Top-15 crowdfunding platforms 2023 for indie films: Real-life stories

Image source: IMDB.com

This guide aims to assist you in navigating the crowdfunding landscape and propel your indie film towards success.

Before diving into your campaign, ensure your budget is on point.

Formulating a practical film budget

Before initiating your crowdfunding campaign, it is crucial to establish a comprehensive and feasible film budget. Noteworthy instances of successful crowdfunding endeavors include "Blue Ruin", which garnered over $37,000 on Kickstarter, and "Kung Fury", which accumulated over $630,000 on the same platform. Both films possessed well-conceived budgets, enabling them to acquire the required funds and execute their projects proficiently.

The incredible triumph of the 2015 crowdfunded short "Kung Fury" resulted in the eagerly awaited sequel, "Kung Fury 2", scheduled for release on November 17, 2023. Directed by David Sandberg, this martial arts comedy expands upon the original idea and features a remarkable cast, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Fassbender.

Selecting an appropriate crowdfunding platform

Numerous online platforms cater to crowdfunding, each possessing distinctive features and prerequisites. Here is a top-15 list of favored platforms for independent filmmakers:

1. Kickstarter - A worldwide crowdfunding platform concentrating on creative projects, such as indie films. It employs an all-or-nothing funding approach, necessitating projects to achieve their funding objectives to obtain any finances.
2. Indiegogo - A multifaceted crowdfunding platform accommodating various projects, including films. It offers both fixed (all-or-nothing) and adaptable funding alternatives, allowing creators to obtain funds regardless of whether they reach their target.
3. Seed&Spark - A dedicated crowdfunding platform for filmmakers, presenting a distinct collection of tools and resources. It highlights building a community around each film project and provides an extensive array of filmmaker-oriented incentives.
4. Patreon - A platform empowering creators, including filmmakers, to receive continuous financial backing from fans through a subscription model. Patreon permits artists to establish a stable revenue stream and connect with their supporters through exclusive content and rewards.
5. GoFundMe - A UK-based crowdfunding platform linking entrepreneurs, including filmmakers, to investors. It facilitates equity crowdfunding, allowing backers to obtain a share in the project or company in exchange for their backing.
6. CrowdFunder - A UK-based crowdfunding platform that connects entrepreneurs, including filmmakers, with investors. It provides equity crowdfunding, meaning backers can receive a stake in the project or company in exchange for their support.
7. Filmocracy - A distinctive platform merging crowdfunding with a streaming service, granting indie filmmakers the ability to raise funds and display their films to a worldwide audience. It underscores community involvement and presents various tools to aid creators in building a fanbase around their projects.
8. Slated - A film financing platform connecting filmmakers with investors, sales agents, and distributors. It offers an all-encompassing collection of tools, such as script analysis, financial forecasts, and a marketplace for industry professionals to uncover and collaborate on film projects.
9. Ulule - A European-based crowdfunding platform supporting creative projects across multiple domains, including film. It supplies a multilingual interface and a devoted team of coaches to guide creators throughout their fundraising endeavors.
10. Touscoprod - A French crowdfunding platform explicitly designed for film and audiovisual projects. It enables filmmakers to procure funds, team up with professionals, and access a network of partner organizations to assist in bringing their projects to fruition.
11. Greenlit - A UK-based crowdfunding platform tailored specifically for film and creative projects. Greenlit provides comprehensive support, including marketing assistance and access to a community of film enthusiasts, ensuring that creators can effectively pitch their projects to potential backers.
12. Pozible - An Australian crowdfunding platform catering to a diverse range of creative projects, including indie films. Pozible provides a user-friendly interface, multiple funding options, and personalized assistance to help creators attain their funding objectives.
13. Sponsume - A European crowdfunding platform accommodating various creative projects, such as indie films. Sponsume emphasizes the significance of storytelling and offers a platform for filmmakers to convey their vision, engage with their audience, and secure financial backing.
14. Unbound - A UK-based crowdfunding platform concentrating on publishing and storytelling projects, including film adaptations of literary works. Unbound presents a unique collaborative approach, enabling creators to collaborate with their audience to materialize their projects.
15. CrowdforAngels - A UK-based crowdfunding platform offering both equity and debt-based investment opportunities for creative projects, including film productions. CrowdforAngels connects filmmakers with angel investors and streamlines the process of raising funds and managing investments.

When selecting a platform, consider factors such as fees, funding models, and the platform's success in supporting film projects.

Organizing your crowdfunding campaign

An engaging crowdfunding campaign consists of a well-conceived pitch, attractive rewards for backers, promotional materials, and a thorough understanding of your target audience. For instance, the creators of the short film "Code 8", which amassed over $2 million on Indiegogo, offered exclusive behind-the-scenes content and distinctive rewards to their backers, ensuring a victorious campaign.

Advertising and promotion

Efficient marketing is essential in attracting backers and achieving your funding goal. The "Veronica Mars" movie, which gathered over $5.7 million on Kickstarter, leveraged social media and celebrity endorsements to generate excitement and engage potential supporters. Consistent communication with your audience is vital for maintaining momentum throughout the campaign.

Tracking progress and post-campaign activities

Monitor your campaign's progress and adjust your marketing tactics as required. For example, the creators of "Super Troopers 2", which collected over $4.6 million on Indiegogo, introduced stretch goals to stimulate additional funding. After the campaign concludes, maintain communication with your backers and update them on the project's status, ensuring a successful post-campaign phase.

Conclusion

Crowdfunding has demonstrated itself as a transformative approach for indie filmmakers, allowing them to actualize their creative visions while connecting with a dedicated community of supporters. By adhering to this step-by-step guide to effective movie budgeting and fundraising, and harnessing the power of renowned crowdfunding platforms, independent filmmakers can enhance their probability of success. Additionally, employing tools like Filmustage can considerably expedite the pre-production process, enabling filmmakers to concentrate on their creative pursuits. With the proper combination of planning, commitment, and resourcefulness, your indie film project could be well on its way to becoming a reality.