How to raise cash for a short film?

Question

I'm only thirteen but I have written a script for a short film that I think should be done right (a.k.a with a good camera, microphone) but I quite literally have NO money. My parents aren't going to shell out anything, either. How do I raise enough money to get my equipment? Are there grants available? Creative ideas welcome

Answer 1

First, register your script with WGA.org and the Library of Congress. Then, what you need is the advice of your local film commisions who may be willing and able to help a local young filmmaker find funding via local producers. With your script registered you will have some legal protection showing that that intellectual property is yours, because some people may act very nice in the begining like they're trying to help you and end up ripping you off. If things look like they're heading towards a real deal, get an agent to help you with contracts etc.

To find local film societies, do a websearch. Type in your state name and the word film and see what comes up. You state may have 1 or several so check them all out and see what they have to offer.

For agents, go to http://www.sag.org/sagWebApp/application?origin=page1.jsp&event=bea.portal.framework.internal.refresh&pageid=AgentInformation but because they are listed through SAG not all agencies listed here will represent writers and directors so you'll have to ask.

These agencies all represent writers, but they're all in CA:
http://wga.org/agency/agencylist.asp#top

PLEASE register your script first! You do not have to be a member of WGA do do that. You do have to pay a small fee, but better than getting ripped off later, right?

You can also do it yourself. Local business may be interested in being featured in the filming in exchange for a contribution. It's called product placement :-) There are also many indie production companies that have all the equipment and you may be able to work out a deal with them (they rent it out). Again I don't know where you're located, but your state film sites may have links to these companies. They are companies so it won't be free. If they think the film will make money they may front for your crew and equipment but will likely want points on the back end which is where you really need a pro to help with contracts. Do not agree to anything without someone who knows about these things on your side.

good luck!

Answer 2

Why not go to a collage that offers this and talk to a student there and see if he can help, You may not be able to barrow the equpiment but at least you'll help someone out and them helping you out as well. He/she could use it for a class project and get graded on it or something he can do for fun.
or see if you can pay him like 20 bucks.. or even 100... or between
but either way it's a lot cheaper then good camera and microphones ,,,
not sure how much the camera would cost but a good mic for film would have to be a boom mic, and that would cost at a rummage i seen one for 50... it was old..but good ones can go from 200-???????? a lot.. Friend of mine worked at guitar center. they had pro tools there,
your best bet is to partner up with someone it will be scary and you'll have to share ideas but once you build a collection you can make copies and SELL them!! :)
then you can build up money..
Say you take half of every sell to an savings for a new camrea and mic... so it you can continue to build some money to spend and money to save to improve or go solo.. and keep making them for even more return customer sells..

Wish you the best of luck!

Answer 3

Hi! You could try putting a short 'trailer' on youtube with a link to a website asking for funds. You could also try running sponsored silences, or sponsored walks etc. to raise money. Other ideas could include trying to find out if there is a scheme in your area that gives out grants to young talent for projects such as this. Jamie.

Answer 4

WHile the weather is still warm, sell snowcones, they're a big hit, no matter where you are. Once it gets cold you could try hot chocolate and baked goods.

Answer 5

Government small business loans should cover that.