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.

Help Us Plan 2026: What Film Financing Education Do You Want to See?

Help Us Plan 2026: What Film Financing Education Do You Want to See?

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Financing your film can feel overwhelming, but learning from experienced producers and industry experts makes it achievable. Our webinars and classes break down the entire process—from budgeting and raising funds to pitching investors and planning distribution—so you can move your project from concept to screen.

We wanted to highlight some of our most popular Film Financing webinars and classes from this year. These programs have guided filmmakers across the globe in securing funding, connecting with investors, and bringing their stories to life.

TOP WEBINARS:

First Money In: How to Raise Development Funds for Your Feature Film >

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/first-money-in-how-to-raise-d...

Learn a step-by-step process from a PGA producer who has made over 25 feature films! You'll receive a Development Agreement Template, a Breakdown of Development Funds Document, and a One-Sheet Template to help you raise funds for your next project!

How to Tap into Donor-Advised Funds to Help Finance Your Film >

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/alternative-fundraising-strat...

Learn how to tap into over $250 Billion in investment funds to help finance your film!

 

You’ll learn key terms like Social Impact Entertainment (SIE), Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), and Private Foundation, and how these entities can actually invest in your project. You’ll also learn how to identify and approach potential funders, and what benefits and limitations they consider.

Maximize Your Film Funding: International Co-Productions 101 >

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/unlock-the-secrets-to-financi...

Learn from a top producer & film financier of high-net-worth individuals from Monaco to Switzerland! And get a comprehensive handout detailing the most common requirements for inter-country tax treaties.

TOP CLASSES:

4-Part Class: Smart Film Finance - Matching Your Film's Budget to Distribution Opportunities >

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/4-part-class-smart-film-finan...

Learn from a top distribution executive who’s released over 2,000 titles and acquired over 1,000 films! And receive exclusive handouts including a sales estimate template, finance plan, and budget sample you can immediately apply to your own film!

Stage 32 4-Part Class: How You Can Build a Film Package for Little to No Budget >

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-4-part-class-how-you...

Learn From A PGA Producer Who Has Made Over 25 Feature Films. And get Investor Development Document Template and Investor One Sheet Template.

 

4-Part Class: Private Equity, Debt, Bridge & Gap Financing >

https://www.stage32.com/education/products/4-part-class-private-equity-d...

Learn from one of the industry’s top financiers specializing in senior lending on film and television projects. And you will receive a Finance Plan Template.

 

Have ideas for what you want to learn next year? We want to hear them!

Tell us which film financing topics would help you most in 2025—your feedback makes a real difference in what we create.

 


Liked by Arthur Charpentier and one other

Ryan Elliott
Looking for feedback from Accredited Investors...not pitching you/them.

"I want to invest in movies, but I don't want to lose all my money." - Every Film investor Ever.

I'm opening a film fund, run like a hedge fund, but instead of investing directly into movies and hoping one hits, we invest fund profits into film projects, so no how the films perform, investors didn'...

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Michael Fitzer
Making Movies Across the Pond

I've often toyed with the thought of making my next drama feature in the UK or the EU. In 2018 my company developed and produced the romantic comedy Under the Eiffel Tower with the cities, towns and vineyards of France as our backdrop, and the experience was enlightening to say the least.

But even i...

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Making Drama Films Has Gone From "Difficult To Very Difficult" (Perspective)
Making Drama Films Has Gone From "Difficult To Very Difficult" (Perspective)
A summary of my thoughts on the Winston Baker Film Finance panel at the Venice Film Festival. In short, things are tricky out there and especially for drama.
Salisu Abdullahi

Hi Michael,

That's a very timely discussion. For my projects, I think the biggest advantage of shooting in the UK/EU isn't just the financial incentives or agreements, but the sheer authenticity and vi...

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Salisu Abdullahi

Hi Michael,

It’s great to connect. Your background is incredibly impressive—the multiple Gold Addy awards and the mix of feature film credits (Under the Eiffel Tower) and international documentary work...

