Thinking about making a movie? You've probably considered the wild costs it takes to create a film. When you've got a tight budget, that can make the whole thing seem impossible.
But don't give up on your dream just yet thanks to film financing.
The average cost to film a major Hollywood film is about $65 million. First-timers will likely be aiming much lower than that, but film financing is still a significant investment.
Luckily, many filmmakers don't end up footing the whole bill on their own. In fact, there are a number of ways to find the financial support you need when funding a movie. Even if you're on a tight budget, you can still end up creating the film you always wanted to make.
Read on to learn 4 tips for funding a movie on a budget.
1. Find and Apply for Film Financing Grants
Grants are one of the most common methods for film financing, especially for those on a budget. Be prepared to do a lot of work without a guarantee of success, as competition tends to be fierce.
To maximize your chances of scoring a grant, look for grant-writing tips online, or reach out to any fellow filmmakers for advice. You can also look for smaller "niche" grants that pertain to specific genres within the film industry.
2. Seek Crowdfunding Services
Many small filmmakers turn to crowdfunding campaigns in order to help out with film financing. This is an especially good route to go if you've already built a loyal network of followers who'd be interested in giving you support.
However, even if nobody knows your name yet, you can seize the opportunity to build excitement and hype for your film long before it's been released. No matter the situation though, you'll have to dedicate a lot of time to your campaign.
For starters, try filming a small teaser, or even a behind-the-scenes look into your filming plans.
You'll also need a detailed description of your project, worded in a way that is captivating and intriguing. By leaving your audience wanting more, they'll be more likely to help you invest or support your film financing in another way.
3. Look for Investors
No matter the genre, there may be an individual (or individuals) who are willing to help out with movie funding.
Don't spend too much time on the big fish, though: the ultra-rich investors typically have their eyes on bigger prizes in the film industry. Instead, look for smaller investors who take on indie projects.
If you've got anyone in your family or social network, there might be an opportunity there, too. Don't be afraid to reach out for support once you've solidified the concept for your film-to-be.
4. Film a Good Trailer And Publish It Everywhere
This might require a small amount of capital upfront, but if you can make it successful, you could garner some serious attention for your film financing. By filming an impactful and intriguing trailer, you can use it across multiple platforms and possibly find resources you wouldn't have otherwise.
Share the movie trailer across all social media, blogs, websites, and video sharing platforms after doing months or weeks of countdowns to its release.
Start Planning Your Film Today
Just because you have a modest budget doesn't mean you have to bury your dreams of filmmaking. Now that you know some good film financing methods, start working on your movie project today!
Start Planning Your Film Today
Just because you have a modest budget doesn't mean you have to bury your dreams of filmmaking. Now that you know some good film financing methods, start working on your movie project today!
