Feature FIlm Funding Questions - PLEASE HELP MOI

[Jackson Miller]

Hello. I'm not sure if this is in the right section but I have a lot of questions and I would really just like to soak up all the info I can like a sponge.

My friend who is a recent berkley graduate approached me saying he had a script/was working on one and wondered if I would be interested in producing it. So, we are working on it and this summer, I am going to give a shot at shooting my first feature ever. I feel like I have learned a lot through filming shorts and fun films and I put my all into all of my projects. I am a passionate perfectionist. My goal is to get the film into sundance and get the distribution rights bought. I know that may be overambitious for a first time film but I just like to stay confident. Have any words on this? Encouragement? Tell me I'm stupid? I hear all of these success stories and know they are the minority, but really think I can do it.



Now, my main questions are on funding. I hope to somehow get a budget of 60k - 100k. More would be great. Is it possible for a first time director to raise this kind of money? Before I tell you my plan, any general tips would be great, though I have probably read every single article online by now. Please tell me if you see anything wrong with my plans below/answer my questions.

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I am told I have to/should form a Limited Partnership in order to get funding from private investors. I am planning on doing it through this online company: http://www.legalzoom.com/limited-partnerships/limited-partnership-pricing.html and getting the gold package. This should save a lot over hiring a lawyer to write it all up. But what about after that? I have family friends that are lawyers but not entertainment lawyers. Is it important that they be an entertainment lawyer? How much would hiring one cost? People say not to pay for it and have a friend do it as a favor but I am lost as to how to go about this.


So at this point I approach private investors and have a nice color magazine style booklet promoting the production and giving a synopsis/the credits and bios of the team and actors (almost no credits) along with a section on why they should invest. Is there a difference between an investment and a donation? Is it legal for me to accept donations if they know they are getting nothing back? Do they have to sign a form that says that they understand this?

Paperwork *sigh*. The lawyer has to write all of this up to make sure that the investors know that they have no control over the film and might not get their money back. Any particular points to address here? My teacher says these can be several dozen pages long and cost about 30k. This is obviously for films with much higher budgets, so how do I do this?!?!?

I also believe there is a maximum of 30 or so limited liability partners that can join the partnership which means that if someone wants to make an investment of under 2000 dollars, I have to turn them down or I will never get to 60k. Is this true? How do you guys persuade people and are they usually people you already know? I feel a bit awkward about going up to my dentist in these economic times. It has to be done though right? I mean where else am I going to find funding.


Now, I have also been considering getting funding from corporations. I have read articles about mountain dew funding a snowboarding film, dove sponsoring a film about women, gatorade helping with a girls soccer movie etc. These were not even clear cut product placement situations and the companies left it up to the director whether or not/where to put the product in so that it was not forced. This, along with trying to get funding from normal product placement, sounds like a great idea to me. I will contact as many companies as I can. Has anyone had success with this? Should I meet with local branches (a regional director/manager), or send letters and emails? Should I only do letters and no emails? Sending letters to 200 companies would get expensive but I guess they would take it more seriously. I was thinking of actually including a DVD in each with a short 5 minute pitch as though I was actually sitting with them which would create a more personal feel rather than them thinking it is junk mail.

Sorry this is getting so long. Stay with me here...

My other thought in this area was that I should attempt to get restaurants and grocery stores to make food donations/sponsor us that way. They would be allowed to put up cardboard cutout ads which would promote them. Also, I thought maybe similar donations could be made from department stores for costuming. Is this a realistic goal? Or will these companies think I am crazy?


Locations: does it usually cost money to aquire official permission to film in places where you don't have any connections that can pull some strings for you? My locations have always been free in the past but I have never made a profit off of a film either. Will this change a lot? Do universities charge you for permits?


I am sure I have many many more questions but for now I can not think of them and any responses from you guys would be so very appreciated. Thanks DVXusers!

