40+ ways to fund your independent film
The path to cinematic success often requires navigating the daunting landscape of funding. There are countless avenues for aspiring filmmakers to secure the financial backing needed to turn their cinematic dreams into reality.
A disclaimer: None of these are easy, low-touch, or even always possible. Raising funding is hard but there are a lot of opportunities available. This list may help spark some ideas!
💰 TIP: It’s a common goal for less than 50% of your entire budget to require cash.
Save Money
Check, double-check, and triple-check your script for ways to cut costs.
Rent (or even better, borrow) equipment instead of buying.
Work with students who have access to university resources and equipment.
Barter other skills in exchange for funding, such as offering marketing or production services.
Partner with local companies to provide in-kind support, such as catering or transportation, in exchange for promotion in the film and marketing materials.
Research local tax incentives and rebates for filming in certain locations.
Choose a film-friendly production location with low costs, such as a foreign country or state with tax incentives.
Make Money
Find part-time work in another field to fund your films.
Do corporate work such as commercials on the side.
Monetise the film’s website or social media channels with ads.
Sell merchandise related to the film.
Create a product tie-in to generate revenue for the film, such as a soundtrack or book release.
Offer special incentives or experiences to high-level donors, like VIP set visits or invitations to film festivals.
Raise Money
Gather donations from friends and family.
Launch a crowdfunding campaign through a platform like Kickstarter or Seed and Spark.
Create a subscription-based crowdfunding account like Patreon.
Create a fundraising event around the film, such as a benefit concert or auction.
Contact corporations with a similar audience for sponsorships.
Write opportunities for product placement into your script.
If you have a solid track record of producing profitable films:
Pre-sell distribution rights to a film distributor.
Work with a film sales agent who can help secure financing.
Networking and Partnerships
Utilise social media to build a fan base and generate buzz for the film, which could lead to funding opportunities.
Find a co-producer to split the costs and share profits.
Collaborate with universities or film schools for funding and resources.
Create a co-production agreement with a foreign studio to share costs and profits.
Partner with a nonprofit organisation or charity that aligns with the message of the film, which could provide funding and resources.
Win Money
Enter your script or proof-of-concept short into film festivals that offer cash prizes.
Apply for grants from:
Government arts and culture departments.
Non-profit organisations focused on film and media.
International film organisations like the British Film Institute or the Japan Foundation.
Contact companies about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds allocated for arts and culture projects.
Participate in film incubator programs that provide funding and mentorship.
Find Investors
⚠️ This is often easier said than done! This usually requires a strong track record of creating films that are widely distributed and make a substantial profit.
Find private investment by pitching to:
Wealthy individual who are passionate about film
Film financing companies that specialise in raising funds
Production companies that provide funding for films.
Sweeten investment deals by offering:
The opportunity to become executive producers on the film, with a say in major decisions.
A first look deal on future projects, in exchange for funding the current project.
Danger Zone
🚨 Be very careful with these! They’re only for people who have the means, and can afford to lose 100% of the money.
Invest personal savings into the film
Apply for a bank loan
Use personal credit cards to fund the project
Utilise debt financing through film-specific lenders