Short film crowdfunding is increasingly popular. Here’s a brief overview of how to go about crowdfunding for short films and how we can help.
Short Film Crowdfunding Preparation
Plan Your Crowdfunding for Short Film 
Before you start your crowdfunding campaign, you should have a clear and compelling concept for your short film. You’ll need to create a pitch that explains the story, the team involved, and why people should support your project. Make sure that people understand why this idea will be successful – remember that you may love your concept, and you have to translate that to others.
Choose a Short Film Crowdfunding Platform
There are several crowdfunding platforms available, such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo Website, and Seed & Spark, that cater to creative projects. Each platform has its rules and fees, so research and choose the one that best aligns with your needs. Other platforms are available if you are willing to give up some equity in exchange for larger investments. The same goes for debt crowdfunding. Remember that equity and debt campaigns are less common for short films than features since the path to profit is slightly clearer.
Set a Short Film Crowdfunding Goal
Determine how much money you need to make your short film. Be realistic and transparent about your budget, including pre-production, production, post-production, marketing, and distribution costs. Many investors, especially those who may contribute more significant amounts, are well-versed in these areas and will want to see a thoughtful and complete plan.
We can help with all of these steps!
Short Film Crowdfunding Pitch
Create a Compelling Campaign Page
Your campaign page is where you’ll describe your project, share your vision, and engage potential backers. Use videos, images, and well-written content to tell your story effectively. Be clear about how the funds will be used. If you have prior experience, show the quality of what you’ve done before with clips on the platform or links to your work.
Short Film Crowdfunding Rewards and Tiers
To encourage contributions, offer rewards or perks to backers at different contribution levels. These could include a digital copy of the film, a mention in the credits, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, or even a private screening. Even with equity or debt crowdfunding, the rewards are significant – they may allow you to give away slightly less equity or get better terms on the debt.
Crowdfunding for Short Film Marketing and Promotion
Crowdfunding campaigns require active promotion. Use social media, email marketing, your network, and other online and offline channels to reach potential backers. Engage with your audience and keep them updated on your progress. Set a realistic campaign duration. Some popular sites, for example, typically allow campaigns to run for 30 to 60 days. A sense of urgency can help drive contributions.
Engage and Expand Your Community
Leverage your existing network of friends, family, and colleagues to kickstart your campaign. Early contributions can create momentum and attract new backers. Be authentic and passionate when communicating your project’s story and your personal connection to it. Emotional connections often drive support.
We can help with these areas in small and larger ways, whatever fits your skills and time constraints. We will design a role for ourselves that leaves you with all the control you want and none of the unfinished business!
After Your Campaign
Updates and Gratitude
Regularly update your backers on your campaign’s progress and express gratitude for their support. Keep them involved and excited about the project. Be transparent about any setbacks you encounter. Send clips from filming or table reads. Tell them about each success along the way.
Post-Campaign Fulfillment
Once your campaign is successfully funded, it’s crucial to promptly fulfill your promises to backers. Deliver the rewards as promised and inform backers about the project’s development. Fulfilling the promised rewards is an essential step to keeping investors and backers happy, and they also serve to keep them reminded about your project and potentially spread the word about it.
Budget Management
Be diligent in managing your budget and ensure funds are allocated wisely for all aspects of the project. Remember all the steps because many excellent short films run out of money before it is time to market or distribute them.
Using our consultation services, which again are usually free, can help provide reminders and tips about how to do everything in this step.
Our Work with Crowdfunding for Short Film
Crowdfunding can be a great way to fund your short film, but success requires planning, dedication, and effective communication. It’s important to be prepared to make the effort needed to run a successful campaign and deliver on your promises to backers. We can help! Our services are designed to provide much of the above short film crowdfunding work while leaving you in full control of your project. If you are early in your career, our Charitable Foundation may be a source of help.
Contact us at any time to discuss how we can help.
