3 Creative Fundraising Ideas For Your Indie Film

Need some extra cash during the creation of your film baby? You’re not alone. Maybe you’re in post production and realizing you really needed that extra song or you’re submitting to festivals and want a bit more money to get your film out there. Don’t worry, you don’t have to wait on a grant or launch an entire campaign - here are a few ideas to try out to raise some extra cash!

#1: Host An Event / Party

Partner up with a local bar, restaurant, or coffee shop to host an event. Tell the business your estimated headcount and say if you can charge for tickets, they can keep all food/drink profits. TIP - if you host your event on a day that’s typically slow, then they are more likely to agree to this model and not try to charge you a “rental” fee.

#2: Virtual Talent Show

We are in the arts - we all have actors, singers, painters, circus performers, comedians, and more in our life (at least, I do). Charge an entry fee for the performers and ask for the viewers to donate in exchange for voting for their favorite act. Partner with a local business to provide a service as a prize or offer a prize that you already have access to. #3: Social Media Live Talk Show

Set up an IG live for several hours throughout the day while having a donation link people can contribute to. Have a series of guests you will be interviewing / talking with during the live while reminding people repeatedly that you are fundraising now. Keep the topics engaging, valuable, and fun. Shout out EVERY donation as they come in.

Good luck!!

October Spotlight Filmmaker: Scott Rice

Scott Rice is an Emmy Award winning writer-producer-director. He is also the professor of Script to Screen, a film course he co-teaches with Matthew McConaughey. Scott’s films hold a staggering film festival record of 300 Official Selections and 100 Awards. He is the only filmmaker ever nominated for two student Academy Awards in two categories in the same year.

Scott grew up in the Midwest the son of a rocket scientist. After studying under world-renowned film scholar David Bordwell, Scott began his career as an animator and art director for Activision. He scripted the groundbreaking hit game SOLDIER OF FORTUNE and has since written on assignment for Elizabeth Avellan (SPY KIDS) among others. He owns two production companies including his commercial division, Two Shot West.

Check out his latest short, Treasure Imagination, created at the Stray Vista Studios in Dripping Springs.