Category: Crowdfunding and Grants
Explore the most effective ways to fund your film through crowdfunding platforms and grants. Learn how to build compelling campaigns, attract backers, find reputable grant opportunities, and understand the pros and cons of donation-based vs. equity-based funding strategies.
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Your Crowdfunding Campaign Won’t Work Unless You Show Your Face
Here’s a hard truth filmmakers don’t hear enough: people don’t fund projects. They fund people. Your logline might be clever. Your poster might be beautiful. Your teaser might be cut like a trailer for an A24 release. But none of that matters if the audience doesn’t feel connected to you. Table of Contents The Myth
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How Crowdfunded Films Attract In-Kind Sponsors to Save Money
Crowdfunding can be a lifeline for indie filmmakers. It provides upfront capital, builds a fanbase, and gives your project early momentum. But even a successful campaign often falls short of covering the full production cost, especially once you factor in backer rewards, platform fees, and unforeseen expenses. That’s where sponsorship comes in. Rather than trying
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How Equity Crowdfunding Is Changing Indie Film Finance
For years, crowdfunding was synonymous with free t-shirts, behind-the-scenes access, and maybe your name in the credits. It was donation-driven, passion-fueled, and largely non-recoupable. But that’s changing, fast. With the rise of equity crowdfunding platforms, backers are no longer just supporters. They’re shareholders. Investors. Equity holders in the very films, companies, or creative projects they
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69 Things I Learned About Filmmaking (From Writing 69 Blog Posts About It)
When I started writing blog posts for Garvescope, I didn’t plan to write 69 of them. (Nice.) But somewhere between breaking down film budgets and unraveling the mystery of AVOD algorithms, I realized I wasn’t just writing about filmmaking. I was mapping the modern indie film playbook. Because here’s the truth: filmmaking isn’t just a
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Should You Crowdfund or Seek Private Investors for Your Film?
Raising money is one of the biggest challenges for independent filmmakers. While major studios have access to pre-sales, distribution deals, and deep-pocketed investors, indie filmmakers must explore alternative funding sources. Two of the most common options are crowdfunding and private investment. Each approach has its advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on factors
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Filmmaker’s Guide to Grants and How to Fund Your Next Project
Securing funding is one of the biggest challenges for independent filmmakers. While crowdfunding, investors, and personal savings play a role, film grants offer a powerful way to secure funding without sacrificing ownership. However, the process of finding and winning grants is far from straightforward. Understanding where to look and how to craft a compelling application
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What Film Buyers Look for Before Purchasing an Indie Film
Indie filmmakers often focus on the creative process, but when it comes to selling their films, they must think like a film buyer. These buyers, whether they work for streaming platforms, distributors, or theatrical exhibitors, are tasked with selecting films that fit their company’s financial and strategic goals. While filmmakers may see their work as