 

[El Gato Negro]

Hey Entity. For starters what city are you in? For a first time script I would keep the locations to at least 3-4 max. To fully determine the cost of a feature film you need to do a script breakdown, scheduling so you can get a more realistic budget. Are you hiring professionals? DP/Gaffer/Sound/Art Director/1st AD or are you using students? I am assuming it will be a nonunion film. What's the genre? Do you have a target audience? These are essential questions that need to be asked and will be asked by any investor.

I called a well known entertainment lawyer up in Austin who charges $350.00 an hour for consultation. For the most part you can negotiate a flat rate for standard contracts and for him to review the screenplay for possible legal issues. It will be money well spent.

I am currently experimenting with a website that helps promote and raise funds through contributions. I will send you a link by pm.

 

[filmman]

Entity wrote: I feel like I have learned a lot through filming shorts and fun films and I put my all into all of my projects. I am a passionate perfectionist. My goal is to get the film into sundance and get the distribution rights bought.

You raise some excellent questions. It shows you have considered the issues well. Use your passion to make the movie and your perfectionism to write the contracts. If you can keep the two separate you'll be way ahead of the game. Incorporate the movie title and when you sell the movie, sell the corporation with it. Good luck and bon voyage!

 

[Jackson Miller]

Hey Entity. For starters what city are you in? For a first time script I would keep the locations to at least 3-4 max. To fully determine the cost of a feature film you need to do a script breakdown, scheduling so you can get a more realistic budget. Are you hiring professionals? DP/Gaffer/Sound/Art Director/1st AD or are you using students? I am assuming it will be a nonunion film. What's the genre? Do you have a target audience? These are essential questions that need to be asked and will be asked by any investor.

I called a well known entertainment lawyer up in Austin who charges $350.00 an hour for consultation. For the most part you can negotiate a flat rate for standard contracts and for him to review the screenplay for possible legal issues. It will be money well spent.

I am currently experimenting with a website that helps promote and raise funds through contributions. I will send you a link by pm.

I am about an hour east of LA. I think we will be shooting in more than just 3-4 locations but it depends on how big you consider a location to be. A whole college campus or a room?

I am planning on doing the script breakdown and everything once it is finished. We are working on it still and it is being written to accommodate our budget or lack thereof.

It is indeed nonunion and will be a student film. I will be doing most of the cinematography planning and shooting, lighting design etc and directing everyone else (though I am open to their opinions and I know some very talented people). The genre is a Drama about the internal (and external) struggles of a depressed teenager/young adult. I don't want to say to much about the actual plot.

I suppose I will have to pay for a lawyer. Any idea how much a flat rate for those contracts might cost?

 

[Jackson Miller]

You raise some excellent questions. It shows you have considered the issues well. Use your passion to make the movie and your perfectionism to write the contracts. If you can keep the two separate you'll be way ahead of the game. Incorporate the movie title and when you sell the movie, sell the corporation with it. Good luck and bon voyage!

Thanks! I don't know if you have the answers to those great questions but if anyone does I would REALLY appreciate it. I know I just posted it hehe. I have considered the issues but more and more simply rise up. It is also discouraging how many people fail.

So anybody got some more answers?

 

[filmman]

Best advice is do it with your own money. Have everyone sign a release form. This is a student movie, therefore a learning experience for all concerned. If you have lawyers in the family, have them write a simple release contract for you. If you must borrow money, ask your own family for the money.

Work with a few trusted people. Do as much as possible yourself. If you need in-depth info, read my book It's on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Filmmaking-Z-...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235664394&sr=8-1

 

[El Gato Negro]

I am about an hour east of LA. I think we will be shooting in more than just 3-4 locations but it depends on how big you consider a location to be. A whole college campus or a room?

I am planning on doing the script breakdown and everything once it is finished. We are working on it still and it is being written to accommodate our budget or lack thereof.

It is indeed nonunion and will be a student film. I will be doing most of the cinematography planning and shooting, lighting design etc and directing everyone else (though I am open to their opinions and I know some very talented people). The genre is a Drama about the internal (and external) struggles of a depressed teenager/young adult. I don't want to say to much about the actual plot.

