Nonprofit Literature Blog

Crowdfunding for Filmmakers

Crowdfunding has been around since 1990, but only recently has the power of online platforms and social
media really unleashed its potential for film financing. By launching a campaign using a crowdfunding platform such as Indiegogo or Kickstarter, an independent filmmaker can go directly to the crowd to get funding for their projects, who can help you get your film made with just a click of the mouse.

Writer and filmmaker John T. Trigonis, who has used crowdfunding and social networking campaigns to finance his own short films, provides a how-to manual on doing so titled Crowdfunding for Filmmakers: the Way to a Successful Film Campaign (Michael Wiese Productions, 2013). He outlines the basics of crowdfunding, and explains how to choose your platform, home in on your target audience, personalize your campaign, and effectively engage the community. Trigonis also offers advanced tips for raising larger amounts and studies of successful film crowdfunding efforts.

One nice touch is his use of the principles of Taoism (“the way”) to describe how to get the most out of crowdfunding, explaining that if campaigner remains to true to the basic elements of fundraising—pitch, perks, and promotion—and enhances them with a fourth P—personalization—the chances of achieving one’s crowdfunding goal increases significantly.

Here are some summary points from the book:

• Transparency is important in campaigns, so keep supporters informed of your behind-the-scenes progress.
• Instead of focusing on the ask, explore how you can evoke a response to your work.
• Think of donations as an opportunity to build relationships, rather than just a monetary benefit.
• If you want to raise substantial funds on crowdfunding platforms, you need to have “a gimmick, friends, patience, fun, and most importantly, guts."

Foundation Center libraries also hold other books on film financing and crowdfunding. Here’s a sample of recent publications you'll find here:

• The Everything Guide to Crowdfunding: Learn How to Use Social media for Small-Business Funding by Thomas Elliott Young (Adams Media, 2013)
• The Crowdfunding Bible: How to Raise Money for Any Startup, Video Game, or Project by Scott Steinberg (read.me, 2012)
• Documentary Fundraising Guide: Lessons From a Filmmaker: Simple Steps to Get Cash Flowing For Your Film by Faith Fuller (Desktop Documentaries, 2012)
• The Art of Film Funding: Alternative Financing Concepts 2nd ed. by Carole Lee Dean (Michael Wiese Productions, 2012)

And lastly, don't forget about GrantSpace's list of funding resources for film/videomakers!

--Rob Bruno
Catalog/Reference Librarian
The Foundation Center

Grantwriting for Artists

Are you an artist new to grant writing and the fundraising process?  If so, ask our librarians for Gigi Rosenberg’s handbook The Artist’s Guide to Grant Writing (202 ROS).  Rosenberg targets writers, performers and visual artists who want to learn how to fundraise successfully and write winning proposals. 

The book covers the application process, step by step proposal writing, and crafting your artist statement, bio and resume.  Rosenberg also devotes a chapter to budgeting (sample included) and suggests other ways to earn income.  A concluding chapter provides advice on overcoming psychological roadblocks, including how to handle rejection and dealing with jealousy (both yours and other people’s).  Handy tips from successful grant writers, grant officers and fundraising specialists dot the book, and appendixes list grants, residencies, and additional resources.

The Artist’s Guide to Grant Writing grew out of the professional development workshops Rosenberg launched in Portland and now teaches at various colleges, conferences and arts organizations around the country. 

Other similar books in the New York library include:
--Writing the Artist Statement: Revealing the True Spirit of Your Work by Ariane Goodwin
--How to Survive and Prosper as an Artist: Selling Yourself Without Selling Your Soul by Carroll Michels

 

Robert Bruno

Catalog/Reference Librarian, The Foundation Center

Fundraising for Films and Documentaries

If you are seeking funds for your film, take a look at the arts section of our library collections. For example, you will find a copy of Shaking the Money Tree by Morrie Warshawski. The guide describes the advantages and disadvantages of different funding sources, including individuals, foundations, and corporations. Brief sections also provide tips for student filmmakers and individuals interested in online fundraising. The 3rd edition contains sidebars with advice from experts and includes two new sample grant proposals in the appendix.

For more information on this topic, view our Frequently Asked Question, "Where can I find grants for film or videomakers?"

Another tip: Be sure to ask our staff about using the Foundation Grants to Individuals Online database on the library computers to find film-related grant opportunities.