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Getting
Financing for Your Independent Film
Ensuring Distribution and Choosing Scripts
by Christina DeHaven
There are many different ways to fund a film, and not necessarily
out of your own pocket. You have to start by preparing yourself
for an effective fundraising campaign. Arm yourself with a few
basic tools:
1. A strong business proposal, complete with
references and samples of your previous work.
2. A network of friends and colleagues in the
industry to support your cause.
3. The natural ability to lure people to your project
with your confidence and enthusiasm.
Number three is the most important tool to have in your arsenal,
because in a world where thousands of independent films rarely
ever get distribution, you must learn how to be convincing. If
you want to find companies and individuals to invest in your film,
be prepared to be a social butterfly. The common clich� still
applies here as it does throughout our industry: It�s all about
who you know.
Most individuals who can invest do so to be a part of the fascinating
process of filmmaking. The prospect of owning a piece of a motion
picture is still sexy and alluring to many who have the capital
for it. It goes without saying that a good script is very important
to an investor, as well as their confidence in the director�s
storytelling ability.
One of the biggest �pros� about this fundraising model is that
a private investment portfolio typically allows the filmmaker
to retain full creative control over the picture. Investors sign
on the dotted line knowing that they will have little to no say
in the outcome of the finished piece. This is good news for you,
but again keep in mind that there is a lot of trust that goes
into such a deal�trust that you will stand and deliver a great
film.
While there is, of course, hope of getting a return on their investment,
all of those involved should be well aware of the fact that investing
in a film is extremely risky. Since we the filmmakers are in no
position to guarantee the profitablility of the film, no matter
how good the story is, we have to make sure this is clearly stated
on the front cover of our business proposal (and in the kind of
font that does not require glasses to read). We, as filmmakers,
would love to strike gold at the box office, but this is not our
first priority. Our goal is to make the best film possible, and
to give that film the best future possible�making the most out
of a strong run through the festival circuit, followed by a solid
distribution deal. That is the goal.
Despite the risk, there are plenty of investors out there with
an instinct for great stories and will share in your enthusiasm
for your project. If you are successful at financing your film
this way, you are one of the lucky few�and don�t take it for granted!
With this success comes great responsibility�to look out for your
investors� best interests as well as your own.
Another way that indie filmmakers find funding is through partnership
with an established production company. Just like there are private
individuals out there looking to invest, so are companies seeking
to build their success on an ever-growing slate of projects. It
should work both ways: hopefully you get a significantly large
amount of funding and production support, and they get another
great film to add to the company reel. But as in most cases where
we are using other people�s money to get it done, there will be
certain limitations. Depending upon the production company, you
may have to relinquish a large amount of creative control over
the outcome of the film. It�s their money so why wouldn�t they
have the right to control it? Everything from script rewrites
to casting choices, to direction and final cut. These days there
are so many companies out there that have built their success
on the talent of independent filmmakers. But where big money is
involved there are bound to be considerable limitations put upon
the filmmaker. Before you enter into this type of deal, you need
to consider how much control you are willing to sacrifice in order
to fund your film.
Small amounts of funding are also available through the non-profit
route, like grants and fiscal sponsorship through a nonprofit
organization. The amount of funding obtained through these methods
are often smaller and don�t involve investors so much as donors.
People and entities donate to your film, and do so for the cause,
not for the profit potential. Becoming a member of a non-profit
organization is a great way to network with other filmmakers and
gather information on applicable grants, and other fundraising
options for your project.
And another great research tool is to simply watch independent
films�stay for the end credits and see who some of their biggest
supporters are. Most of them will be given proper screen credit,
or listed in the �special thanks� section.
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