Have a big, hairy, audacious goal for an epic film project but no idea how to get it off the ground financially? Well, film students are in luck. The following web-based platforms can help serious future filmmakers gain funding and get others to buy into their cinema and TV dreams.
1. Niche
This K-12 to college informational site of more than 3.2 million scholarships can help match aspiring film students to educational dollars. Search for related film and TV funds from specific categories to get started. Register on Niche.com to become personally matched with scholarships that meet your eligibility and video interests.
2. GoFundMe
Dubbed the world's No. 1 personal fundraising site, GoFundMe allows users to share their story and attract support from around the globe. Connected to social media like Facebook, Twitter and email, GoFundMe can help up-and-coming filmmakers inform the masses about the project. Simply set a fundraising amount goal, present the project to viewers, explain the project's storyline, and share the campaign with family and friends — right from a smartphone. Supporters can use a debit or credit card to contribute to the film project in a matter of minutes.
3. Indiegogo
Get creative documentaries, shorts and feature film ideas in the indie industry spotlight through this easy step-by-step launchpad. First, build an audience to generate buzz through the site's "Coming Soon" page. Next, start your film project campaign to raise funds. Lastly, keep the momentum going immediately after the fundraising ends by sharing your work within Indiegogo's marketplace, which connects you to logistics and manufacturing experts.
4. Kickstarter
Gaining film and video exposure through this innovative platform is an all-or-nothing deal. Dedicate time to build your project page, shoot the best footage and brainstorm achievable rewards to offer supporters. When you're done, launch the project by sharing it with various communities across social media. Making sure to set a funding goal and deadline, project fundraising success is based on actually reaching that goal. If the project falls short, no backer is charged.
5. FundAnything
Whatever is needed to get filming projects off the ground, this crowdfunding site is open to help make money dreams a reality. Like most fundraising sites, you create a specific campaign, sharing the storyline with family and friends using social media. Then, collect contributions into your account after the campaign — no repay at all. FundAnything also encourages users to follow up with its project supporters with promised rewards if made during fundraising.
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