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Check out this article in the print edition of StudentFilmmakers Magazine, May 2008. Click here to get a copy and to subscribe >>

Getting Financing for Your Independent Film
Ensuring Distribution and Choosing Scripts

by Christina DeHaven

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There are many different ways to fund a film, and not necessarily out of your own pocket. You have to start by preparing yourself for an effective fundraising campaign. Arm yourself with a few basic tools:

1. A strong business proposal, complete with references and samples of your previous work.

2. A network of friends and colleagues in the industry to support your cause.

3. The natural ability to lure people to your project with your confidence and enthusiasm.

Number three is the most important tool to have in your arsenal, because in a world where thousands of independent films rarely ever get distribution, you must learn how to be convincing. If you want to find companies and individuals to invest in your film, be prepared to be a social butterfly. The common clich� still applies here as it does throughout our industry: It�s all about who you know.

Most individuals who can invest do so to be a part of the fascinating process of filmmaking. The prospect of owning a piece of a motion picture is still sexy and alluring to many who have the capital for it. It goes without saying that a good script is very important to an investor, as well as their confidence in the director�s storytelling ability.

One of the biggest �pros� about this fundraising model is that a private investment portfolio typically allows the filmmaker to retain full creative control over the picture. Investors sign on the dotted line knowing that they will have little to no say in the outcome of the finished piece. This is good news for you, but again keep in mind that there is a lot of trust that goes into such a deal�trust that you will stand and deliver a great film.

While there is, of course, hope of getting a return on their investment, all of those involved should be well aware of the fact that investing in a film is extremely risky. Since we the filmmakers are in no position to guarantee the profitablility of the film, no matter how good the story is, we have to make sure this is clearly stated on the front cover of our business proposal (and in the kind of font that does not require glasses to read). We, as filmmakers, would love to strike gold at the box office, but this is not our first priority. Our goal is to make the best film possible, and to give that film the best future possible�making the most out of a strong run through the festival circuit, followed by a solid distribution deal. That is the goal.

Despite the risk, there are plenty of investors out there with an instinct for great stories and will share in your enthusiasm for your project. If you are successful at financing your film this way, you are one of the lucky few�and don�t take it for granted! With this success comes great responsibility�to look out for your investors� best interests as well as your own.

Another way that indie filmmakers find funding is through partnership with an established production company. Just like there are private individuals out there looking to invest, so are companies seeking to build their success on an ever-growing slate of projects. It should work both ways: hopefully you get a significantly large amount of funding and production support, and they get another great film to add to the company reel. But as in most cases where we are using other people�s money to get it done, there will be certain limitations. Depending upon the production company, you may have to relinquish a large amount of creative control over the outcome of the film. It�s their money so why wouldn�t they have the right to control it? Everything from script rewrites to casting choices, to direction and final cut. These days there are so many companies out there that have built their success on the talent of independent filmmakers. But where big money is involved there are bound to be considerable limitations put upon the filmmaker. Before you enter into this type of deal, you need to consider how much control you are willing to sacrifice in order to fund your film.

Small amounts of funding are also available through the non-profit route, like grants and fiscal sponsorship through a nonprofit organization. The amount of funding obtained through these methods are often smaller and don�t involve investors so much as donors. People and entities donate to your film, and do so for the cause, not for the profit potential. Becoming a member of a non-profit organization is a great way to network with other filmmakers and gather information on applicable grants, and other fundraising options for your project.

And another great research tool is to simply watch independent films�stay for the end credits and see who some of their biggest supporters are. Most of them will be given proper screen credit, or listed in the �special thanks� section.

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