From all facets of a traditional raise to soft money to crowdfunding strategies, this is the place to discuss, share content and offer tips and advice regarding raising funds for a project.
Hello everyone!
We are a team of enthusiasts based in Estonia, working on professional military historical films. For the past 3 years, we have been learning everything ourselves from scratch, without formal experience or education, through constant practice.
People often say our films look like they...
Expand post
I've been a member of Stage32 almost since its inception, and although I wasn't active on it for many years, I have enjoyed watching it grow as a safe space for seasoned pros and aspiring filmmakers to connect.
This is a safe space, but it is also one for honesty and transparency, so to anyone just...
Expand post
I agree, being a newbie who nonetheless came out swinging (call it that overconfidence that's endemic to newbies), I've now learned to significantly cool my jets lol. I'm focusing entirely on getting...
Expand comment
Also I think it's great for creatives to be aware of all the different elements that go into building a career. It's not just about writing a script (which is the best it can possibly be). It's also a...
Expand comment
Hey Everyone, I learned a lot running my own crowdfunding campaign back in late 2023 and know it's one of the hardest things to pull off. I'm currently working on a YouTube series where I share the lessons I learned. Here's the first episode in case anyone might find it useful: https://youtu.be/zozK...
Expand post
Wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks for putting a budget together, in order to get a budget top-sheet I can use for grant applications? With no experience in the industry, but wanting to self-produce my Indy film, I have no idea how much things will cost. For example, do you need to first hav...
Expand post
Adam Delmonico You don’t need every single shot planned out before you start building a budget, but having a strong sense of your script breakdown, locations, cast size, and overall scope will make a...
Expand comment
Budgets don’t start with numbers — they start with identity.
Until the identity of the project is clear, every number looks random. Most first‑time producers try to build a top sheet before they’ve de...
Expand comment
If you want a clean starting point, I can map the identity of your project with you in a short clarity session so your budget has a real architecture behind it. It’s a simple upstream diagnostic that stabilizes the whole process.
A lot of first‑time producers hit this same collapse — once the identity is clear, the budget stops drifting and the top sheet becomes easy to build.
Adam Delmonico it's not overly complicated. What's important is that you abide by whatever the grant's guidelines are, especially how you'll be using the funds (if you succeed)....
Expand comment
I’m not very interested in creating a YouTube channel and uploading my films there. Honestly, I don’t have the time or the right conditions for that. I prefer to focus on my work as a director.
Do you have any suggestions on how I can sell or license my films to platforms so they can be streamed? Is...
Expand post
Great question this is exactly where strategy makes all the difference.
Getting your films onto streaming platforms typically involves either going through aggregators, film festivals for exposure, or...
Expand comment
Thank you very much for your helpful insights — they are truly excellent. I understand your points very well. As you mentioned, creating a strong logline and preparing a proper propo...
Expand comment
Find a sales agent, who can sell your content. You need a good poster and trailer and a solid film. Even then, there is no guarantee you'll make $$. Festivals are great to build relationships. In the...
Expand comment
"With the screenplay complete and WGA registered, I'm currently seeking production partners, financing opportunities, and the right creative team to bring this project to life." Are there any other options I could do?
Hi Filmmakers!!!
I'd love to discuss anyone experience crowdfunding their project. I'm so close to my budget goal and if anyone has any tales of how to get over the top I'd love to hear and discuss.
here's the link to take a peak.
Lets all start a bad ass movement!!
Ryan (Ri...
Expand post
That’s an exciting place to be being close to your goal is often the hardest but most rewarding stage.
From what I’ve seen, the final push usually comes down to urgency and storytelling tightening you...
Expand comment
If you want to get your $2–$5MM feature film made, you already know that passion and vision alone won’t secure financing—you need to speak the language investors understand. In today’s film industry, where projects compete fiercely for funding, your ability to present a clear, compelling financial i...
Expand post
Excited to have you teach this Emma Smith !
Hi Emma, looking forward to the class.
Loved the first class! Excited! Having problems locating the assignment files for the class. Is there a direct link I missed. I did reach out to Stage 32 but no answer yet to find them. Thanks.
Thank you Emma for this class opportunity.
Thank you
I moved to Louisville from DC many years ago, and like most, I had some preconceived notions about Kentucky (c'mon... You've all heard the jokes). However, nestled along the Ohio River, Metro Louisville is a brilliant city with unique southern charm, and nearly every amenity you could ask for... Eve...
Expand post
I love to learn about new cities/locations becoming filming centres. Thanks for the post, Michael Fitzer, Mfa
Michael Fitzer, Mfa Very good to hear your enthusiasm for Kentucky filming. I've likewise heard great things about shooting there with producer colleagues extolling the advantages and opportunities. I...
Expand comment
What if crowdfunding didn’t need a crowd… or funding?
Just people willing to step in and greenlight.
Expand post
This is definitely something I'm interested in hearing more about. Way to work!
Click next to the topics below to subscribe to a topic. means you're already subscribed.
Register / Log In
Kliment Tihhonov What you’ve built already is honestly impressive especially achieving that level of production value on such a small budget. That’s a strong foundation most teams don’t have.
From what...
Expand commentKliment Tihhonov What you’ve built already is honestly impressive especially achieving that level of production value on such a small budget. That’s a strong foundation most teams don’t have.
From what you described, it sounds like the next step isn’t just funding it’s positioning. Instead of relying only on crowdfunding, I’d suggest focusing on making your work visible to the right audience and potential backers.
A few approaches that might help:
Targeted outreach to niche sponsors: Since you’re working in military history, brands related to historical gear, reenactment communities, museums, or even educational institutions could be a natural fit.
Film festivals + online exposure: If your work already looks high-quality, getting it into festivals or even strategically releasing it online can attract attention from producers or investors.
Build a clear pitch package: Not just a teaser, but a strong logline, synopsis, and a clear vision of how a bigger budget would elevate what you’re already doing.
Direct networking: Reaching out to indie producers or filmmakers working in similar genres can sometimes open more doors than platforms alone.
You already have the hardest part proof that you can create something compelling with very little. Now it’s about getting the right people to see that.