Hollywood and the financial environment of independent cinema are changing because there are many new technologies that have altered the filmmaking and movie reviews process. It used to be private placement memorandums, and 900+ film financing distribution and production partners investing in Indie Films. Any willing investor could do it today.
This influences several areas: 1) Filmmakers now have online schools where they can get training, learn about filmmaking, and locate a mentor in the industry to work with. 2) Traditional fundraising methods to secure film distribution are becoming outdated, while new funding opportunities for independent filmmakers are emerging.
Internationally, financiers favor big productions. To fund blockbuster film projects in the past, New Zealand subsidies and German tax shelters have been used by many large studios. But what of the independent filmmaker? Where does funding come from for these projects?
The digital revolution is changing both the distribution of films and how they’re made. Independent filmmakers no longer need a large distributor because faster broadband now allows people to watch movies from their computer screens. Some films are simply available for anyone to purchase from the film’s website online. “The Fall of America and the Western World” is one such film.
Independent filmmakers who are hoping to get their film projects can look forward to the future when these changes increases their opportunities.
There are also online companies that match filmmakers with distributors and/or investor nowadays. Filmmakers from small towns can make use of these kinds of services.
It also helps when an independent filmmaker has good movie reviews from film critics for past film projects. These movie reviews lend credibility to filmmakers when they are seeking investors.
When it comes to online websites for filmmakers and investors, the way it typically works is that the filmmaker submits a description of their project or film for consideration. Investors can then review those projects in need of funding at their own pace. Because they can contact the filmmaker directly, the middlemen of old are no more.
Independent filmmakers are also assisted by some non-profit organizations to locate financing and distribution for their projects. They don’t fund filmmakers, but they do offer fiscal sponsorship. Filmmakers can then receive funding from sources that limit their funding to nonprofits due to this sponsorship.
Independent producers can also post website ads and information abour their projects on other websites that link them to investors.
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“There are also online companies that match filmmakers with distributors and/or investor nowadays. Filmmakers from small towns can make use of these kinds of services.”
Who are they?