Seen here is

Shamar Moore.

He successfully raised more than $500,000 on the crowdfunding site indiegogo to help meet his funding needs. The Bounce Back is his upcoming movie to be seen in theaters soon. This actor turned writer offers some inspirational directions to obtain funding for a feature film.

This blog takes a look at the strategies taken to accomplish that. When considering some similarities and differences, a few factors appear relevant for artist who may be interested in identifying methods to obtain finances for their film.

seen here is Mellisa Gilbert featured in the upcoming movie, "One song"

seen below is Writer, Scott Thompson who successfully raised $190,000 to fund the film.

Talk show Host, Conan OBrian

Like Moore, Scott Thompson applied a non- traditional strategy, as well. His company ”My Town Productions has a unique grass-roots model, ” according to the article in CBS Minnesota. Scotts business,” My Town Productions pitched the movie to several cities looking for funders. Excelsior’s community came up with 51 percent of the $190,000 budget.”

Talk Show Host Queen Latifa

PROS

Some shared strategies used by both include the stunning artwork found on the cover of both the book and the trailer for the movie, the logline, and the interesting synopsis as reviewed in the clip above. As tools for marketing and advertising, the use of social media, and attending Talk Show interviews is required as seen above in the clips.

Both strategies rely on a positive aspect of creative financing that allow investors to become more closely involved in the making of the film. Not only are investors and other community members invited to play a role as an extra in the actual making of the movie, additionally, they receive the same advantages as any other major actors. Investors who commit to this venture are allowed to attend the premier and the after party for opportunities to celebrate and network.

CONS

In the clip, Moore discusses the role of the traditional financier. He makes reference to the power they often flex when casting calls are underway. In this pitch, Moore ensures non traditional investors the performances in his movie are keeping with high expectations, without submitting to the high cost of including a line of A- list actors. He suggests that reducing the risk of pressure from powerful film executives is one element that makes raising funds through Indiegogo more advantageous than the pursuit of a traditional loan.

One downside to raising funds through city shareholders as expressed in this example, is the loss of ownership for the intellectual property rights. Contrary to one of the major benefits of seeking permission for copyrights, the ownership of the film is turned over to the City of Excelsior, MN.

SUMMARY

In summary, seeking a loan is not an act that is discounted when trying to obtain funds for media publishing. Research supports the realization that emerging trends allow for alternative solutions. When considering the followership available in social networks or current platforms within entertaiment, it is important to build from the current fan base. By comparison, other forms of media including books, magazines and songs may not take as much to produce as the production of a film. When considering some non-traditional options for raising funds to produce a film, both idiegogo and kickstarter offer opportunities to seek crowdfunding. Pitching your idea to an investor such as a city, may deliver a larger budget upfront, but it is important to consider the requirements of copyright status that may be lost along the way.

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