Film Funding

TOC

1. "Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg"
2. "Britfilms.com/British Council"
3. "How to Finance Your Independent Film"
   
4. "Fund-Raising For Your Micro-Budget Film"
   
5. "Money Issues: Funding an Independent Film"
   
6. "Fund by yourself"
   
7. "Filmförderung in Deutschland(deutsch/german)"
   
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• #1 "Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg"
  (via http://www.medienboard.de)
  

  "The Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg supports films and film-related projects in the categories of script development, project development, package promotion, production, distribution and sales, and other activities. A sole authority, the managing director, makes all final decisions. The managing director works with a team of advisers. They handle individual projects and also advise the applicants. A meeting with an advisor is a mandatory part of the application process. Application forms can only be obtained directly from the advisors.
  Since 1994 more than 2,500 film projects have obtained € 293 million in grants. The economic benefit of film promotion for the region is huge - and it can be expressed in figures. Each production that is shot in Berlin and/or Brandenburg entails investments, creates jobs and sustains employment. For every euro spent on aid to moviemakers, an average of four euros is injected into the local economy.
  "

  You can find info about grant guidelines, support categories, funding deadlines, standard evaluation guides, German-Polish Co-Development Fonds, Artist-in-Residence, Capital Regions for Cinema and much more.
  read more
  (source: http://www.medienboard.de/WebObjects/Medienboard.woa/wa/CMSshow/1436394?wosid=)
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• #2 "Britfilms.com/British Council"
  (via http://www.britfilms.com)
  

  "This page contains links to various organisations who can either help with funding or point you in the direction of someone who can. "

  You can find info about Korda, The Money Map, Public Funding(Media 2007, UK Film Council, Scottish Screen, Northern Ireland Screen, Wales Screen Commission, EM-Media, Film London, First Light, Isle of Man Media Development Fund, North West Vision, Screen East, Screen South, Screen West Midlands, Screen Yorkshire, South West Screen), Broadcasters(BBC Films, FilmFour), UK Tax Credit and many more...
  read more
  (source: http://www.britfilms.com/resources/fundinginformation/)
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• #3 "How to Finance Your Independent Film"
  (via http://newenglandfilm.com)
  

  "Over the years, film financing has become one the most complex and risky investments. Yet, here are viable avenues for independent filmmakers to secure financing."

  You can read about “The Game Plan, Advantages and Disadvantages if Industry Financing, Studio Development Production Deals, Independent Distributor Financing, Talent Agency Financing, End-User Financing, Completion Funds”.
  read more
  (source: http://newenglandfilm.com/news/archives/98july/funding.htm)
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• #4 "Fund-Raising For Your Micro-Budget Film"
  (via http://microfilmmaker.com)
  

  "When we made Resident Alien and Beyond Bob (for $28,000 and $26,000, respectively), we thought we’d gone about as low as you could go, budgetwise.
  So, can you imagine our elation when we realized that we could complete Grown Men for in the neighborhood of $10,000? Well, obviously we decided to move right into that neighborhood.
  ..."

  Read more about “Investors, Credit Cards, Scrimping, Grants, Favors, Found Money”
  read more
  (source: http://microfilmmaker.com/tipstrick/Issue17/FundRai1.html)
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• #5 "Money Issues: Funding an Independent Film"
  (via http://www.independent-magazine.org)
  

  "Long before filmmakers begin production, they face the daunting task of scraping together enough money to get their film off the ground. Choosing the right method of funding relies on many factors, including the type and subject of the film, and the experience behind the cast and crew involved in the project.
  Funding can come in many forms, from national grants to family and friends. The Independent takes a look at three filmmakers and how they got the funding they needed to get their projects off the page and onto the screen.
  ..."

  read more
  (source: http://www.independent-magazine.org/08/10/money-issues-funding-independent-film)
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• #6 "Fund by yourself"
  
  There are many possibilities to fund projects by yourself, by building a community(that's why Twitter, Facebook etc. are becoming more and more important...), and get people involved in your project. Just check out the following websites:
  - http://www.kickstarter.com/
  - http://www.indiegogo.com/
  - http://invested.in/
  
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• #7 "Filmförderung in Deutschland(deustch/german)"
  
  Hier ein paar Websites, die beachtliche Zusammenstellungen bezüglich Einrichtungen zur Filmförderung in Deutschland und Europa auf ihren Seiten veröffentlicht haben:
  (teilweise sind es die gleichen Links, aber sie ergänzen sich alle)
  - comeunited Filmförderung-Bund, Bundesländer, Österreich, Schweiz, Europa, International
  - Media Deutschland Filmförderung-Bundesländer, Stiftungen, Bund...
  - crewunited Filmförderung-Bund, Länder, Österreich, Schweiz, Europa
  - Filmfonds Wien-Filmförderung in Deutschland und Europa
  
