Fundraising for Catholic films?

[KEP1983]

Hey all,

So let’s assume that you are a devout Catholic artist. Let’s say you’re a painter, but are very evangelistic, and think film/video is far more evangelical in outreach.

You have an idea for a short film that could explain some important Catholic doctrine in a narrative format-- rather than the typical discussion format or q&a format.

But this costs a lot of money. Let’s say you need $5,000 or even $10,000 for it-- ballpark figure.

How would one go about raising money for such a project?

 

[McCartney]

Hire a consultant

 

[1neophyte]

GoFundMe.

 

[bluerose]

Kickstarter is best for business ventures. A friend of mine who is an artist has gotten the funding to create a line of plush toys (baby dragons) that she designed.

 

[PseuTonym]

Hey all,

So let’s assume that you are a devout Catholic artist. Let’s say you’re a painter, but are very evangelistic, and think film/video is far more evangelical in outreach.

You have an idea for a short film that could explain some important Catholic doctrine in a narrative format-- rather than the typical discussion format or q&a format.

But this costs a lot of money. Let’s say you need $5,000 or even $10,000 for it-- ballpark figure.

How would one go about raising money for such a project?

Is it a Catholic doctrine that is not accepted by any Protestant denomination? You should do some fact-checking. Maybe there is an investor who belongs to a Protestant denomination and who would invest in your project.

Explaining some doctrine sounds like one small part of a Bible study course. You could sell such materials to Jehovah’s Witnesses, members of the LDS, adherents of Christian Science, or any other Christians who offer Bible study courses. Maybe they would be willing to become partners if their initial lump-sum payment entitles them to make and use an unlimited number of copies. You could find 99 individuals who pay $100 each, and adding in your own $100 investment would provide $10,000.

You could post a non-disclosure agreement for people to sign and return to you at your mailing address. Then you could record telephone conversations in which you try to put into words – rather than pictures – your idea for a short film that would explain the doctrine. You would be speaking with a potential partner who will edit your words. A painter or other visual artist could use help from someone who is word-oriented, just as instrumental music becomes much more popular if the composer of the instrumental score collaborates with a talented writer of lyrics who has a style that complements the style of the musician.

 

[edwest2]

Definitely go with Kickstarter. However, keep in mind that you need people with the right skills. As a creative who has been involved in many creative projects, you need people with some experience. That way, you can convince potential backers that your film will have all the people required and they know what they’re doing.

Cameramen

Lighting

Electrical

Storyboard artists to work out the scenes before shooting.

A good writer.

A good director.

Good actors.

Set selection.

If Kickstarter doesn’t work out, try indiegogo.

Even a short narrative film needs to be watchable as well as well written and feel compelling. Otherwise, the audience will feel less compelled to watch.

Best,
Ed