welcome, Sabin! Congrats on finishing your script. Keep refining your work and reaching out—the community here is incredibly supportive!

Jack Binder

Congratulations on completing your screenplay Sabin Tehodor Gabriel Dicu !! Bravo!!

Ilanna Mandel

Congratulations Sabin! That is a great achievement. And yes, this community is very supportive. Good luck with your project. If and when you post it, I'd love to give it a read.

Jack Binder
Box Office Leaders 11/2/25

U.S. box office top films November 2, 2025

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