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Raising the money is the hardest part of filmmaking. Convincing people you are confident, competent and talented is the key to parting people from their hard earned cash. Plus persuading them that they will make some money of course.
Your proposal will need to be tailored to whoever you’re appealing to. Private investors are different to public money. Find out what type of films they usually help and send them a treatment. Professionalism is, once again, the key. Indie production companies will no doubt want a say in your film if they’re going to invest money. If you don’t want any interference, there are three other options.
Your own money
The simplest, but also the riskiest. Make sure you form a limited company first, so you have limited liability if things go pear-shaped. Financing the film on your credit cards is even more risky. Think how you’d feel if no one wants your film and you have a £10,000 credit card bill to pay. There are also the more imaginative methods; borrowed equipment, second hand film ends and weekend shooting, living off peanut butter and pot noodles so you can use your dole money to make shorts, or subjecting yourself to medical experiments.
Someone else’s money
Local businessmen, friends or family. Yet again, a professional investment proposal impresses everyone. The well off with more money than sense is another option, but they’ll still want to see your package. Most people are more interested in making money than financing the arts; so avoid using words like “experimental” and “avant-garde”. If potential fiscal gains don’t attract them, try throwing in freebies like cameos, tickets to the premiere, an end credit, or a signed production still. If this still doesn’t work, shooting a short trailer or enticing a “name” onto the project will show people that you’re serious. If people aren’t prepared to hand over large sums, try getting small amount from a lot of people, but make sure you get the money up front so you don’t face yet another problem at the production stage, don’t make promises you can’t keep, and try not to screw over you friends and family.
The Government’s money
There are roughly four types of funding bodies:
-Those linked to broadcasting companies; BBC, FilmFour, Sky, Canal+ etc.
-The main national funding body The Film Council.
-The Lottery. There are three lottery film production franchises, DNA Films, The Film Consortium and Pathe.
-Regional arts councils and funding bodies.
Organisations and bodies providing information, advice and funding.
British Film Institute
Arts Council of England
Film Council Intended to be the lead organisation for the British Film Industry."Its aim is to develop a coherent strategy for film culture, develop the film industry and encourage inward investment." It has various funding schemes including training, feature production and shorts.
London Film Commission Information, resources and contacts for those filming in Greater London. Location, crew and facilities.
New Producers Alliance "The NPA is the national membership and training organisation for independent new producers. It provides access to contacts, information and advice regarding film production. The NPA provides a forum and focus for over 800 members, ranging from film students and first timers to highly experienced feature filmmakers, major production companies and industry affiliates."
PACT "The UK trade association, representing independent television, feature films and new media production companies."
Regional Arts
Scottish Screen
Short Film Bureau "A non-profit organisation set up to raise awareness of the short film to a wider audience. Items on offer include: Advice and support on funding, production, marketing and distribution; masterclasses and educational programmes, run in conjunction with Film Education; short film screenings for industry professionals, such as producers, agents and film distributors; and The Cinema Programme - the opportunity to have your short film assessed for theatrical release by UK distributors and exhibitors."
UK Media Website "Information about loans and grants for the film, TV and multimedia industries from the MEDIA 2 five year programme, as well as getting initial information about training or going to international markets."
UK Film Funding Guide "Links and information on local, regional, national, and international film-funding organisations, with further details on general business assistance, support organisations, and financial and legal issues (such as co-production agreements, and sales and leaseback)."
British Federation of Film Societies
Northern Film Network "The Northern Film Network is a collection of new filmmakers from all over the North of England. The aim of the Network is to help and inform up and coming filmmakers. The group meets regularly and is also kept informed via a rapidly expanding e-group through which information regarding all aspects of the film and television industry is distributed. The Network also provides a script reading service, and on occasions brings in guest speakers to address its members on various aspects of the industry."
North West Vision "The new screen and media agency for North West England, established in April 2002 in response to the Film Council's call for a unified regional funding strategy. They offer a support infrastructure to the North West film and television industry, including funding, locations support, advice on facilities, crewing and post-production etc."
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A Short History of Film
Pt. 1: Silent Cinema 1895-1927
Pt. 2: Studio System 1927-1945
Pt. 3: Post-War 1945-1959
Pt. 4: New Waves 1959-1975
Pt. 5: Blockbusters 1975-2002
