Making a short film was one of the best things I’ve ever decided to do. When COVID hit and my auditions stopped, my creativity didn’t.

Birds, Bees, and Threes is based on a true story from my childhood, and I had a brewing desire to share the story with the world. It’s funny, cringey, and honest.

Logline: Julia’s trusted triplet support group leader expresses the importance of teaching their children about sex by the age of eight. Birds, Bees, and Threes comically follows Julia and Andy Hudson and their triplet daughters as they all attempt to digest their embarrassment, shock, and confusion after “the talk.”

Similar to a blank page, I had no idea where to start.

What I did know? I would need money to produce it independently. I so wish I had a roadmap to follow, so my goal here is to provide some helpful tips and encourage filmmakers who may feel held back by fundraising to go for it.

#1) Talk to People Who Have Raised Funds Successfully.

My first call was to a buddy from college who had recently raised money on a fundraising platform. Talking to him gave me the confidence that I could do it. After speaking with him and reviewing the different platform options, I chose Indiegogo. Thanks, Jordan!

Here on Stage 32, you can use the Financing Lounge to connect with professionals, ask questions, and share about your own journey to acquiring financing or crowdfunding.

#2) Invest In The Time For A Great Promo Video.

Indiegogo gave us the option to speak directly to those who would be donating via a welcome video, and Jordan encouraged me to really put the time in here. Get people excited and motivate them to be a part of the story you want to tell!

I sat down to discuss it with my co-director, Margaux Susi, and even pulled home videos to help viewers feel the heart and truth behind our story.

Click here to see what we came up with!

#3) Get Creative And Reach Out To Strangers Who Are Aligned

Jordan also gave me the great advice to not just ask friends and family, but to reach out to groups who may support the cause. In my case, I was able to post in Facebook and Linkedin groups for triplets and multiples. To my surprise, this was successful. Many thanks to groups like Twiniversity!

You can also use the Stage 32 Your Stage Lounge, right here on the platform to promote your campaigns.

#4) Make It Personal

Another helpful tip was to make the different tiers personal. Have fun with this! We sent out the script for a certain donor tier to read, along with a behind-the-scenes look at what we were up to. This helped investors feel in the know long after they donated.

Our biggest incentive? The highest donation tier offered an executive producer credit.

#5) Split The Campaign Into Two Parts

Finally, we ran two campaigns. I was initially scared to ask for money twice, but I’m so glad we did.

1: A pre-production campaign. Get people passionate about the idea and keep them updated with casting, etc. Show where your money will be going. Many people who donate are not in the business, so it’s helpful to break it down.

2: A post-production campaign. This creates fresh energy and a new opportunity for people to donate and help you reach the finish line. Explain how the money will help you finish editing or prepare for marketing and a festival run.

#6) Use Your Materials To Market A Second Campaign

When people see your hard work and art come to life, they will be inspired.

And you can make your own short film, like Birds, Bees, and Threes.

Best of luck!

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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