How Movie Reviews Affect The Financing of Independent Films
Hollywood and the financial environment of independent cinema are changing because there are many new technologies that have altered the filmmaking and movie reviews process. It used to be private placement memorandums, and 900+ film financing distribution and production partners investing in Indie Films. Any willing investor could do it today.
Several areas have been influenced: 1) Filmmakers now have online schools where they can get training, learn about filmmaking, and locate a mentor in the industry to work with. 2) Traditional fundraising methods to secure film distribution are becoming outdated, while new funding opportunities for independent filmmakers are emerging.
Big productions are favored by international financiers. In the past, many of the large studios have used German tax shelters, New Zealand subsidies, and pre-sales to fund big blockbuster film projects. But what of the independent filmmaker? Where can he get funding for his projects?
Right now, the digital revolution is not only changing the way films are made, but how films are distributed. Independent filmmakers no longer need a large distributor because faster broadband now allows people to watch movies from their computer screens. Anyone can purchase some films from their websites. “The Fall of America and the Western World” is one such film.
In the future these changes will expand all of the opportunities for independent filmmakers who are hoping to receive funds for their film projects.
There are also online companies that match filmmakers with distributors and/or investor nowadays. These kinds of services could help small town filmmakers.
If an independent filmmaker received good movie reviews for past film projects, it helps a lot. These movie reviews lend credibility to filmmakers when they are seeking investors.
When it comes to online websites for filmmakers and investors, the way it typically works is that the filmmaker submits a description of their project or film for consideration. There are many investors registered on the website who can then access the list of projects at their own pace, and review those projects that are in need of funding. They in turn can directly contact the filmmakers, which cuts out any middlemen as was popular for film financing in the past.
Next there is the non-profit organization that focuses on helping independent filmmakers locate funds to finance and distribute their films. They offer fiscal sponsorship to filmmakers, but don’t fund them. Filmmakers can then receive funding from sources that limit their funding to nonprofits due to this sponsorship.
There are many other websites that link independent producers with investors, which encourages fundraising by allowing producers to post website ads and information about projects for investors.