I suppose I will have to pay for a lawyer. Any idea how much a flat rate for those contracts might cost?

Considering that you are in LA you have a wealth of resources that most filmmakers don't have. Have you called the local film commission? They should have a list of reputable entertainment lawyers. Don't know much about CA rates but it should be a few thousand. ($3,000 to $8,000) This is just a rough estimate. Always remember that anything can be negotiated.

If possible try keeping all locations in a 5 mile radius if possible. Company moves are expensive and time consuming.

You already have a target audience (teen depression). Start building you community of fans/supporters. Contact local organizations that deal with these issues and invite them to join you. They could write a newsletter, blog or memo to there members etc. Do you already have a link to your film? Have you bought the domain name?

 

[Jackson Miller]

Best advice is do it with your own money. Have everyone sign a release form. This is a student movie, therefore a learning experience for all concerned. If you have lawyers in the family, have them write a simple release contract for you. If you must borrow money, ask your own family for the money.

Work with a few trusted people. Do as much as possible yourself. If you need in-depth info, read my book It's on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Filmmaking-Z-...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235664394&sr=8-1

Well first off, I do appreciate the advice. I don't have money however. Not the kind I need. Probably only enough to write up the legal forms. I don't really like categorizing this as a student film. I don't like that phrase at all really. In a broad sense we are all students, constantly learning. This is not associated with my actual schooling or classes, so how is it relevant that I am a student. I am looking at this as a learning experience but that is no reason to not cover my ass legally and shoot to get a distribution deal. Not that I will necessarily but I would hate to give up the option in the future just because I skipped some steps.

Also, I am planning on having a crew of 8, plus me. One main actor, a few other who are in a decent amt of scenes and then just extras I believe.

 

[Jackson Miller]

Considering that you are in LA you have a wealth of resources that most filmmakers don't have. Have you called the local film commission? They should have a list of reputable entertainment lawyers. Don't know much about CA rates but it should be a few thousand. ($3,000 to $8,000) This is just a rough estimate. Always remember that anything can be negotiated.

If possible try keeping all locations in a 5 mile radius if possible. Company moves are expensive and time consuming.

You already have a target audience (teen depression). Start building you community of fans/supporters. Contact local organizations that deal with these issues and invite them to join you. They could write a newsletter, blog or memo to there members etc. Do you already have a link to your film? Have you bought the domain name?

I am embarrassed to say that I don't even know what a film commission is. And I certainly hope it can be negotiated. If I spent money on that and then this thing fell apart... well that is all the money I have right now. A couple thousand. I would be ok with spending it if I knew the film was actually gonna happen, but I am a bit nervous about spending money right now before everything is final. And thanks for the advice. My teacher always says that "anything can be negotiated". He also says company moves are expensive. Funny haha. I do not have a website for it yet, no. I like your ideas as far as publicity and talking to depression organizations though. Thanks!

 

[ChrisHurn]

I am embarrassed to say that I don't even know what a film commission is.

Never feel embarrassed about asking questions like this. It's good to ask questions. Smart people ask questions and gain knowledge.

Your local film commission can help with a lot of stuff, from helping with crew, cast, funding, post production, all issues around budget etc. I'm sure it varies depending on which commission etc.

From what I know about the film commissions here, they will ask you to submit some sort of package, examples of other films you have made (if it is your first feature, then short films), a script, a directors vision, storyboards, basically the more you have to sell your movie to them, the better. They can't afford to fund everyone's project.

If you have some really strong short films, then you could probably get some funding from somewhere, be it a film commission or a local creative arts funding organization, private investors, whatever. If your short films have won festivals and gained a good reputation then this will be much easier for you.

I have no idea how private investors in L.A work, I'm doing shorts myself and not ready to do a feature just yet. But $30k for a few dozen pages sounds ridiculous for a film that's only going to have a budget of $60-100k...I'm sure there's a way you can get this document done yourself and then maybe have a lawyer just look at it. Maybe connect with somebody who has done this before? There are lots of people here at DVXUser who have funded films through private investors.