  up
  

General filmmaking tips

TOC

1. "Investing in Movies – A Realistic Perspective"
2. "Making Movies Ain’t What It Used To be"
3. "Indie Filmmaking: 35 Tips From Experts"
4. "Indie film Q+A:I can't afford to pay anyone,how do I keep cast and crew from hating me"
5. "Digital Filmmaking Secrets"
6. "Indie Toolkit"
7. "Filmmaker's Library"
8. "Find a Meetup Group near you"
9. "Non-profit organizations for filmmakers and film fans."
10. "Independent film"
11. "How are Hollywood films made?"
12. "filmmaking.net"
13. "The network dedicated to filmmakers and film fans alike."
14. "50 Best Websites for Moviemakers 2009"
15. "Guest Blog: 5 must read books for the passionate independent filmmaker"
16. "30 Quintessential Books for Independent Filmmakers"
17. "The Ten Commandments of Filmmaking"
18. "How to Make a Movie - wikiHow"
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• #1 "Investing in Movies – A Realistic Perspective"
  (via http://www.moviepartners.com)
  

  "Given the amount of traffic my other post about investing in movies and trying to clear the air about the reality of independent filmmaking these days, I realized there were quite a number of salient points which were not included in the original.  It got picked up by another high-traffic blog and has received a lot of traffic because of it.  Looking at some of the search results that lead to that post on Google showed that it is #8 in most cases."
  

  read more
  (source: http://www.moviepartners.com/blog/2009/03/27/investing-in-movies-a-realistic-perspective/)
  up
  
  
• #2 "Making Movies Ain’t What It Used To be"
  (via http://www.moviepartners.com)
  

  "This post is aimed at potential investors of independent movies and attempts to clarify some things that I have personally experienced myself, but also with many of my own filmmaker friends.  This also goes over some points that independent filmmakers really should look at as well."
  

  read more
  (source: http://www.moviepartners.com/blog/2009/03/10/making-movies-aint-what-it-used-to-be/)
  up
  
  
• #3 "Indie Filmmaking: 35 Tips From Experts"
  (via http://www.deadline.com)
  

  1. Change the title of your indie film to begin with an “A” or a number to get higher placement on iTunes.
  
  2. “Experiment and try new ways of getting your indie film out there.”
  
  3. Clark Hallren, Managing Director of the Entertainment Industries Group for JP Morgan Securities warned, “Guys it’s tough. Phenomenal events that statistically cannot happen did happen: we’re at an interesting point in the business.”
  

  read more
  (source: http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/indie-filmmaking-35-tips-from-experts/)
  up
  
  
• #4 "Indie film Q+A:I can't afford to pay anyone,how do I keep cast and crew from hating me"
  (via http://filmindependent.org)
  

  Q: I’m broke and can’t afford to pay anyone, what can I do to keep cast and crew from hating me… you know, more than usual. A: Everyone’s broke these days, so no one is expecting you not to be, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want your cast and crew to get paid some day for this film they’re helping you make (unless you’re an a-hole, of course)
  

  read more
  (source: http://filmindependent.org/content/indie-film-q-heidi-van-lier-i-can%E2%80%99t-afford-pay-anyone-how-do-i-keep-cast-and-crew-hating-me)
  up
  
  
• #5 "Digital Filmmaking Secrets"
  (via http://2learnfilm.com)
  

  "The success of The Blair Witch Project shows that video is indeed a viable medium for feature film making. The amazing thing about this movie is that it was shot on Hi-8 (a low level video format), rather than state-of-the-art digital video (DV)."
  

  read more
  (source: http://2learnfilm.com/)
  up
  
  
• #6 "Indie Toolkit"
  (via http://www.sf360.org)
  Different helpful articles on independent film making.
  * Ask the Documentary Doctor
  * Avoiding Disaster
  * Beyond Words
  * Fear-Free Fundraising
  * First-person
  * Gearhead
  * Manual of Self-Reliance
  * The 6th Screen
  * The Edit Room
  read more
  (source: http://www.sf360.org/indie-toolkit)
  up
  
  
• #7 "Filmmaker's Library"
  (via http://www.ifp.org)
  

  "An online resource center for articles, interviews, and other answers from seasoned filmmakers and veteran industry executives on how to write, finance, produce, and distribute your movie."
  

  read more
  (source: http://www.ifp.org/filmmakerlib/)
  up
  
  
• #8 "Find a Meetup Group near you"
  (via http://www.meetup.com)
  Find people with the same interests like you. Example here: indie film in the USA.
  read more
  (source: http://www.meetup.com/find/?keywords=Indie+Film&country=us&locationPickerRef=0&dbCo=&dbOutsideUsLink=&zip=&submitButton=Search&op=search)
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• #9 "Non-profit organizations for filmmakers and film fans."
  (via http://worldfilm.about.com)
  

  "-American Film Institute
  Founded in 1967, the AFI is dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of the moving image.
  -Association of Independent Feature Film Producers
  A non-profit organization.
  -Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers
  Advocacy, salons, classifieds, and a print magazine from the national service organization for independent media.
  -Center for Independent Documentary
  A private non-profit organization that collaborates with independent producers in the production of documentaries. Find out about membership, news and events, and how to submit your own proposal.
  -Directors Guild of America
  The ultimate organization for directors. The Directors Guild of America represents more than 10,000 members working in U.S. cities and abroad. Their creative work is represented in theatrical, industrial, educational and documentary films.
  ..."

