How to Crowdfund a Film: 7 Crowdfunding Best Practices

An independent film is any short or feature-length film produced without the financial backing of a major studio or production company. To make a film, independent filmmakers often use alternative means, like public fundraising, to fund their endeavors. If you want to make your own indie film, here are some tips to help you launch a successful fundraising campaign.

Many indie filmmakers use crowdfunding platforms to raise money for their short films or feature film projects. If you’re interested in launching a crowdfunding campaign for your next film, here are some helpful best practices:

1. 1. Choose your platform. Different crowdfunding platforms serve different purposes. Certain platforms require you to reach your predetermined financial goal post within a specific timeframe to receive funding, while other platforms allow you to keep any donations you raise without meeting a goal. Research the requirements of each crowdfunding site to determine which platform best suits you and your project.
2. 2. Set a reasonable goal. Before launching a crowdfunding campaign, you need to know your film’s budget. Your budget will need to cover pay for your actors, crew, location, and equipment. Consider the minimum amount of funding you will need to complete your film on a shoestring budget. Then also think about the maximum amount of funding your film may require. Use this information to develop a reasonable budget that covers your basic production costs. Once you establish your budget, create an outline of basic expenses you can share on your project page.
3. 3. Determine the length of the campaign. Creating a short-term campaign can be a good way to generate excitement and urgency among potential donors. However, if your campaign’s time frame is too brief, you may not have time to spread the word about your project to a wide net of people. If the campaign lasts too long, your fundraising efforts can potentially lose momentum. Consider your goal, your network, and your project’s needs, then select a reasonable time frame in which your project can reach its funding goal. Once you determine the time frame, brainstorm ideas to generate interest and excitement to potential donors.
4. 4. Create a solid pitch. One of the best ways to foster a successful crowdfunding campaign is by making a short pitch video explaining why people should donate money to your project. Passion, clear communication, and brevity are the keys to creating a pitch video that resonates with donors. Write a short script that outlines who you are, what your film is about, why you’re making it, and why you need financial backing. Keep your pitch under five minutes. Try to connect with your target audience on an emotional level to express the importance of your fundraiser and how the project relates to your journey as a filmmaker.
5. 5. Offer special incentives. If you are launching a campaign on a rewards-based crowdfunding platform, create special incentives that will appeal to potential donors. Some common incentives for indie film campaigns include a digital or physical copy of the movie, tickets to the movie’s premiere, a special acknowledgment in the film’s credits, or merchandise, like props and apparel. These rewards can foster excitement for your project and encourage potential donors to become a part of your campaign.
6. 6. Update your investors. While your pitch video can persuade donors to rally behind your project, it’s essential to provide regular updates detailing your progress. Donors are investing in your work, and it is your responsibility to be transparent about how you will use their money to further your project. Donors will often leave comments or send a private message through the platform; schedule a weekly check-in to answer their questions and acknowledge their participation in your project. Updating your donors on any new developments will reassure them that you value their contributions.
7. 7. Promote. You need to promote your campaign in any way you can. Create accounts across all major social media sites for your campaign and your project. Sending out a bi-weekly or monthly newsletter is a great way to update your network about your campaign. Find strategic ways to promote the link to your campaign and generate excitement for your project, without spamming your network with daily links to your fundraiser.

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