Otherwise, I'm sure you can write up a document that says, Look dudes. I can make films. Look, my short film just won this and this and this and look what I did with $300! Imagine what I could do with 60 grand!!

Before you start though, make sure you know exactly what you need the money for. Know every single detail.

If you're doing the shooting, directing, etc. all yourself, what are you going to be spending your money on?

gear? trying to get some name actors? locations? etc. etc. 60k is quite different from 100k. Maybe not in a hollywood film, sure, but for this - how much do you need to make it happen?

I second the ideas about blogs and all that jazz. Get that happening ASAP. Get a base happening. People will see it and get interested. This could lead to something more.

 

[Nathyn]

Best advice is do it with your own money. Have everyone sign a release form. This is a student movie, therefore a learning experience for all concerned. If you have lawyers in the family, have them write a simple release contract for you. If you must borrow money, ask your own family for the money.

This is sound advice. I'll try to put the AFm site back up later today. I had release forms and things there but I took the sites down for awhile.

-Nate

 

[David Jimerson]

I know this isn't what you want to hear, but doing all of this stuff -- writing up the contracts, etc. -- without a lawyer is . . . suicide.

For example, a limited partnership MIGHT be the right way to go, but there are many reasons why a corporation or LLC might be better; it's all circumstantial. Getting that one right is fundamental to doing it the way you want to do it, and it's absolutely not something you either want to guess about, or rely on the Internet to tell you.

Expensive? Maybe. Worth it, though. But as others have pointed out, check with the local film commission(s); they will likely have resources to help you here, whether just informational, or perhaps they can point you to attorneys who will help at a lower rate for people in your position.

 

[jls4]

Hey Entity,

After reading your endearing PM, I'll answer what I can and let you know how safe my answers are. LOL

I know that may be overambitious for a first time film but I just like to stay confident. Have any words on this? Encouragement? Tell me I'm stupid?

Ok, you're stupid! LOL Just kidding - didn't you tell me to tell you that!
It's is extremely ambitius, but possible. Anything is possible, just unlikely. Only encoruagement is for yout o do what you're doing - study and ask questions.

Now, my main questions are on funding. I hope to somehow get a budget of 60k - 100k. More would be great. Is it possible for a first time director to raise this kind of money?
But what about after that? I have family friends that are lawyers but not entertainment lawyers. Is it important that they be an entertainment lawyer? How much would hiring one cost?

It's possible for a first time director to do a multi-million dollar movie. The guy who directed Mortal Kombat I think that was his first feature. So anything is possible. what I'd do is see if anyone has the paperwork for the limited partnership and send them to you. Rework as much as you can yourself and then get a "regular attorney" to over look them - a friend maybe. Then go to an entertainment lawyer that's willing to overlook the information and give you comments. About 2 hours time. Then get with your lawyer friend make the changes and send it back to the ent lawyer. thereby making your price smaller.

Rule of thumb. You pay people for the work they do. So if you can do a lot of work yourself, the amount of work they do will get cheaper.

So at this point I approach private investors and have a nice color magazine style booklet promoting the production and giving a synopsis/the credits and bios of the team and actors (almost no credits) along with a section on why they should invest. Is there a difference between an investment and a donation? Is it legal for me to accept donations if they know they are getting nothing back? Do they have to sign a form that says that they understand this?

Huge difference between Donation and Investment. But I'd just get investors, unless someone just wants to give you $100 and they are a family member. Legally I don't know though.

Any particular points to address here? My teacher says these can be several dozen pages long and cost about 30k. This is obviously for films with much higher budgets, so how do I do this?!?!?

Like I said above, you can write up much of this yourself and have your lawyer to "fix" the legal side of things. 30K is riduclous amount. I have paid less than $500 everytime I've talked with my lawyer. However I may speak with him several times on one project.

I also believe there is a maximum of 30 or so limited liability partners that can join the partnership which means that if someone wants to make an investment of under 2000 dollars, I have to turn them down or I will never get to 60k. Is this true? How do you guys persuade people and are they usually people you already know? I feel a bit awkward about going up to my dentist in these economic times. It has to be done though right? I mean where else am I going to find funding.

