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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. http://www.hostboard.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
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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 -
