Funding a film that faces Suicide

[colebennett]

My brother, who is an audio engineer, and myself, a photographer with some film experience, are looking to make a short film.

I've got a script that I think has potential to make a pretty strong short - maybe 15 minutes. It was written in a way that leaves a lot of space to adapt it and get creative with cinematography and sound design. Perfect for our first short film.

The general theme is a young man who is struggling with suicidal thoughts (the viewer doesn't know this - but it's clear he's burdened), and he connects with an old friend who is now married and living a relatively successful and happy life.

Towards the end of the story, the young man attempts to kill himself. He's interrupted by a few text messages from his friend, "It was good seeing you." and "I love you man."

He struggles to stop the act of killing himself - and succeeds at stopping.

The outline doesn't sound like a very deep film - but the script is really well written, and I think it's got a lot of potential to be a strong film.

The Bottom Line:

I'm generally of the mindset that creative projects like this can be funded by the people creating them. But I'm not currently in a place to fund a production. I've got a long list of gear I'd like to purchase, and of course I've got bills.

Are there specific investors who fund films like this? How would I go about seeking them?

I've had people suggest that Suicide prevention organizations may have use for a film like this - but I don't think of organizations like that having funding for films.

Any suggestions?

If it's relevant, I'm in Ontario Canada.

[Chris Adler]

I can think of at least 3 shorts I've seen online that were that exact story told that way. That means you need to find a way to tell it that stands out and has maybe a new take on the subject.

[Chris Adler]

Finding funding for a short film is always difficult. There are sites like Inidiegogo and Kickstarter but you have to put in a ton of work and really have something that people believe they want to see to find success there.

Finding private investors is even harder since there is really no way you'll be able to pay them back anything. Shorts don't make money unless they are academy award qualifiers and make it on the dvd, but even then its won't cover your budget.

I funded a $65K short by finding an up-and-coming actress who had wealthy parents that wanted to essentially create a demo reel for her. I had to make a lot of compromises on the project, but ultimately I'm proud of the result.

So, I guess there are endless ways to fund something, but you're going to have to use some imagination to find one that works in your particular case. Just remember that it won't make money and don't promise the investor/financier anything in return other than a finished short.

[hscully]

What's your budget? If you have a camera and a set of lights you can shoot 15 pages on location in the 5 - 7K range. It's not easy but you could raise that money. First get on Fractured Atlas and get your project non-profit status. Then you can take donations that are tax deductible. If you have any possible larger donors put together a strong letter, put the Fractured Atlas button on your website and encourage them. It's about you! You're who they will fund. Indie Go Go is tied right into Fractured atlas. Start your pledge campaign. Go right on there and see all the great projects getting funding. Do a video to introduce your project. Get a bar near you and throw a fund raiser, with a cover charge, some other things like silent auctions. You can get tickets from local theaters, dance companies, etc and auction them. You can make over a grand on a good night. It's fun to raise the money. The best thing is that you can do it again and your wife won't kill you for emptying the family coffers. Totally doable!

[colebennett]

Thanks for the responses guys! I'm familiar with Kickstarter and Indie Go-Go, but I hadn't heard of Fractured Atlas. I will look into that!

I also like the idea of actual community fund-raising, rather than using too much social networking. Events can help people feel like they're really supporting something.

Please keep tossing ideas out there, and sharing resources!

We have a church here in my town that is in an old movie theatre. I wonder if preselling tickets to a screening would be a bit of a fire under the arse so to speak.

[colebennett]

What's your budget?

...And I was thinking $5,000 would be a realistic number to be able to get some gear I'd like for the project, and to pay our talent and crew. It'd be shot over three days, and maybe a couple days spent staging. We've already got plenty of leads on getting an apartment.

[colebennett]

I can think of at least 3 shorts I've seen online that were that exact story told that way. That means you need to find a way to tell it that stands out and has maybe a new take on the subject.

Thanks for that heads up. If you could send some links my way, I'd be really interested to see them.