CrowdFunding – Pick your Flick and whatever else tickles your fancy!

Crowdfunding, in it’s most simplest form, is a collective of individuals who network and pool their money, usually through the internet, to support efforts of other independent people.  For the purpose of this blog, primary to raise money for films, music projects and the arts, where content creators have a direct connection with content consumers to raise funds.

Media has been in frenzy over the crowdfunding campaigns from some heavy hitters in film.  Critics are in a uproar that big names like Zach Braff, Spike Lee and Rob Thomas are taking away from the revolutionized concept of crowdfunding from independent filmmakers.  When Rob Thomas joined the craze to raise a $2mil goal through Kickstarter, the game was changed when he raised over $5.7mil.  Most recently Spike Lee has been brought into the discussion, as he too went to Kickstarter to raise $1.25 million for his new vampire style film.  In an interview with filmmaking blog Film Courage, Lee states “we were doing Kickstarter before there was Kickstarter,” he added “We just didn’t have the technology.”  The director compared this new form of fundraising to what he did to make his first film She’s Gotta Have It.  He also noted that his campaign will bring new visitors to Kickstarter that otherwise would not participate in crowdfunding.  His claim has recently been backed by the creators of Kickstarter.  They estimated almost 65% of funding from the Veronica Mars campaign were by new visitors, which contributed to approximately 40% of the new visitors donating to 2,200 other films raising $400,000.

These facts are very intriguing…  Hence, I will highlight my favorite crowdfunding campaigns and post them here on my blog to support independent creators.  Be sure to check back when you’re in a giving mood, or just bored with what’s on the Radio, TV or in the theaters.

 

Kickstart #TheMuvement w/ Maimouna Youssef

If you like compelling vocals and music with a purpose, than be sure to check out and support Maimouna Youssef before November 1st.

Independent artist, activist, teacher and mother Maimouna Youssef israising money to fund her studio album #TheMuvement and her first worldwide tour, the Mumu Fresh World Tour.  She has been seen sharing the stage with some of hip-hop’s most prolific artists such as The Roots, Erykah Badu, Nas, Common, Jill Scott and more.  Her Kickstarter campaign will raise money to reach markets… READ MORE

 

Late Expectations launches on Indiegogo

The film “Late Expectations” is a coming of age film around India, a Brooklyn high school senior living the teenage dream in Brooklyn with a full scholarship to Brown University that battles a secret that threatens to end her most important relationships.  Thais and her dynamic team of NYC graduates and industry professionals need to raise $22,000 to complete the post-production phase of the film project.  Shot in 35mm, “Late Expectations” is an independent film with fresh, young talent that reflects the undeserved audience the film empathizes to provide a voice for those who struggle to find their identity.  READ MORE

 

Let’s support independent film, because together we are strong!  Shoot me some films that needs support…