Financing / Crowdfunding

Dear Stage 32 Members,

Over the last two weeks, I've had a couple of Skype meetings with a fellow by the name of Shahar Namer, who I met here on the site and who is looking to sell me the service of launching my company and my film projects as a cryptocurrency. What appeals to me about this idea is the notion of rolling financing that builds on the development of my film rather than waiting for an ROI - which in the context of my own business model and production slate can lead me very handily right into the production of a handful of other projects without disrupting the expectations of the investment.

What worries me about all this is my own ignorance about the crypto market, my lack of preparation when it comes to selling a cryptocurrency, and Shahar's seeming nonchalance about that ignorance and lack of preparation as a barrier to entry. Because I was cold contacted by him here on the site, I'm assuming I'm not the only one he reached out to. Has anyone else done their due diligence on this fellow?

I've been in correspondence with my attorney about all this, of course. While Shahar's website does have some testimonials on it, and while he does have a broad social media presence, there doesn't seem to be anything on him or his company that's written by 3rd parties. Moreover, the people he has talking about their success with his company seem to be people who are committed to careers in cryptocurrency. Even if The ICO Rocket is a real company, I'm not seeing anything to substantiate it's value as a financing tool in film - or in any market where we're not going to be shifting our professional focus to the sale of cryptosecurities.

If he's looking for a test case, and if the support is there to make it work, I'm not necessarily opposed to doing that. At the same time, risk factors range from undercapitalization to having the crypto market restructured and regulated right under our financing process, to potentially money laundering. Has anyone coughed up more information on this guy than I have? Does anyone have insight into what's up with The ICO Rocket?

Any observations are appreciated! On the subject of business, I do have a pretty comprehensive Stage 32 blog coming out tomorrow - so stay tuned!

Best regards,

Tennyson

Hey guys,

I've recently encountered a person who showed interest in financing my short and equity stake in my company. I was spooked, because I did not present him any dockets related to film or my company. Finally, he told me, that he has $25 Million in his bank, need $50,000 for bond and insurance to release the fund. I've met such fraud in the past. 

If any investor wish to back you financially, he/she will do it only after seeing the potential in your content. I request you all to stay away from such people. Cheers.  

My team and I are working on the feature film version of our awrad-winning horror short, "Innards". We are working with Buffalo 8 and have a budget set at 1.1 Million. The script and package are currently going out to Sales/Distribution companies, and we are approaching talent for the film.

The original budget was set at 1.25M. We would like to raise an additonal 150 - 200K to guarantee we get the crew and other elements we need. This additional money would be used for under the line only, as we have a rather large portion of our budget dedicated to procuring "name" talent.

I would like to see if there is anyone that has any reccomendations for raising the additional money. Crowdfunding is obviously an option, and once we have at least one "name" attached, this will more than likely assist us, but, we are looking for another investor(s), to come on board. It would be our preference not to crowdfund.

A full package with ROI, schedule, pitch deck, and other necessary items is available to anyone seriously interested in the film. Again, we are currently out to a few Distribution/Sales companies, and our initial financing will be available to us once we move into obtaining LOI's and/or contractual agreements with cast.

I appreciate any advice or information any of you may have.

Best,

John Forrest

Lainee Frizzo

Matt Olmon

PRODUCERS - "INNARDS"

Hi. My name is Cris Pasqueralle and I am the author of a young adult fantasy adventure series titled The Destiny Trilogy. I am looking to develop my books into a web based/TV series. I have teleplays for three episodes, a per episode budget, a TV series pitch, and a five minute teaser reel available for view. I would like the opportunity to show you these materials and discuss the possibilities of making this project a reality.

My company has great content which may be in the interest of some of you who may be reading this

but the issue is funding for our productions, we have multiple scripts which are equally amazing as the other but at the moment we need sponsors and partner for our productions

Please do contact me if you are interested in getting to know more about what we have in stock for you

Hi everyone,

I keep reading these posts and nothing seems usable for Australia. I have two feature films ready to go and all we need is funding. Finding people wanting to invest in films is no easy feat in Australia as it is a very small market!

Is there a reason an American investor would consider/be interested in funding Independent Australian made films?

I would love to find an investor willing to support an emerging female Director.

Does anyone have any sound advice I can use over here?

Hi everyone! I'm a writer/assistant/producer in Los Angeles (and new to this site so just learning about all the different sections!) Right now I'm helping put on a masterclass on film finance and equity crowdfunding, and have been working to help spread the word about this new method of indie film financing. Equity crowdfunding has only been around for a couple of years, and it has potential to change the indie filmmaking game (unlike regular crowdfunding, people invest in your project, and therefore have much more incentive to support your film - plus you maintain all creative control!)

If you have any questions about equity crowdfunding or the masterclass, please shoot me a message! (You can also see our website here: equitycrowdfundingmasterclass.com)

Look forward to connecting!!

Hi guys:)

I'm now finishing writing my web series. As I'm also a partner in a production company (Blue-monkeys.com) I have the ability to produce it. Now i'm seeking to fund the pilot and after that to sell the series to a network.

Where do I begin? :)

Thanks! (Missed you guys, haven't been here for too long..)

Hello Everyone,

Thank you Stage 32 and the whole network around for making this platform network-worthy.

Without wasting much of your time I will come to the point.

I am presently developing my directorial short. It's a subtle drama with good narrative and I am intended to make it as a visual retreat. What does a potential financier or producer sees in a short film before backing the project?

Need you expertise on this one. Cheers!

Best Regards,

Nitiin

I have a script for the first film of a 3 part series of short films. Basically it’s going to be 3 separate short films linked together as sequels. I was originally going to try to sell it as a television series but I decided to make a series of 3 shorts. My question is how do I reach possible investors to get the funds to start shooting?

I've been reading articles lately about how GoFundMe is terrible or how Kickstarter is anti-union etc. I'm just trying to find a good crowdfunding site to take my work to that doesn't have a lot of heat on their name. Any suggestions for a up and coming crowdfunding site that has yet to alienate everyone? Thanks!