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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.

SE Nov 2025 Lab
Don't Miss October's Community Open House- Free Webcast Event for All Members!

Don't Miss October's Community Open House- Free Webcast Event for All Members!

Wednesday, October 29th at 12:00 pm PT!

Every success story begins with a first step.

If you’re ready to take yours, join me, Ashley Smith, Head of Community at Stage 32, for our October Community Open House Webcast happening Wednesday, October 29th at 12:00 pm PT!

Free Registration: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-october-community-open-house-webcast

Whether you’re chasing representation, looking for collaborators, or simply tired of creating in isolation, this live event is your chance to show up, be seen, and start making real progress.

This isn’t just an overview — it’s your creative launchpad. You’ll walk away with practical tools, new connections, and a clear path forward, no matter your background or where you are in your career.

You’ll Learn How To:

  • Navigate Stage 32 like a pro and make the platform work for your goals
  • Build authentic connections through the Stage 32 Lounges
  • Access Education, Certification, and Script Services tailored to your next big move
  • Show up in ways that get you noticed by the right people at the right time
  • Participate in real-time Q&A and get guidance specific to your path

Whether you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, actor, producer, composer, editor, or wear multiple creative hats — this is where your Stage 32 journey truly begins.

If you can’t attend live, don’t worry — registering ensures you’ll receive the full recording to watch anytime from anywhere.

Who’s planning to join me live for the Open House?


Liked by Douglass Robertson Jr. and 8 others

Oana Sarban
Everyone loves talking about scripts and casting… but what about the finance headaches?

When you’re putting a project together — film, TV, or even commercials — what’s the finance bit that gives you the most grief?

I’ve made a super quick (2–3 minute) anonymous survey to get a sense of what people are actually struggling with when it comes to building finance plans, sorting cashflow, i...

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Maurice Vaughan

Hi, Oana Sarban. I tried to make two feature films way back, and the finance bit that gave me the most grief was trying to find investors.

Oana Sarban

And judging by the answer, you didn't manage to find investors and therefore the feature films were not made in the end. Was that because you couldn't find interested people or you found some but they had other reasons why they didn't invest?

Maurice Vaughan

I couldn't find investors, Oana Sarban. That was one of the reasons the films didn't get made.

G.R. Barnett

I am currently running into the headache of not being able to find investors and crowdfunding is a joke. No one contributes. End of story.

Liked by Maurice Vaughan

Jack Binder
Innovative Suggestion to Counter Runaway Production: 'An Alternative To Film Tariffs'

Interesting proposal by our colleague Schulyer (Sky) Moore at Greenberg Glusker, an industry leading entertainment attorney and law firm. Always insightful information on film finance, film tax credits, distribution and the entertainment industry at large.

An Alternative To Film Tariffs

https://www.f...

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Liked by Maurice Vaughan

Michael Fitzer
The Waterfall

This is technically a distribution post, but it is essential information for anyone putting together a project and talking to investors about potential returns.

The term "Waterfall" sound so nice. It's pretty, and tranquil, unless you're at the bottom, getting pelted with rocks and sticks, and an unf...

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Jem Costa
Looking for the best platforms for film crowdfunding

Hey everyone — I’m exploring crowdfunding options for two films (Metal and Aquarium) and want to connect with people who’ve had good experiences.

We've already raised a small amount $340,000 and are halfway into production and now raising the second half.

Who do you like or recommend for film-focused...

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Maurice Vaughan

Congratulations to you and your team on raising $340,000, Jem Costa! That's incredible! Hope you all raise the rest!

Douglas Esper

small amount?!? I’m exploring ways to drum up a tenth of that for my feature ;) congrats and good luck.

Rich Terdoslavich
The Visuals

Film directors and producers contact me either by referral or seeing my work online and hiring me as a storyboard/concept artist. Storyboards/concept art for preproduction on a film shoot but also to raise money to fund their film project. Give the investors visual examples of what the film will loo...

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Ugo Cavallo

Amazing :)

Maxim Iodice
Seeking Tips and Help for Indie Film Fundraising and Financing

Hi Stage32 community,

I am an independent producer working on my indie film project and I am actively seeking financing and fundraising opportunities. I am exploring different options including crowdfunding, equity investment, grants, and direct investor outreach but I would love to hear from others...

