I’m guessing if you’re on Twitter and/or Facebook, you have come across your friends, or more likely ‘friends of friends’ who have a film project that needs lifting off the ground – with YOUR cash.
The names Kickstarter or Indiegogo ringing any bells?
Like charities, we can’t contribute to all who ask, but if we have a little cash in our pockets, we pick and choose who we donate to. Crowd funding is similar. HOW do I chose which one to pick, if any at all?
Questions are asked. Does the project mean something to me? Does the story or subject resonate? Who’s involved? How much do they need? What are the perks? What do I get for my money?
All very valid questions. But what I’ve discovered through my own experience of backing a film project, is that it’s the PEOPLE behind the project that truly determines my decision.
Its not the perks, although that’s a great bonus – in some cases an incredibly generous bonus – but the feeling of making a difference with the PEOPLE you ADMIRE and who have PASSION about their project.
PASSION is INFECTIOUS. I see a creative team, whether it be the writer or director (or both), who are living and breathing their project every day, without fail, and it makes me want to be a part of it. From the minute they wake up to the minute they lay their heads on the pillow. I know myself that it can filter into your dreams too, so it really is 24/7.
There are only two projects that I have backed so far. One in the UK and one in the USA. The genres are poles apart, one is a feature and the other a short film. However the common denominators are the FOCUS, PASSION and DETERMINATION of these filmmakers.
I believe in THEM because THEY BELIEVE in their project and with that, I am inspired. How often can we say that?
The other factor is that I LIKE these people. Who gives money to anyone they don’t like? Who’s walked away from a store solely because of the staff? Me too. It’s the people who make the difference and I’m routing for them, all the way, because they deserve a break.
You don’t have to be in the industry to be inspired either. I know a number of film fans who are buzzing at the thought of helping someone achieve their vision. They want to help in any way they can. I’ve been asked by a director friend of mine to come to set to see how she shoots her short film. What a generous offer! Even if I’m making tea all day, I don’t care. To be part of something creative is uniquely special.
These are the filmmakers who have inspired me:
USA
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bekemeyer/impasse
@jeannevb Jeanne Veillette Bowerman and
@bekemeyer Michael Bekemeyer
UK
@indywoodFILMS AD Lane
Good luck to all who have their own crowd funding projects. I hope you inspire enough people to get your films made. It will be worth every effort you make. The litmus test; ask who wants to make the tea?
Camilla
I will make your tea, rub your toes, polish your nails, all while pimping IMPASSE and making it the best film we can. Why? Because I am deeply grateful for your support and believe in not only our project, but also in our backers. YOU! Backers like you raise the bar for us to make our film the best it can possibly be. To disappoint any of you would be heartbreaking. Can’t wait to share make our film a reality and exceed your expectations. :)
xo
And that is why I’m backing Impasse. Total dedication by you guys! Thanks Jeanne, I know it’ll be heart-crushingly good :)
Thank you for that thoughtful posting. I liked it so much I had to quote from it!
http://www.weaverwerx.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-may-pick-for-shine-some-light.html
OK HW
Thanks Hal, that is very much appreciated!
Camilla
Thanks for the twitter follow. Cool post. If I had money id be obsessed with crowdfunding sites.
I do ‘angel invest’ in my favourite band which is v cool.
They got ditched by their label and asked for angel investors of £500.
The perks are not huge in any financial sense… but ongoing and it literally keeps them gigging and releasing.
And they are lovely.
And i like getting emails from my hero! The communication bit i really like.
http://mylifestory.uk.com/
they also released the first even download only single apparently.
and yes the tea is important. #always.
Thanks Colin. I enjoy your tweets and thanks for the feedback.
The tea – the coffee – the vodka
Pingback: » Crowd Funding – Why I back a project | Camilla Castree albiestar.net
Yes, funding friends and those with mutual interests in a better world keeps charity close to home and meaningful. thanks for a helpful post!
Adan, I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for posting here and keep posting those great dishes on Twitter!
If you sense I am smiling and clapping, that would be correct. Film and television takes a crew, each partner in the production is a valued asset in the project as a whole. Art does not happen in a vacuum unto itself. Jeanne and Michael are two who practice what they practice what they preach about community. Ditto for Andy! Love them all! It’s lovely to meet you on Twitter, Camilla.
And with real community comes spirit. A pleasure to meet you too!