A movie I believe can have up to 100 individual investors. An investor can be a person or a business. So you can have a limited partnership with multiple business and people within it. What you need to do is have your partnership to have a minimum to invest, BUT that doesn't mean your investors can't get together and combine their forces.

Example.
Bill invests minimum $2000
Jane invests $2500
Jack only has $500, Mary only has $1000, Jill only has $600.
Jack, Mary and Jill form JMJ Partnership and invest $2100 under the partnership not as individuals.

You do need to recheck this info. I believe it to be true, but I'm not sure of all the regulations.

Now, I have also been considering getting funding from corporations. I have read articles about mountain dew funding a snowboarding film, dove sponsoring a film about women, gatorade helping with a girls soccer movie etc. These were not even clear cut product placement situations and the companies left it up to the director whether or not/where to put the product in so that it was not forced. This, along with trying to get funding from normal product placement, sounds like a great idea to me. I will contact as many companies as I can. Has anyone had success with this? Should I meet with local branches (a regional director/manager), or send letters and emails? Should I only do letters and no emails? Sending letters to 200 companies would get expensive but I guess they would take it more seriously. I was thinking of actually including a DVD in each with a short 5 minute pitch as though I was actually sitting with them which would create a more personal feel rather than them thinking it is junk mail.

Once you learn product placement. Please tech it to me! LOL
Okay all for now. I'm tired of typing.

 

[Martay]

I don't really like categorizing this as a student film. I don't like that phrase at all really. In a broad sense we are all students, constantly learning. This is not associated with my actual schooling or classes, so how is it relevant that I am a student.

Can it be associated with your actual school?

A student film enjoys a lot of advantages to just an indie film.

First of all, most schools carry production insurance. This is a hotly debated subject elsewhere. Production insurance, to include worker's compensation, will open many doors for you in terms of locations, ability to use SAG talent, etc.

Also, having a faculty advisor will help someone who's young be taken more seriously in the general community.

The school may have general counsel who can help with the legal piece of making the film.

The school owning rights in the film bother you? Why?
Is the film going to be El Mariachi or Clerks? Doubt it. But if so, Bravo! You'll make so much more on your next gig to make what you share with the school seem like chump change.

Raising money seems to be one of the most difficult things to do in this whole equation.

If you're able to do a film without raising money, do so.

Make it a student film if you can. It will solve some of the major issues that face an indie low-to-no-Budget filmmaker.

Heck, I'd make a student film if I could (in fact, often I participate in student films) as it lessens risk in several areas and it also helps MANAGE expectations for those involved.

You're making a movie and want somebody to be in it or a location or just help in general.

Student film - people are glad to help you learn.

For Profit venture - How much will I make? When is this coming out? Etc.

I really encourage students to hang on to their advantages as much as possible before venturing into the "commercial" film biz.

-M

 

[taormina]

Okay first of all if you want to make your film through a limited partnership, it can have a maximum of 35 investors, all of which must be personally known to you, financial institutions, or "accredited investors" which mean people who are, in the opinion of the SEC, people who know how to invest. Generally, if you go beyond this, you will have to register your offerings as securities with the SEC.

The securities act of 1933 has many exemptions, so you should be fine if you stay within those guidelines.

Also, your LLP package link DOES NOT create an investment memorandum for you. You'll need a lawyer to do this - I made my own but then again I'm up to speed on contract / securities law.

The investment memorandum must be scrupulously accurate, so resist the urge to exaggerate ANY of the claims.

Okay, now for the tough part.

Your movie has a zero chance of ever recouping its budget. Yes, Zero. It sounds harsh, but you need to do a little research. Head over to www.filmspecific.com and sign up. Check out sales projections and market conditions.

A student film costing 60-100K with no name talent is basically unsellable. You will have no way for your investors to ever recoup, much less make a profit.

The good news is you won't need to raise as much! I'd say 20K tops. And even that is very risky as far as recoupment.

