Film Crowdfunding: Five Tips for an Enticing Campaign

Whether you are a first-time filmmaker working on a low budget or a seasoned professional in need of an extra boost, a well-planned crowdfunding campaign can make the difference between a dream and reality. Here are five useful tips to help you stand out from the sea of campaigns and get one step closer to bringing your project to life.

1. Lead with a passionate and personal video

The introductory video is the most efficient way of presenting who you are to potential backers. Viewers connect with well-spoken, passionate filmmakers, and when they get a sense of who you are, they are more likely to trust you to pull off everything you say you will. If you can pitch your film in thirty seconds to a stranger, you can do it to camera.

Here are two examples of campaigns that use a passionate and personal video:

• Destination Fantastic
• I Was in Your Blood

And here is an example of a project that focuses on portraying the film's style rather than a personal connection:

• The Rebirthing Club

See the difference? At first glance, which would you be more likely to invest in: a campaign that makes a personal appeal, or a standalone trailer?

A creative trailer is an effective way to show proof of concept and it belongs in your appeal, but remember that people invest in the team, not just the project. Nothing is more powerful than showing yourself and speaking directly to the audience.

2. Offer creative and desirable rewards

There are plenty of desirable rewards you can offer backers that will not put you out of pocket. Get creative and aim to reward them with something meaningful that you already have access to. Some examples:

• A signed screenplay
• A download link to the film's soundtrack
• Limited edition posters and artwork
• Phone wallpapers
• Props from the shoot
• Behind-the-scenes images

If your film is going to use background artists or extras, why not offer to feature backers in the film? If they are overseas, you could mention their name in a dialogue scene or feature their image in a photo. Producers in the industry are always looking to add credits, so a strong top-tier reward could be an executive producer credit.

3. Include eye-catching artwork

Your campaign is the first glimpse of who you are as a creative and of the film you aim to make. It is often overlooked, but presenting your idea in a visually captivating way reflects the design and style of your film. Take the time to create headers for each section in a consistent style that represents the feeling and themes you want to carry through your project.

4. Involve the cast and crew

If you are at a stage where you have a cast and crew attached, feature them in your campaign. You will not only show that your film is well organised; funders will also see the passionate, dedicated team working hard to bring the project to life.

Write a short blurb about each key team member and their past successes. It backs up what you say you will achieve with more funding.

5. Plan your updates strategically

Backers want to know their money has gone to a good cause. Keep them updated regularly with planned updates that keep their faith strong. When they feel involved, they may even donate more. Do not be afraid to post updates before the project is fully funded: new backers will see your dedication and be more likely to back you. Two good examples of intriguing updates are casting announcements and a weekly round-up of what you have achieved in the lead-up to your shoot.

Campaigns that got it right

It is all about gaining trust and building excitement: make audiences feel they need to see your film. A creative, well-planned crowdfunding campaign is the first impression of the talent involved, and it shows your ability to deliver the finished film.

Here are three campaigns that surpassed their funding goal thanks to a creative design and pitch.

Wish I Was Here (feature film)

Zach Braff's Wish I Was Here is one of the best-known film campaigns on Kickstarter.

Hair Love (animated short film)

Matthew A. Cherry's Hair Love led with artwork that told you exactly what the film would feel like.

Terrifier 2 (feature film)

Terrifier 2 raised its budget on Indiegogo with a campaign built squarely for the horror audience it wanted.

Once your campaign is funded, the next job is finding the people to make the film, and that includes the cast. When you post a casting on Actorly, the breakdown goes out to the actors and registered Irish agencies. Join Actorly as a caster and find your perfect cast.