Crowdfunding for TV shows is growing in popularity, just like crowdfunding for movies we cover more here. We also provide the same services for those looking to get funds for their TV series, whether to make a compelling pilot or for part of an entire season. The following are some steps and considerations for crowdfunding a TV show. Of course, we also offer a free consultation to independent TV producers where we can provide advice on whether or not you choose to use our services. Contact us any time.
Crowdfunding for TV Shows, Initial Steps
Before you launch a crowdfunding campaign, you need a well-defined plan for your TV show. This includes developing the concept, script, characters, production plan, and budget. The more detailed and compelling your project is, the more likely it is to attract backers. It must be unique and original but tap into what an audience will take to.
Then, you need to set a realistic funding goal: What is the minimum amount of money you need to produce the TV show? This includes costs like production, equipment, crew salaries, post-production, marketing, and rewards for backers. Be sure to account for any platform fees and taxes as well. Your budget is not only important on its own, but it will also serve to impress potential backers who may have excellent knowledge in this area.
Finally, it would be best to decide on rewards and tiers, which have become a significant part of crowdfunding, even when the investors will receive equity or a debt payback. Offer a variety of attractive rewards for different contribution levels. These could include exclusive content, merchandise, credits in the show, or even a chance to visit the set. Make sure the rewards are enticing and relevant to your TV show.
Crowdfunding for TV: Engaging with a Platform
Once you have done your initial work and decided whether your raise will be rewards-based only, will also offer a share of revenue, or will have a debt component, you need to choose a platform to work with. You can choose from several crowdfunding platforms, each with its rules, fees, and features, so research to determine which one aligns best with your project. We can help you decide and also make an introduction for free.
Your Crowdfunding for TV Pitch
Once you have decided on a platform and ironed out a contract with them that you feel is fair, you need to craft a captivating campaign pitch that clearly explains your TV show’s concept, its uniqueness, and why people should contribute. Use visuals like concept art, trailers, or behind-the-scenes videos to engage potential backers. Write a comprehensive description of your TV show, its cast, crew, and what backers can expect.
Most crowdfunding platforms have you post a central high-quality video that introduces yourself, your team, and the TV show project. This video should be engaging, informative, and visually appealing. Ensure you communicate a clear idea of your TV show – genre, storyline, target audience, etc. Create a range of rewards for different contribution levels to attract backers. While this is a nessesary step for rewards-based crowdfunding and often for donation-based crowdfunding, it is highly recommended even if you are doing an financial equity or debt raise.
TV Crowdfunding Budgeting
Many investors are savvy and experienced, especailly if you are doing an financial equity– or debt-based raise and looking for large amounts of money. You need to determine the overall budget required for the project, providing as much detail as necessary to allow investors to assess how realistic it is and how successful it could make you. Look at budgets from other similar projects to make sure you don’t leave anything out. This is also a good time to get advice from consultants (like us or others) who have created these budgets before.
As part of the budgeting process, determine the amount you need to raise and break it down into achievable milestones. Keep in mind that grants, tax credits, and other fundraising may pay for some of this, so make sure your potential investors know what their money will be going toward.
TV Crowdfunding Next Steps
Your pitch on the platform will not necessarily sell itself, so you need to develop a marketing plan to promote your crowdfunding campaign. Use social media, email newsletters, press releases, and other channels to reach your target audience and generate interest. Ensure you keep your backers and potential supporters informed about the campaign’s progress and the TV show’s development. Regular updates can help maintain interest and trust. Try to secure media coverage for your campaign. This could be through blogs, podcasts, news outlets, or industry publications. A feature or interview can bring more visibility to your project.
Engage with Backers
Ensure that you fully engage with your backers during your campaign and afterward. Interact with your backers throughout the campaign. Respond promptly to comments, questions, and messages. Building a community around your project can lead to more substantial support. The bakers you have now may be interested should you have future rounds or new projects.
Use various marketing strategies to expand your reach – influencer partnerships, media coverage, etc.
Crowdfunding for TV Post Campaign Steps
After you campaign ends, make sure to express your gratitude by thanking your backers and supporters. Deliver the rewards that they were promised. Maintain transparency by providing regular updates on the show’s progress. Remember that these core supporters may be key if you need more financing or have a new project down the road.
You also need to continually assess how you are doing compared to your budget, and consider new fundraising efforts or alternative funding sources if needed.
Other Tips and Our Work 
Crowdfunding success requires a combination of a compelling idea, effective communication, and a strategic approach to engaging potential backers. Being transparent, passionate, and dedicated to making your TV show a reality is essential. Here are some other tips:
- Make sure you have a unique and compelling story: Highlight what makes your TV show unique and why people should invest in it. There is a lot of competition for crowdfunding dollars, and you need to capture the attention of potential backers quickly.
- Engage with your audience consistently through social media, live streams, Q&A sessions, etc. This demonstrates your energy, dedication, and skill. It may remind them to reach out to their networks about their excitement for your project. It may even convince them to do more.
- Visuals: Use visuals effectively – images, videos, concept art – to make your campaign page appealing. While this is important for all crowdfunding raises, for TV it also shows your skill and ability in creating good content.
- Networking: Leverage connections in the industry for endorsements or collaborations. These may be people who have successfuly used crowdfunding (we can help with those connections), or industray veterans that can help more generally.
Remember, a successful crowdfunding campaign often requires a lot of dedication, promotion, and engagement. It’s not just about asking for funds but also about building a community around your TV show idea.
We can help! We provide consultation around all the steps outlined above and related to crowdfunding for TV shows, and many of our services are free. Please contact us if you want to talk about your project and how we might help.