My advice to you therefore is this:

1. Make a no budget 10-15K movie

OR

2. Wait until you can get 200-250K, and do a proper SAG film with at least a couple B list actors.

Hope that helps!

 

[DCP]

Hey Entity,

When I started my feature (yes, it was also my first), my partner and I formed an LLC. We had originally believed we could pay for everything ourselves on a no budget project. Once we realized we were going to pay everyone (we realized that the we wanted the film to end up as professional as possible) we needed more funding. We ended up with investments from mostly family and friends (of course the bulk of the film was paid for via credit cards).

To your question if a first time director can raise money... as others have said the chances of recouping your money is slim so an investor will likely stay away (unless of course they are family). You have no track record so a 'smart' responsible individual will not jump at the chance to invest. This doesn't mean there aren't ways to do it. Here in NY, there is fracturedatlas.org (a group helping individuals in the business with insurance, donations, etc), so there may be something similar in CA. Look into it. And you have to be very careful if you end up having investments from non-family members as there are VERY strict laws and guidelines with securities, etc. Also, if any one person puts more money into the film than you do, they legally 'own' the film as being the biggest share holder. I had a chance for a gentleman to invest over 150g's into my film, but due to legal issues I had to decline. You are better off taking the suggestions of others and try it as a student film or pay for everything yourself. It all comes down to if you want to make a good film for creative purposes or commercial purposes. If you are only trying to make money, also consider the type of film you are making: horror and action can sell a heck of a lot easier than a drama. Know your market.

About getting into Sundance.... take a good look at the films that have been selected over the last several years. Chances are very slim. And the few actual indie films that have been selected (even though they secured distribution) have been a financial failure after the festival. I know where you are coming from, as I had the same hopes when I submitted.

When it comes down to it, if you really believe in the film, do it anyway you can. I have no regrets doing my film and I hope to recoup my investments (but the worse case senerio is that I owe money but I have a damn good film to show for it, and that can lead to other opportunities).

Best of luck and keep us up to date. Any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Todd
www.drawingchalkpictures.com

 

[dougspice]

Hi Entity, you're already off to a good start: soliciting the good advice of a lot of people who have already walked the walk.

You asked if people can raise this kind of money as first-time filmmakers... well, yes, of course they can. It depends entirely on who they know and their personality. How are you in the room? Do you show unwavering confidence? Do you speak with passion? Can you answer any question asked about you or your film or your goals for the film on the spot? Those are the traits that will win you investors.

Unfortunately, I suspect that you're not there yet. Most people aren't (Adam might be the only good exception here). That doesn't mean you can't make your film, it just means that your current plan starts to look like financial suicide. Adam is right: you will likely lose all of your money in the current market. Money isn't everything. Sometimes losing your money isn't the worst thing that can happen, as long as the right people take notice of you. This is also known as "making a short film".

But let's talk about you and your team. You've never seriously produced before, I can tell that. That's okay, but I might strongly recommend getting a producing partner or at least some sort of mentor. You have a huge, huge, huge learning experience ahead of you. Read the Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide as a headstart. A lot of it will be over your head. A lot of it relates to issues you won't even conceivably have to deal with (pay or play deals, talent holding companies, etc.) but half of what you need to do is learn to talk the talk. And this book is full of contract examples as well.

Who else is on your team? Does your writer/director have any noteworthy experience? You didn't mention it so I'm assuming no. Likewise with talent attachments, correct? That's basically where the buck will stop, as far as seeking out financiers. If you can't point to something one of the people attached to the project has already done that impresses people, you will have a hard time getting people to take you seriously with their money. People you don't know, that is.

So what about people you know? I come from a poor family, and most of my friends are poor too, but I know that when the time is right and I have a project that can't get off the ground without them, I'd be able to scrape at least $10-15,000 together from those sources. Of course, I wouldn't be asking just as a favor. I'd be asking them to invest the same as anyone else, and presenting them with a clear investment strategy, vision for the project, and everything else you need to sell. It's just that they're more invested in my success, more likely to take it seriously. I have avoided doing this so far in my life because it hasn't been strictly necessary and I don't like the idea of putting my loved ones' money at risk. It's a tough road to walk. No matter what, contracts, contracts, contracts. Even if it's your own father, have an agreement in writing.

