Indie Filmmaking Lessons Learned

In recent weeks we have been asked by several production companies to assist them on film projects.  Knowing that we have our Take A Leap project ahead of us and not able to take on another major project until Spring 2013, we have shared with them the real deal about the costs of filmmaking.  

In those brief conversations, we have encouraged production teams to fundraise before going full swing into production.  They should also include money for marketing and distribution which can get quite expensive depending on marketing efforts and channel of distribution.  More importantly, have funds in place before casting and finalizing locations and shooting dates. Those seem like the first thing to do, but in our past experience, we have learned that having the money in place first is ideal.  


You can always adjust the scale of the production once you have money in place. We encourage fundraising sites such as Indiegogo.com or Kickstarter.com  However, we have only been mildly successful raising a few hundred dollars per production. Yet, they are worth a try because some films have raised well over $100,000 through these fundraising sites. Traditional fundraising ideas should also be considered- yard sales, bake sales, car wash, etc. And if need be, savings, credit cards, and personal loans/line of credit which have been our films primary funding sources.  Best advice is to spend 6-9 months fundraising in advance of start of production.

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WCP, LLC Four Short Film Compilation DVD/Special Screenings

In an effort to keep our business sustainable so that we can effectively produce Take A Leap and other future projects, we have been actively promoting our four short film compilation DVD and special film screenings.  This is in addition to promoting our fundraising campaign on Indiegogo with a deadline of September 1, 2012.  

The four short film Compilation DVD is available several ways:

1) In person (we always have a few in hand)- $7 cash or check payable to We Connected Productions LLC

2) Send an email request to weconnectedprod@gmail.com.  You will be provided a PayPal invoice for either $7 or $10 if mailing is requested. You can elect to pay via PayPal or you can mail check payable to We Connected Productions, LLC.  A DVD will be mailed within 48 hours upon receipt of money.

3) Pay $20 on Indiegogo (through 9/1/2012).  A copy of the DVD will be mailed to you, as well as a souvenir/post card from one of our Take a Leap destination

The special screening can be arranged at a church, community center, school, etc.  It will include a screening of two of the four short films, with option for attendees to purchase a copy of the four short film DVD compilation.  Admissions can be free, with donations accepted; or admissions can be charged with WCP, LLC receiving 50% of proceeds, with other 50% to host. The latter option can be considered a viable fundraising option for non-profit organizations or schools.

Movie descriptions and pics:

Angel of Mine (8 min):  A coming of age story that praises fatherhood and the teachings that a father shares with his daughter about what love is and is not.

Max & Shaeleigh- Actors

From the Shallow to the Deep (19 min): A couple has been focused on their careers. However, with the possibility of uprooting their existing life for one to pursue their career to the others dismay, they have to make some decisions of epic proportion as their choice in careers test their faith.

Gregg White- Actor

Celina Fields- Actress

That's Bull: Elijah and the Prophets of Wall Street (11 min): Wall Street meets Main Street as two rivals square off to answer the question: What is the Purpose of Business?

The Resolution Pact (21 min): Three friends engage in a 6-month pact to become homeowners after encountering varying circumstances that gives them each the realization that renting is not ideal. Trailer

Chantal & Elias- Actors