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Maurice Vaughan

Hi, Maxim Iodice, Stage 32 has Financing Blogs (www.stage32.com/blog/tags/financing-85) and Financing Education (www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Financing) I suggest checking out.

Stage 32 has a...

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Jack Binder

Hi Maxim, Congratulations on working on your indie film project. I've found the key to film financing is professionalism in all manners. This includes a professional film budget, top notch film financ...

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Ashley Renee Smith

Maxim Iodice There’s currently an Ask Me Anything event happening in the Stage 32 Filmmaking Lounge, where director Kirstin Karlhuber is answering members questions about indie filmmaking. This may be...

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Michael Fitzer
It's Not Me... It's You!

You know the money is out there, but you just can't seem to talk the people holding it into investing in your grand opus. So, what's the trick? How do you get the elusive blank check?

Here's a tip... Find out their interests. I mean, if your goal is to build that credit list, you may want to set asi...

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Ashley Renee Smith

Michael Fitzer There’s currently an Ask Me Anything event happening in the Stage 32 Filmmaking Lounge, where director Kirstin Karlhuber is answering members questions about indie filmmaking. This may...

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Kevin Osewe
Building a Local Film Production Team - Seeking Advice and Partnerships

Hello Stage 32 family,

My name is Kevin Osewe, an aspiring filmmaker from Kenya with a deep passion for storytelling and community-based film production.

Over time, I’ve developed several high-concept film projects, but finding the right partners or funding has been challenging. Rather than letting...

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Maurice Vaughan

Hi, Kevin Osewe. Stage 32 has Financing Blogs (www.stage32.com/blog/tags/financing-85) and Financing Education (www.stage32.com/education/search?term=Financing) I suggest checking out....

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Ashley Renee Smith

Kevin Osewe There’s currently an Ask Me Anything event happening in the Stage 32 Filmmaking Lounge, where director Kirstin Karlhuber is answering members questions about indie filmmaking. This may be...

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Scott Morse
Proof of Concept Financing

Hey!

I have two Proof of Concept shorts that I am seeking finance for. Has anyone had success in this area? Neither have special effects nor numerous locations, and the cast is small. I can work by-coastal (Cali and Mass). Looking to be pointed in the right direction.

TIA

Jack Binder

Scott Morse Congrats on getting your proof of concepts in hand. Are they for a short film or a feature? I've found these helpful for both and there are numerous industry success stories on features be...

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Ashley Renee Smith

There’s currently an Ask Me Anything event happening in the Stage 32 Filmmaking Lounge, where director Kirstin Karlhuber is answering members questions about indie filmmaking. This may be a great topi...

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Sydney S
Stage 32 4 Part Film Finance Class: Your Step by Step Guide to International Co-Productions

Because of better technology and instantaneous global communication, filmmaking has become more international than ever. Many modern films rely on production companies from different countries to collaborate, whether to take advantage of favorable tax credits or because the story requires shooting a...

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Max Murphy

Hi everyone, excited to begin the class with you all this afternoon! Please feel free to reach out to myself or Peter if you have any questions, and it would be helpful to have a completed questionnaire so we can best tailor this experience to your individual needs.

Sydney S

Thanks so much, Max! Excited for the rest of the class and really appreciate you and Peter helping us make this class tailored and impactful!!

James Lagrimas
Where to Find Equity Financing for your Film

If you’ve ever tried to raise money for your film, you know that finding financing can feel like navigating a maze — and it’s one of the most crucial steps in getting your project made. You might have the perfect script, the ideal team, and a clear creative vision, but without the right financial ba...

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Jack Binder
Insightful Tips on Film Finance

Spot on tips for film finance by my colleague Elliott Grove at Raindance (I've had two films at Raindance Independent Film Festival). Most importantly, further to an outstanding story and an impeccable screenplay, investors fund people and teams whom they have confidence in to deliver. Film is a bus...

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Jack Binder

https://raindance.org/festival/

Maurice Vaughan

Fantastic tips, Jack Binder! I bookmarked your post so I can share it with members who are looking for funding. Thanks.

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