So here we are. The year is 2012 and the flying cars and self-fastening shoes we were all promised by a certain film franchise are still in the development stage. Another film franchise promised us that somewhere between now and 2100 no one would have any money as it would no longer be required. Well they were half right.
We have for some time now, been living in an age of austerity with the proverbial belts being tightened, the literal businesses going bust, and disposable income being little more than a fond memory for many.
During this period many industries have been forced to adapt or disappear altogether. However, one industry which has not only been surviving this issue, but some would argue flourishing, is the world-wide independent film industry. This is due to the concept that you do not need a big budget to make an amazing film. What you need is a big idea, supported by big ambition, high hopes, and a strong team with the same goal – to tell an incredible story. Once these ingredients are in place, it is of course necessary to find the finances to invest in the film.
Big professional film companies and film studios have their routes to do this via professional producers. A route far from accessible to independent film makers who range from experienced film makers looking to get the attention of our industry giants, right down to recent graduates, hungry to tell their first story without the safety net of a teacher watching over them. This is when they learn their craft. So what’s the solution? Sponsored events? A raffle? Saving up wages for months or even years? How’s about winning the lottery? Once upon a time, these may indeed have been the process by which funds could be raised. Along with other more complicated ways such as grants from the Arts Council, etc. But here, in 2012 there’s another option. A new, fresh, crisp spring morning of an option. “Crowd-Funding”.
The process of crowd-funding to raise money is a remarkably simple one, where somebody donates money towards the making of a film and they receive a “Perk” in return, by way of a thank you for their support. The quality of these perks is always in direct relation to the amount of money donated. For example, somebody donating £5 might receive a thank you letter signed by the cast where as somebody donating £200 towards the same project might receive a day on the set to meet the cast and crew (possibly partake in the film as an extra), an associate producer credit, and a poster signed by the cast. These are just examples of how the process works. And let’s not forget the kudos of knowing that you contributed to ‘that’ film.
Crowd-funding as a means to raise funds has, in no uncertain terms, exploded, becoming many independent film makers’ “go-to” plan to help them realise their dream and tell their story to the world. Of course we all long to be up there making our acceptance speeches upon receiving a BAFTA or an Oscar, or another of the many prestigious awards out there. But in this day and age, just having the knowledge that while there are so many industries and businesses imploding, and so many people facing redundancy, and an end to the way of life they have grown comfortable with, the fact that we still have the ability to tell our stories, to entertain our audiences, and to bring them into the fold, to be a part of something like never before…Until those awards come a-calling, this is a pretty good way to be.
Here are just a few of the many Independent Films looking for support. See if any interest you and if so, please help where you can. Even if you can’t donate, every film maker using this process would be massively grateful if you could spread the word, and make more people aware of what we’re trying to do here. Thank you.
Survivors
http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Survivors-Movie-Project
“How Far Would You Go To Survive?”
Contact Adam Spinks / Phill Biggs via Twitter - @SurvivorsMovie
Dead Lies
http://deadliesthemovie.com/
"Being bad to be good... can be a nightmare!"
Contact Gary Spate via Twitter - @FivewayFilms
The Scapegoat
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1826133616/the-scapegoat
“3 jewel thieves are stuck in Venice, Italy until they can decide which of them will take the blame for their heist gone wrong.”
Contact Cathy Beasley via Twitter - @KitCatFilms
The Unseen Truth
http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Unseen-Truth-Movie
“Aaron Taylor sets out to convince everyone that Rhys llewellyn's death was no accident. His course will take him to edge of his sanity and to a place where he may not return from…”
Contact Gemma Deerfield via Twitter - @Gem177
Four Of A Kind
https://www.facebook.com/4ofakindfilm
“A bag full of money and a murder have a way of testing even the oldest loyalties. It comes down to who betrays who first.”
Contact Jack Marchetti via Twitter - @JackMarchetti
Jedi Camp
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/firstglancefilms/jedi-camp
“Lucas, a young wanna be Jedi, discovers he has the power of the Force and uses it to defeat his bully.”
Contact First Glance Films via Twitter - @FirstGlanceFilm
