The variety of virtual streaming platforms makes it easier than ever for marginalized voices to be heard. While these venues offer an exciting opportunity to reach audiences, raising money to produce your film can still be a challenge. Luckily, there are some proven grassroots methods for raising the capital you need to tell your story.

How to Raise Money to Produce a Film

1. Hold Virtual Fundraisers

Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and other fundraising sites give film producers the fundraising power to connect with people all over the world. This can be especially important for filmmakers in communities that may not have a substantial local presence. Along with raising money, these fundraising sites can be powerful tools for raising awareness of your project, potentially making it easier to find the right virtual streaming service.

2. Tap Into Your Network

Friends, family members, and their networks are a great starting point for aspiring filmmakers. You may ask for a loan, request donations, or offer people in your personal circle an ownership stake in the film. They might also be able to contribute by spreading awareness and tapping into their own networks.

3. Start Selling Merchandise

Merchandise can be a lucrative revenue stream and a powerful awareness-building tool. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until the movie is out to start selling merchandise or use any of your working capital. Many sites allow you to design and sell your own merchandise for a percentage of the proceeds, so it’s essentially cost-free.

4. Target Your Audience

If the project centers around Black or LGBTQI+ representation, other organizations in the community may be able to help generate capital or make industry connections. Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with advocacy organizations and professional networks for creatives in your community.

5. Look for Grants & Tax Incentives

Even small filmmaking projects employ dozens of people and stimulate the local economy, so many state and local governments offer generous grant programs. Nonprofit filmmakers associations also have grant programs that could make your financial goals more attainable.

Tax incentives can also help lower your production costs and make your fundraising efforts easier. Taking advantage of tax deductions for shooting in a particular area, for example, could reduce your liability by thousands of dollars. By reducing your tax bill, you free up funds that can be directed to other parts of the project.

If you’re a Black or LGBTQI+ filmmaker with content that uplifts, heals, and tells stories from marginalized perspectives, iElevate App is ready to be your virtual streaming home. This interactive, on-demand virtual streaming service engages with creators from Atlanta to Louisiana, offering a broad array of movies and TV shows from a diverse range of viewpoints. Visit their website to see their virtual streaming catalog, follow their Facebook for more tips and updates, or call (404) 789-7734 to learn more.