We have put a lot of time in our film projects over the last eight months, and have enjoyed every aspect of it, whether it was working on our own projects or others. At this time, we are wrapping up production of the Christian feature Safe House, whereas we served as Associate Producers, and about to go into production for our third short film, The Resolution Pact. We also have a script we are submitting to the SC Film Commission Production Mini-Grant at the end of the month. Furthermore, we are writing the screenplay adaptation of a local author's novel, and have been asked to assist in pre-production of two other films. We greatly appreciate the support and prayers from church members, friends, and family thus far. However, the total contributions (both personal and from others), have not been able to cover all of our expenses as our credit card balance indicates. Requesting donations and employing fundraising ideas have not worked for us, yet we have pressed on. The expenses continue to mount, currently with film submission fees, and the marketing and travel expenses that have yet to be incurred, were we to be accepted to film festival(s). Furthermore, the costs is not only monetary, but also in respect to time. Having to balance a full-time job, a part-time job, a business, family, friends, and church, is no easy task.
Much of the revenue that generates from a film comes after it has been completed and distribution is found such as in DVD sales, Video on Demand, or Cable/TV Broadcasting rights. In addition, short films take on a different track as it can be circulated for up to 2 years or more in the film festival market, which is helpful for first-time filmmakers to attract investors and future distributors of a feature film that is in development. Collection of prizes and awards, monetary and/or as gifts in kind services, and attracting a larger audience to your film, are also reasons to participate in film festivals. As such, film festival submissions is the avenue we've taken, with self-distribution of our collective shorts at the end of the year also an option, as long as it doesn't break any film festival submission rules. In most cases, short films are often excluded from these rules because many are used as "calling cards" to bring in the money to make a larger film, and any such distribution already in place is great because it indicates the filmmakers potential to attract an audience.
But what about efforts to raise money before a film project begins? Current donations have been limited to the contributions of our circle of family and friends, as online crowd surfing sites such as IndieGoGo and Kickstarter are still new, and many people want to see "a product" before they are willing to release money. Another take of raising funds are seeking investors. Investors are a plausible case, but the legal ramifications and risks associated with utilizing investors, including loss of some aspects of creativity control, is not attractive to us. So, as we contemplated how we can generate revenue for We Connected Productions, LLC, at the onset of requesting online donations and seeking investors, a few entrepreneurial ideas came to mind:
Seek out media arts/filmmakers grants- state/regional/national/international.
Seek out paid Extra and Production Assistant (PA) jobs from student films, commercials, and feature films, and contribute earnings towards the business.
Host private screening parties (see previous post) of completed projects and request donations by pitching current and future projects.
Sell pictures from the film stills of completed projects (much like an auction).
Video, edit, and duplicate DVDs of concerts, plays, anniversary/birthday celebrations, etc. (no weddings) at minimal cost that will include labor and small percentage of sales.
Host public screenings of our favorite movies one evening a month. Partner with colleges/universities Greek and club organizations, churches, and other civic organizations to host space and obtain legal rights to screen movies (movie-thon), and collect small admission from guests, which is split with partnering organization.
Capitalize on our strengths- offer pre-production services for indie filmmakers at minimal fee to include hiring of cast and crew, location scouting, rehearsal/shooting scheduling, budgeting, etc.
Sell DVD with collection of short films we have completed.
If you have other revenue generating ideas, please contact us at weconnected@hotmail.com
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