  read more
  (source: http://worldfilm.about.com/od/organizations/Organizations.htm)
  up
  
  
• #10 "Independent film"
  (via http://www.wikipedia.org)
  

  "An independent film, or indie film, is a film that is produced outside of any major film studio."
  

  read more
  (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_filmmaking)
  up
  
  
• #11 "How are Hollywood films made?"
  (via http://www.learner.org)
  

  "Looking through the lens of a camera as actors bring to life a writer's story, the filmmaker is also peering into a world of imagination. The director, producer, actors, screenwriter, and film editor are all essential players in the journey from concept to finished film. In this remarkable process, thousands of small details—and often hundreds of people—come together to create a Hollywood film."
  

  read more
  (source: http://www.learner.org/interactives/cinema/)
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• #12 "filmmaking.net"
  (via http://www.filmmaking.net/)
  

  "Founded in 1994, filmmaking.net is one of the oldest filmmaking resources on the Internet. The site provides reference and a community for new and independent filmmakers around the world."
  

  read more
  (source: http://www.filmmaking.net/)
  up
  
  
• #13 "The network dedicated to filmmakers and film fans alike."
  (via http://www.indymogul.com)
  

  "Indy Mogul is the network dedicated to film fanatics and aspiring auteurs alike. Our shows are focused on DIY filmmaking, cheap special effects, movie reviews and conversations with high profile filmmakers and special guests. Send us your comments and requests, submit your films, and become an Indy Mogul.
  Watch. Comment. Submit."
  

  read more
  (source: http://www.indymogul.com/backyardfx)
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• #14 "50 Best Websites for Moviemakers 2009"
  (via http://www.moviemaker.com)
  

  "The Internet offers moviemakers a unique opportunity for sharing their work with the world. But distribution is not the only way the Web can assist aspiring and seasoned auteurs alike."
  

  read more
  (source: http://www.moviemaker.com/producing/article/50_best_websites_for_moviemakers_2009_20090610/)
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• #15 "Guest Blog: 5 must read books for the passionate independent filmmaker"
  (via http://allaboutindiefilmmaking.blogspot.com)
  

  "As you make your professional journey through the film industry, you will encounter both challenges and uncertainty that might leave you feeling hopeless and discouraged."
  

  read more
  (source: http://allaboutindiefilmmaking.blogspot.com/2009/08/guest-blog-5-must-read-books-for.html)
  up
  
  
• #16 "30 Quintessential Books for Independent Filmmakers"
  (via http://www.independent-magazine.org)
  

  "Ever wonder what, exactly, independent filmmakers – both aspiring and established – should be reading? Look no further than The Independent's 30 Quintessential Books for Independent Filmmakers. Here, we list the top must-owns, including Independent Feature Film Production, The Filmmaker's Handbook, Sidney Lumet's Making Movies, and From Reel to Deal. The list is broken down into the following categories:
  
  * Direct from the Masters
  * From the Go-Getters Who Made It
  * The Nuts and Bolts: From Directing Actors to Navigating the Legal Terrain
  * The Eye Has It: Cinematography, Lighting & Editing
  * Film School in a Book: Overviews of Filmmaking
  * Now What? After Your Film Is Made, From Marketing to Distribution
  ..."
  

  read more
  (source: http://www.independent-magazine.org/magazine/2009/10/bestbooks)
  up
  
• #17 "The Ten Commandments of Filmmaking"
  (via http://www.actioncutprint.com)
  

  "I have learned many things during my career in the film industry, but one of the most valuable lessons I have learned was to remain human at all costs. And by this I mean to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.
  (...)
  C1) It's only a movie - no one gets hurt.
  (...)
  C2) Ask lots of questions - never assume anything.
  (...)
  C3) There are no rules in filmmaking - only sins!
  (...)
  C4) Listen to the people who know more than you do.
  (...)
  C5) You have to EARN respect - not demand it.
  (...)
  C6) Don't abuse your power - use "Power Through" not "Power Over."
  (...)
  C7) Don't be afraid to change your mind.
  (...)
  C8) A healthy Ego is necessary - self importance is unnecessary.
  (...)
  C9) Have a sense of humour - learn to laugh at yourself.
  (...)
  C10) Take 10 at lunch – and change your socks and shoes.
  ..."
  

  read more
  (source: http://www.actioncutprint.com/10filmcommandments-fdt.html)
  up
  
• #18 "How to Make a Movie - wikiHow"
  (via http://www.wikihow.com)
  

  "Do you like making movies but can't seem get the job quite right? Do you get frustrated at working hard and using precious time, only to find that your movies are totally bogus? Here are a few helpful tips on how to make a spectacular film by working on your editing, camera movements, story line, characters, scenes, and more. "
  

  read more
  (source: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Movie)
  up