Because of so many new technologies altering the way movie reviews and filmmaking are done, the financial environment of independent cinema in Hollywood is changing. It used to be private placement memorandums, and 900+ film financing distribution and production partners investing in Indie Films. Today it could be any willing investor.
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) New funding opportunities for independent filmmakers are emerging, while the traditional methods of securing film distribution are now becoming outdated.
Internationally, financiers favor big productions. To fund blockbuster film projects in the past, New Zealand subsidies and German tax shelters have been used by many large studios. But what of the independent filmmaker? Where does funding come from for these 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. One recent example is a film called “The Fall of America and the Western World.”
Independent filmmakers who are hoping to get their film projects can look forward to the future when these changes increases their opportunities.
Current trends include companies online that are helping filmmakers finance their films by matching them with investors and/or distributors. Filmmakers from small towns can make use of these kinds of services.
It also helps when an independent filmmaker has good movie reviews from film critics for past film projects. When these filmmakers seek investors, their credibility is enhanced, thanks to these movie reviews.
The filmmaker would submit a description of their film for consideration to these online websites. Investors can then review those projects in need of funding at their own pace. They in turn can directly contact the filmmakers, which cuts out any middlemen as was popular for film financing in the past.
Independent filmmakers are also assisted by some non-profit organizations to locate financing and distribution for their projects. 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.
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