Fundraising Ideas?

[Russell Bolding]

Hello all...
I've been trying to find ways to raise the funding I need to really begin getting involved in computer animation and producing my own 3D animated films on DVD. My budget is appr. $5000 but this includes the computer I need and the necessary software I'll need. I had an idea to sell ad space on my website for $50 a pop. I figured $50 X 100 would be what I'd need. It's seems like a fruitless idea so I'd like to ask the rest of you if you might have any better ideas? Is this a stupid idea for raising funding? Thank you for your help ahead of time.

[vitamin_D]

First...what ever happened to a little hard work? Take a job, or two if necessary -- especially (given that I know nothing about you) if you live @ home with your parents or are just a single guy (or gal). Money accumulates pretty quickly when you work two jobs.

Beyond getting your "hands dirty" with work, you have to give people a compelling reason to give you money. Sometimes your word of honor alone is enough (it has been for me in the past) -- promise, in word and writing, that you will pay them back plus the interest the money would collect if given to average market conditions -- last time I checked, your money stands to earn 10% per year if thrown at an average mutual fund.

The tricky part becomes -- where are you going to get the money to pay them back? There are two routes -- use a fictitious concept, or use the equipment as a springboard into further business.

1) Fictitious concepts - I'm not talking 'Springtime for Hitler' here, I'm talking a fictitious film. You must have a story and a compelling one at that. It helps, too, to have a target audience that has demonstrated (relatively) consistent returns in the past. There are two such audiences -- horror, and comedy. Your screenplay in this instance is your greatest asset -- don't screw it up.

2) Business - look around and see if there's a need for video work in your area. TV commercials can be a source of revenue, as can other (more monotonous) video projects. In the states, the Small Business Administration offers small biz loans at a rate of 5-1 on average, in other words, you need $5,000, you need to front $1,000. Again, you need to come up with a business plan to justify the asking in the first place.

Loans -- look on the web and at your local gov't for loans and grants - figure out a way to demonstrate to loan offices that your project deserves their money. For instance, grants are offered here for "capturing Philadelphia..." -- these are given out by the Phila Historical Society. I'm making a film about restaurants in Philly -- is it a historical documentary? No. But I'll pitch it as one

Parties -- know any DJ's or club promoters in your area? Set up a gig -- retain some of the take at the door -- see if your DJ friends will work for free.

Speakers/Dinner Parties -- in political races, campaign managers have compelling speakers come for dinner parties and then charge entrants something outrageous ($50-100/head) and then split the take with the speaker. This, of course (as with so many things in life) depends on who you know.

Ooops...gtg to my two jobs

Best of luck!

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-jim
Cheese and Whine - Film Criticism, Better Than That Fat Guy -