Raising Funds for a Short

T

tleisher

Member
I have a short film that can be made for $2,500. I have written a business plan, and intend on giving it to investors. I'm selling 25 units at $100 each, each unit gives 2.5% of the profits.

The investors get 10% on their initial investment, plus are in first position to recoup their money (Plus 10%) before any money is split... after that, the money is split between myself and the investors (60% total to investors).

I have a really great (but unknown writer) and likewise for the Director (Whos done numerous stage plays and another short film in the same genre as this).

Our cast is really good, a lot of unknown names (a lot of them coming from theatre and other short films).

I really see a TON of potential in this film to go far, the plan to make the money back comes from festivals. The budget is low enough so that if we win one festival, we'll make back our investors money.

I'm willing to put up my own funds for this if it comes down to it, but I'm curious.. who invests in Shorts? The people that also invest in features? Are there any grants that I can apply for to get funding? We're shooting on January 24 and 25, so I can't wait three months on a grant.

Any tips, or advice you could give to me on this would be very helpful. I'm hoping that the business plan speaks for itself, but not sure how to go about getting it in the hands of the investors.
 
I've never heard of anyone investing in a short film unless they wanted a tax write-off, but my understanding is that the IRS has changed the rules about writing off films but of course you still can I suppose.

Possibly you could interest business owners in exchange for product placement or a little "branded entertainment" as they call it now.

Check for local non-profit Arts Organizations who may give grants to artists. Usually the local alternative news weekly has listings in the classified section of grants for artists.

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tleisher said:
We're shooting on January 24 and 25, so I can't wait three months on a grant.
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How can you have a shoot scheduled when you don't even have the money in the bank to make the film?

Find your investors, get the money in the bank, then schedule the shoot. If you have to cancel because you couldn't get the money, you're going to look bad in the eyes of your cast, crew, and any interested investors.

Good luck!
 
Good luck trying to get investors. Short films DO NOT make their money back 99% of the time. You do realize that to compete in festivals that do have good prize money you not only have to get in, but you will be competing with films that cost $25,000-$100,000 to make and often have "name" talent.

Not to rain on your plan, just wanting you to know reality.

Matthew
 
Things are changing faster than you think - Although these shorts are bring done here - the ad supported revenue share in this ecomomy does not bode well for an increase in the short form model. But, in the news yesterday is an indication of what is happening elsewhere:

China backs 1,000 new media shorts
Digital launch a part of new media initiative
By CLIFFORD COONAN

BEIJING -- China Film Group will launch a new media initiative on Friday that aims to produce 1,000 shorts using online, cell phone and other digital platforms.
The shorties will cover 10 genres, including comedy, drama, business, horror, romance and youth subjects.

Each pic will have a budget of around 50,000 yuan ($73,000), with the first 20 due this year and 200 next year, China Film said on its website.

The initiative aims to harness the energy and talent of first-time helmers using digital video and wannabe filmmakers making pics on their cell phones -- an important element in China -- and add elements of quality control, as well as providing a dynamic platform for the pics.
Helmers Feng Xiaogang, Lu Chuan and Ning Hao are expected to attend Friday's launch, which will also bow two shorts.
 
You have several major issues here. You don't have a real plan as to how you are going to get your film shot aside from a slated time. Which is far too early when you are looking for funding now. With the holiday season just around the bend - you would be lucky to set up a meeting that quickly.

Second 99% of all films in general never make their money back - or even come close. Most of the time its thousands of dollars down the drain. You need to lock amazing and known talent, and an amazing script to even consider entering the ring. Unless your story is something so unique it is flooring.

You are going to need a great pitch too. Most want to see potential in the story - not just in projected numbers. How many people submit to film fests each year? Each of those people have a similar plan as yours - yet how many actually get into said fests. And out of those - how many actually make a dime back - and out of those how many get into the black because of it?

Just something to consider.
 
tleisher said:
I have a short film that can be made for $2,500.
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I'm willing to put up my own funds for this if it comes down to it, but I'm curious.. who invests in Shorts?
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Family, friends, and biz community that like your demo reels and results from prior festivals.

tleisher said:
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Who invests in Shorts? The people that also invest in features?
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No, not in your price category.

tleisher said:
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Are there any grants that I can apply for to get funding? We're shooting on January 24 and 25, so I can't wait three months on a grant.
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No.
 
I realize that shorts don't really make that much money, that's why I was looking into grants and whatnot.

I understand that a lot of other shorts are out there trying to do the same thing.

The reason for shooting before having funds, is that if I can't raise the funds for it from other people I fully intend on investing in it myself. So with or without investors, that shoot date is fine in my book.

But I understand where you are all coming from and it makes sense, thanks.
 
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