Hey everyone,
My team and I at Astraanox Studio are currently developing our first feature film, and we’re on the verge of completing our pitch deck. As we prepare to start reaching out, we’d love some guidance from the community on a few things:
What are the most effective ways for indie filmmakers to connect with financiers or distributors today?
Has anyone here secured distribution or pre-sales before filming—and if so, how did that help (or affect) your financing process?
We’ve had a great experience making short films, including Go-chi, which will soon premiere on Dust, and now we’re ready to take the next big step. Any advice, resources, or personal experiences would mean a lot!
Thanks in advance for sharing your insights
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Hey, Rishil Shah. Congratulations to you and your team on developing the first feature!
Stage 32 has a blog that'll help you connect with creatives and industry professionals. www.stage32.com/blog/the-importance-of-community-and-collaboration-in-th...
Stage 32’s next Community Open House is happening today (www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-s-october-community-open-hou...). It's free, and it'll help you connect with creatives and industry pros. There's going to be a live Q&A during the Open House.
Stage 32 has in-person Meetups that are great for networking (www.stage32.com/meetups). If you don't see a Meetup in your area, you could start your own.
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Hey Rishil, congrats to you and your team on getting your first feature moving!
Here’s the thing the budget of your film is whatever someone’s willing to give you for it. You might plan for a million-dollar movie, but if you can only raise $100K, then that’s your budget. Raising money is tough, especially for a first feature if you don’t have name talent or credits to lean on.
Certain genres, like horror, can work great with unknown actors and still find solid distribution. But honestly, when it comes to making your first feature, the best move is just to make it for whatever you can. The simple fact that you made a feature film puts you ahead of so many people, and it opens doors.
I made my first feature film for $6,000. It was terrible. But after I made it, suddenly everyone wanted to meet me. People started asking me to help produce their features. No one cared about seeing the movie, they just respected that I’d done it.
You’ve got to put your foot on the gas and never let up. Plan like you’re shooting the film, no matter what. Use friends, work weekends, get locations and resources for free, whatever it takes. Don’t sit around for years waiting for the perfect funding situation. Just make the movie. Getting that first one done is everything.
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Congratulations Rishil Shah - Reach out to foreign sales agents to represent your film and advise and secure pre-sales for your film. (They'll want to know about potential cast, director, etc.)
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Jack how do you find a foreign sales agent
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Rishil Shah Can you clarify what’s already completed exactly and what’s still in progress?
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Kenneth George I have sent you a connection request we can discuss there