How Movie Reviews Influence Independent Film Financing
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 that only a little over 900 production and film financing distribution partners invested in Indie Films through private placement memorandums. 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a mentor in the industry to work with. 2) Traditional fundraising methods to secure film distribution are becoming outdated, while new funding opportunities for independent filmmakers are emerging.
Internationally, financiers favor big productions. 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 about the small 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.
Independent filmmakers who are hoping to get their film projects can look forward to the future when these changes increases their opportunities.
There are also online companies that match filmmakers with distributors and/or investor nowadays. 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. These movie reviews lend credibility to filmmakers when they are seeking investors.
The filmmaker would submit a description of their film for consideration to these online websites. 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.
Independent filmmakers are also assisted by some non-profit organizations to locate financing and distribution for their projects. They don’t fund filmmakers, but they do offer fiscal sponsorship. Sponsorship allows filmmakers to receive funding from sources that limit their funding to nonprofits.
Independent producers can also post website ads and information abour their projects on other websites that link them to investors.
