Hey Stage 32 Family,
I'm checking in with some tough indie filmmaker reality. We posted a few days ago about trying to raise $2,000 for our debut feature’s festival run (Sanctuary of Shadows), and right now... we are sitting at a flat $0 on GoFundMe and just $80 on my film partner’s WhyDonate page, who is also the writer/director, and currently in Berlin, Germany trying to raise money.
My film school partner and I poured every single cent of our savings and production donor money from friends, family, and private donors into the screen. The cut is locked. The suspense/horror footage looks incredible. But we hit a complete financial wall right at the finish line, and the Sundance deadline is staring us in the face.
We aren't looking for massive corporate handouts. We just need to connect with fellow indie creators who know what it’s like to be stuck at the final hurdle.
If 100 people in this amazing community skip their morning coffee and back us with just $10 or $20, we can officially submit to Sundance, Cannes, TIFF, and Tribeca.
Even if you can’t donate, we want to connect. Who else here is currently navigating the festival circuit or prepping a summer submission? Let's talk strategy in the comments.
If you want to see the proof of concept and what two broke NY/NJ filmmakers from a film school turned into a feature from a short film, check out our GoFundMe link below. Let’s get this thing off the ground!
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I REALLY wish I was in a position to help, Timothy. I believe you reap what you sow in this life. I am believing The Creator for big things to happen in my life therefore I sow good seeds into the vision of others. I'm so financially (over) invested in my own projects, I just have nothing left to give. It would be nice if we all formed a network where each person put in $20 toward a project like this. Cumulatively, you'd easily have your goal met. But that's a discussion for another day, I wish you all the very best and will be saying a prayer that the money will come through.
Thanks for your kind wishes and your post, I greatly appreciate it!
There's no link provided ... curious to know what your film looks like.
Crowdfunding is tough, friend, and here's the honest reason: strangers on the internet have no relationship with you, but the people in your own zip code do. The owner of the pizza place down the street is more likely to get excited about being part of a movie than a hundred anonymous scrollers. Look for people who earn solid income and want either a little adventure or a deduction, and offer them a real financial partnership instead of a donation. Do it properly though: equity is a securities offering, so keep it small, keep it clean, and have a lawyer look over even a simple agreement before anyone writes a check.
I speak from experience. After six months of waiting on crowdfunding, we went this direction and raised $20K in the first two weeks, and eventually nearly $6 million over two years. Share the vision with people who can actually act on it.
One more thing, and it's the bigger one: don't let a submission deadline control your creative and finishing process. Sundance happens every year. Your first film and your first impression only happen once. Finish it right, make it as good as you can make it, and then pursue festivals and distribution from strength. Once you've proven to yourself the project is worthy of real investment, you'll be in a position to rinse and repeat for years to come.
Hey Timothy, this is Ashley from the Stage 32 team. I just wanted to let you know I moved your post from Financing / Crowdfunding to Your Stage, as it fits much better there. Let me know if you have any questions, and all the best to you!