“Getting small amounts of money from lots and lots of supporters” is how Time defined crowdfunding in 2008.  Now crowdfunding has become one of the most empowering and important social media collective co-ops for filmmakers and producers.

Filmmakers + Crowds + Funds = Crowdfunding

Although crowdfunding isn’t new, its undeniable that social media has made the process easier for artists and organizations alike. To think, now a community of supporters, who believe in you, your film and the possibility for the project to influence the world in whatever ways you intend it to do so can make a financial contribution to help that dream become a reality.

David Lynch Is Doing It and So Can You!

Its encouraging to see a director like David Lynch using crowdfunding to fund his next project, a documentary tentatively titled  Lynch three Project that The Film Stage defines as “a personal examination of his last major theatrical effort Inland Empire along with chronicling some personal habits of the artist.” Lynch and his team have said that the reason they decided to use this model to raise money for their film production is simple: to engage his audience in the process of making a film and use social media to connect to his fans across the globe.

Lynch and co. are not only using crowdfunding to raise money, but also to connect with his fans and provide them with an opportunity to contribute to the film directly. In addition, fans who donate to the film will be given specialty gift items and the opportunity to  influence the content of the film by suggesting questions that they would like the filmmakers to ask Lynch. Providing donors with gifts is not unusual when it comes to crowdfunding. Some filmmakers even offer executive-producer credit to donors. I would imagine that donations would have to be fairly significant to receive this type of credit – but maybe not!

Artist Takeaway

There are platforms available for you to raise money for your film project and there are everyday people who are willing to donate if they believe in the project strongly enough. But note, while it may be okay for you to ask fans and/or strangers to financially contribute to the development of your film, you may want to think about having something more than a “thank you” note in return.

Other Blogs to Check Out

• 9 Crowdfunding websites to hep you change the world

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