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!!
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Interesting. Can you please share some examples of tangible results using this novel approach?- As in the names of specfic films that got made this way? That would be most beneficial. Thanks!
$500 to 700? Yeah, makes sense from guru script consultants to guru financiers....
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This movie used Equity Crowdfunding (raised over $1 million):
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4057146/trivia?ref_=tt_ql_trv_1
https://www.illbenextdoorforchristmas.com/
did this movie make a profit over $1M?
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Reg CF is certainly interesting - the problem I have with it is the pretty complicated paperwork process. I know much of that is required by law, but most filmmakers have no experience or skill (that would be me) in the accredited investor sector. Reward-based CF is simpler. It can take more work, but it's work that indie filmmakers are familiar with (namely, social media). And I noticed the talking points of the masterclass didn't include any of the regulatory considerations. Too, I agree with Dan MaxXx - seems like a pretty stiff fee for someone who is truly trying to give back. IMO.
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you can check out more Equity Crowdfunded films here: https://www.startengine.com/explore (and filter by film industry)
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David Willis, first of all congrats, since I see that your film has the distinction of being "The very first feature length narrative film to use Equity Crowdfunding in the United States." That said, it would be great if you wrote an article to explain the process to the Stage32 audience. Including the regulatory issues that John mentioned, and how exactly you got Amazon to pick it up. That would be very beneficiall and interesting. Please consdier it.
Love to hear more about the process. My last feature I did the standard PPM, SEC filings etc and it was a monster of paperwork and accounting.
It's still some paperwork, but not as much as the old school. I found it worth it because it worked ;)
Which are the best platforms?
I cover that in my masterclass. It depends on your campaign. But StartEngine, Microventures, and WeFunder are the top three.