Budget. You need one, no matter what. It sounds like you probably don't have the experience to do one accurately yourself. I'll both agree and disagree with ChrisHurn here: living near LA you both have a lot of resources and have a lot of complications, as well. It costs money to do movies near LA, money that you wouldn't have to spend in other parts of the country. You need to know how much money that is before you can do anything. So hire someone to do up your budget – or find some other incentive to bring them aboard the project. If you're nice or people like the project, you can probably find someone reasonably experienced to do it for $1000 or even less. This is a process that can easily take a week or more to do, just crunching numbers... don't treat it trivially.

El Gato hit on an important point: work your target audience for what it's worth in pre-production. I recommend you check out a film called MY SUICIDE, it shares at least a common theme with your film. I know the writer-director and producer of this film. They took a more traditional approach, doing it for I believe around $600,000... but they built up a lot of interest and some of that investment by collaborating with teen suicide non-profits. The director already had connections to some of those people (this was his first feature and I'd guess it was the subject matter that inspired him, not the other way around), but the way it was done was smart. The film is currently doing well on the festival circuit, I believe.

The last thing I'll say is get Zak Forsman in here (or just go read his own film blogs). I bet he'll have a lot of incredibly relevant things to say about what you're trying to do, and different, more accessible ways to do them.

Hope that helps. Sorry for the rambling I'm writing this in between meetings.

 

[DCP]

So what about people you know? I come from a poor family, and most of my friends are poor too, but I know that when the time is right and I have a project that can't get off the ground without them, I'd be able to scrape at least $10-15,000 together from those sources. Of course, I wouldn't be asking just as a favor. I'd be asking them to invest the same as anyone else, and presenting them with a clear investment strategy, vision for the project, and everything else you need to sell. It's just that they're more invested in my success, more likely to take it seriously.

When it became clear that I needed more money for my film (I had already shot some scenes and had them for viewing) and when I turned down the 150g's is when my family came forward to invest. And yes, they invested just as Doug had stated. I had a clear plan (I had an investment proposal I had prepared for the gentleman who was interested in the 150g's investment). If the footage I had shot wasn't very good, I'm sure my family would not have invested. I, too, come from a low-middle class blue-collar environment and disposable income to throw at an indie film just doesn't exist. However, the footage (edited of course) proved that I may be on to something and there was a chance a profit could be made. Perhaps you can shoot a few scenes and edit them to show to your potential investors (just to show them that you don't plan to use their money for some experimental hobby).

Todd

 

[Nathyn]

Can it be associated with your actual school?

A student film enjoys a lot of advantages to just an indie film.

I work with a lot of Columbia students, in a pinch my films can become "student". LOL.

Hey Entity, check here: http://www.actionfilmmaking.tcmech.com/ we have a bunch of forms and such.

-Nate

 

[jpbankesmercer]

Some great advice here, just a couple of extra pointers for you. Your local film commission can also fund completion costs, such as final print, sound design, editing. Also you can apply for taking your finished product around the fetival circuit (sometimes it's easier to get this type of funding) Try and get a meeting with the board members of your local film commission, explain what your doing and get as much advice as possible. It's much easier if you get a face-to-face.

Regarding development/ funding. Get as much down on paper as possible, plan everything, don't wait to do your shooting script, the more you have now the more you can show people. Try and shoot a scene that reflects the whole movie, use this to get more interest, just don't shoot/ show anything you're not going to be using in the film. I knew a guy who shot a full trailer (with scenes not really from the film), a distribution company told him after "Why are you wasting money before you even finished the film?", he did'nt get it made. Look into disribution before it's finished, test what they are buying at the moment, they will talk to people.

This is a big subject. Hope this couple of pointers helped.
Jp