Exclusive: Indiegogo Releases Free Handbook for Filmmakers on How to Crowdfund
Attention, filmmakers looking for advice on how to crowdfund their next project: Look no further. Indiegogo has just released a free online handbook for filmmakers that provides tips and helpful guidance for how to crowdfund, the company announced today at The Tribeca Film Festival. You can download the handbook here.
can find crowdfunding their first project daunting when it is actually
anything but,” said Marc Hofstatter, Head of Film for Indiegogo. “Given
the right education and experience with the concept, which this handbook
provides, Indiegogo once again aims to make their campaigners’ lives
easier. As always we are there for our filmmakers every step of the way
and now that kind of support is available in the most comprehensive
guide available.”
Founded in 2008, Indiegogo recently got a new logo and a redesigned website. Earlier this year, the site announced an influx of $40 million in Series B fundraising.
The guide details how to create a strong pitch video, how to write the pitch text and what sort of rewards to offer. It also helps filmmakers decide how to set their campaign goal and how long their campaign should last.
Here’s an exclusive excerpt from the handbook below:
Creating Your Pitch Video
The pitch video is the single most important element of your film campaign. It’s essentially the elevator pitch you’d give to Harvey Weinstein while traveling from the lobby to the penthouse. You’ve got that much time to get across who you are, what your film idea is, and why people should care about your project enough to help you fund it.
The truth is that not many people will give money if you only post a set photograph or a film trailer. A trailer is a sales tool, not a pitch tool. It’s designed to make people want to see your film, not fund it. In other words, Do Not Use A Film Trailer or Scene as your video.
People give to other people, not necessarily to projects. Many filmmakers make the mistake of not appearing in their pitch videos. Be. In. Your. Pitch. Video. Say a few words to your potential funders, be as personable as possible, and chances are you’ll be rewarded.
Looking for statistics? Campaigns with a pitch video raise an average of 114% more than campaigns that don’t. In other words, have a pitch video. And don’t make it too long! It’s a pitch, not a dissertation. Keep your video fun, loose, informative, and from 2 1⁄2 to 3 minutes in length.
WHAT A COMPELLING PITCH VIDEO SHOULD INCLUDE:
1. Introduction – Tell us about yourself.
2. Pitch – Tell us about your film project, and include the following:
• Logline – What’s your story in one sentence? Be succinct here, and feel free to add details later.
• Purpose – What’s the point of the campaign? Is it for production? Post-production? Theatrical distribution?
• Perks – What’s something unique you’re offering in return? Entice your funders.
3. Showcase – Show us what you can do as a filmmaker. Maybe share a few clips of your past work, or some footage from the project at hand.
4. Call to Action – Don’t leave your crowd hanging. You need to tell them what to do next – and that’s to contribute.