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Maurice Vaughan

I think it's smart to position a project for overseas production if the story won't suffer, Michael Fitzer.

Jack Binder

Good points here. However there seems to be a generalization of all production vs. the seeming intent of the conversation. It is Drama that is difficult and has always been. The talk then embraces all...

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Michael Fitzer

Great comment Jack Binder! What's interesting about producing drama in the UK is that the UK is considered a more literary society. Not "literate," mind you, but literary. As a society, they tend to e...

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Jack Binder
Disney to Increase Content Spending by $1Bn to $24bn in 2026

As Paramount Skydance is set to increase its content spend by $1.bn following its merger, Disney announced a $1bn increase to $24bn.

While much of the increase is dedicated to sports programming, streaming revenues are exploding this year, fueling demand for produced film and television production.

T...

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Disney to Increase Content Spending by $1 Billion Next Year
Disney to Increase Content Spending by $1 Billion Next Year
The company says it expects to spend $24 billion in content in fiscal 2026, an increase from $23 billion in 2025.
Ashley Renee Smith
Preparing for Your 2026 Productions: A Refresher on State Tax Incentives

As you look ahead to your 2026 production slate, one of the most strategic things you can do right now is get familiar with the state tax incentive programs that could make or break your budget.

Film Independent shared a fantastic overview of current film and TV tax incentive opportunities across the...

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A Primer on State Tax Incentive Programs for Film & TV Production - Film Independent
A Primer on State Tax Incentive Programs for Film & TV Production - Film Independent
Leading up to next week's "Make the Most of Your Budget with State Tax Incentives" virtual session with Wrapbook's Ryan Broussard, we thought this would
Jack Binder

Helpful overview of film tax credits & state-specific projects underway. Likewise here's a list of State & International film tax credits. www.filmbudget.com/film-tax-credits-and-film-tax-incentives-e...

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James Lagrimas
Help Us Plan 2026: What Film Financing Education Do You Want to See?

Financing your film can feel overwhelming, but learning from experienced producers and industry experts makes it achievable. Our webinars and classes break down the entire process—from budgeting and raising funds to pitching investors and planning distribution—so you can move your project from conce...

Expand post

Jack Binder
Stage 32’s November Community Open House Webcast Taught by Ashley Smith Head of Community Nov 25th, 12:00 PM PST Free

Every success story begins with a first step.

Whether you’re chasing representation, looking for collaborators, or simply ready to stop creating in isolation, the Stage 32 Community Open House is your moment to show up, be seen, and start making real progress.

This free live event is your invitation t...

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Jack Binder

This free live event is your invitation to finally tap into the power of the world’s largest online platform built by creatives, for creatives.

Maurice Vaughan

I signed up, Jack Binder. I'm looking forward to the Open House!

Dennis Cieri
I am looking for the ending of a letter I am writing about financing a film.

Hi here is the ending of a letter I am writing to send off to investors and sales agents. My wife keeps saying it sounds like I am saying my film is a terrible! I am not sure I agree but I figured I would ask.

"I shot this version over the course of a couple of months to demonstrate what it sounds li...

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Leisah Swenson

How about this:

This version was shot over several months to illustrate its tone and visual style. It’s meant to show its potential, though it’s still a rough cut that needs pickups and polishing.”

Jack Binder

Lose "watchable" not a good look, call it a "work in progress", not not-finished, needs... imho.

Jack Binder
Weekend Box Office Report

Breakdown of weekend cinema box office take and totals for the top films in the market.

Jack Binder

Weekend Box Office Leaders

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!

Landis Stokes

We used Seed & Spark. If you are funding through a platform (Kickstarter), the platform needs financial information from the contributor. (i.e. Credit Card) Don't accept funds outside the platform unl...

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Jack Binder
California Film Tax Credit Application Windows

The California Film & Television Tax Credit Program 4.0 continues to support our state’s strong commitment to getting cast, crew, and productions back to work. Upcoming application windows announced.

Jack Binder

Application Window Dates

Jack Binder

January 2026

Jack Binder

March 2026

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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