Submit On
Creatives working in documentary are under unprecedented pressure. Film-loving communities can help.
We've been talking to filmmakers about how they use crowdfunding to bring their work into the world. It's one of a number of sources used to raise funds, but with marketing budgets being cut by consumer brands and user generated content a free option for their clients, more filmmakers are turning directly to the public for support.
The Lake District or the Scottish Highlands? - choose where you fund a documentary below!
One filmmaker told us: "Pressure on brands is being felt by the filmmakers who often will find their work too heavily influenced by the client, and the product can turn out more commercially-oriented than it would otherwise. And when more than one client is involved you can get pulled in all directions and the focus of the film can be lost. If no commercial business is involved and the the project is crowdfunded it will probably be truer."
LMFF's mission is to bring filmmakers closer to the communities they inspire, and through documentary crowdfunding people can directly help fund films that they want to see made. A film funded in this way has a great chance of being better for it. Less commercial, more honest, and more as the film creator imagined it.
Below we are highlighting two films currently being crowdfunded which we think are worth investing in. In both cases the filmmakers have previously shared their amazing documentary work with our audiences and long may they continue to do so.
Matt Green, Summit Fever Media: "Crowdfunding is an invaluable resource for filmmakers, offering an alternative revenue stream to finance their films. Beyond just funding, it plays a crucial role in building an audience and generating buzz even in the pre-production stage, which can significantly boost the film’s success upon release. It’s important to stress that filmmakers have a responsibility to fulfil the promises made during their crowdfunding campaigns. Maintaining trust and delivering on commitments is essential to sustaining the credibility and viability of crowdfunding as a funding model."
Kevin Woods (Maker of Winter 282): "I've previously been funded by sponsorship for films. It can be a great way to go. I wouldn't seek such a relationship unless there was a match, so I've never worried about the dilution of a message. In the case of the 2023 Winter Munros film, I just made it anyway, and the return came later with a cinema tour. In the case of this latest film, the costs mount to a point that it grinds to a halt without financial input. Therefore I've gone for crowdfunding, the first time I've done this. One week in, it's been a great way to connect with the folk who would also like to see this film made - to them, I'm grateful."
If you're thinking of crowdfunding a film check out our Ticklist
Listen to Emma Crome of Coldhouse discuss working with sponsors in our Podcast
#crowdfundingfilm #documentarycrowdfunder #supportcreativeindustries #filmfunding
