How to Finance an Independent Film

Independent films aren’t owned by a major film studio, so they typically allow greater freedom of expression for the producer and director. “Pulp Fiction,” an independent movie produced on an $8 million budget in 1994 by a then-30-year-old Quentin Tarantino, grossed $213.9 million worldwide. “Good Will Hunting,” another independent film produced on an estimated $10 million dollar budget, hit box office sales of $226 million and launched the careers of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Although these two movies did not have the support of a major film studio, their budgets were substantial. If you’re looking for a way to compete in the independent film market, you need funding.

Use Your Own Money

Look deep in your own pockets first. If you receive regular payments from an annuity or structured settlement, you may be able to sell your future payments for a lump sum of cash now, which you could then use to help fund your project. Visit J.G. Wentworth for more information about selling your future payments.

Also, consider getting a part-time job to bring in extra income which you can invest in your talent. Use the funds to produce a movie short that you can publish online or show at a local film festival. It also makes a great teaser for crowdsourcing, too.

Use Your Talents Wisely

Consider offering to create movies for charity. Local chapters of nonprofit organizations such as the United Way or The Red Cross may need a short showcasing a special project or a family they assisted. You never know who will see your work.

Crowdfunding

Many people have had success funding a project by raising many small amounts of money from large numbers of people via the Internet. If you can convince enough people to donate to your project, you can raise quite a bit. Most of the top crowdfunding platforms are easy to use, facilitating credit card donations directly to your site or via a PayPal account. Just beware—some charge you a percentage of the funds you raise.

Start by writing a proposal for your idea and then pitching it to the crowd. People come from all over the world to read the different ideas and contribute to the causes they like.

Grants and Awards

Institutes such as the Sundance Film Institute and Cinereach.org award grants and fellowships to new and up-and-coming filmmakers and screenwriters. The Los Angeles Film Festival has a list of in-kind production grants to help those who may just need a little help to get their project off the ground. Also, consider pitching your idea to GreenLightMyMovie.com.

Don’t be discouraged and never, ever give up on your dream. Remember what Steven Spielberg said: “I dream for a living.”

BTM Guest Author: Richard Cook – Richard is a contributing writer, international ESL teacher, movie buff