Maybe you just finished your screenplay. Maybe you're sitting down to start writing your new idea. No matter what phase of the screenwriting process you're in, that big question is always on your mind:
How is this going to get made?
Think Long-Term
You could go with the traditional next steps of hiring an agent/manager, pitching to producers, or submitting to screenplay contests. One caveat of this is that you likely won't have total control of your vision being brought to life.
Now more than ever, screenwriters and filmmakers are taking a proactive approach. They want to stay involved in every step of the process of their script being turned into a film. That's where crowdfunding steps in.
Crowdfunding provides a viable way for screenwriters and filmmakers to get their scripts made. Through strategic planning, they can also move beyond funding a single project at a time into gaining long-term support from an audience, crowdfunding their career.
Want to utilize crowdfunding to supercharge a sustainable career as a screenwriter or filmmaker? Here are some key areas you'll want to focus on:
Your Audience
Who is your story for, and who is going to rally behind it? Again, this goes beyond just one film project - who is going to be invested in your professional journey? If someone invests in a crowdfunding campaign for your project, work to build a relationship with them beyond the one-time transaction and see them as an invested, consistently growing group of support. If you genuinely value your audience, they will value you back.
Your Team
You'll want to gather a reliable and dedicated team to take your screenplay from the pages to the screen. Using a crowdfunding campaign can give your networking efforts a more focused purpose, and cultivate professional connections. Who you choose to connect with can also help attract interest (and funds). Join forces with people who are just as determined as you in growing their creative career through this process.
Your Pitch
Like every other step of screenwriting, framing your story takes patience, time and effort. This is your time to shine. Your pitch is the best chance to connect to your audience and leave a lasting impression. Don't underestimate the importance of selling the complete package: presenting your story and yourself in a clear, exciting way is an invaluable skill you can utilize for the rest of your career.
Your Platform
Choosing the right crowdfunding platform is crucial. This sets the foundation for you to build your audience, connect with your team, and craft your pitch, all from one home base. Find a home base that embraces your creative voice, one that is invested in your long-term vision and success. A great crowdfunding platform is not just there to provide a place for you to get money for your movie: they're there to support your projects so that your projects can start to support you.
Kick Things Off!
We recommend our partner Seed&Spark as the ultimate crowdfunding platform for filmmakers. Through the WriterDuet // Seed&Spark partnership, you'll have exclusive access to 1:1 mentoring sessions with their crowdfunding specialists. We encourage you to sign up here and kickoff crowdfunding your creative career!
