Funding can be one of the great mysteries of filmmaking.
It’s a question I get alllllll the time, so I’m going to share a little bit here. In case you’re one of the many people wondering how we get things done.
First of all, what I’m sharing is not the end-all, be-all. It’s what I’ve learned based on my own years of experience. I’m still an emerging filmmaker with plenty to learn, mk? You should always do additional research so you have an understanding of how things work.
Types of Funding
Funding for films usually comes in many different shapes and sizes.
Five of the funding streams I most commonly talk about are:
- Self-funding
- Crowdfunding
- In-kind contributions
- Investments
- Grants
So far I’ve dabbled in all five of these methods. The three that have worked the best for me self-funding, crowdfunding, and in-kind contributions. All three of those are incredibly tricky. I’m doing everything I can to better understand investments and grants.
We went in-depth on some of these, including the risks associated with each, earlier this year with TriFilm Society members. We followed up with a mini-course available to members as well.
If you’re a filmmaker seeking support with funding, use the comments below to ask specific questions. Check out upcoming events hosted by my organization, the TriFilm Society, too. I’m always looking for ways to share helpful, encouraging things with my fellow filmmakers.
Milk Duds. Impoundment #85486. Photo by Shannon Johnstone. landfilldogs.com
Funding Good Thing
Right now, I’m in the midst of gearing up to raise support for my new film Good Thing.
We released the trailer earlier this week. Read and watch here if you missed it.
To finish the film, there will be quite a few burdens to bear financially, and I want to be well prepared for them. We’ve got production, post-production, and distribution costs before we can share the film with the public. (Those are broad subjects, each with a hefty line item under it.)
I’m in the middle budgeting for these things. The budget is based on previous experience, and therefore I’m thinking about how to pay for every little thing all the time. I’m also applying for fiscal sponsorship, grants, and detailing plans for a crowdfunding campaign in 2017.
But I don’t want to stop anyone from contributing to the film today, especially if you’re eager to do so.
Contributing to Good Thing
If you want to support the making of Good Thing, I’ve made it really easy to contribute online now: paypal.me/camdenwatts.
You can enter the amount you want to contribute, whether it’s $1.00 or $500. Every dollar you contribute via PayPal now will go directly to Latta Films (my production company), for the making of Good Thing.
As a thank you, I’ll be sure to include your name in the end credits.
But I’m also looking for ways to create VIP experiences for contributors, investors, and crowdfunding campaign backers. We tested a few things with Brewconomy that worked, but I’m always seeking ideas. If you’ve got a notion, use the comments below to tell me what would make you eager to contribute. I’m all ears!