What are some good ways of getting the money to pay for the production of a film without taking cash out of your own pocket?

-Mark

sponsorships...
do some research....

Well for short films it is damn near impossible to get outside funding, as the final product has almost no chance of makeing a profit let alone getting distribution.

For feature length films you can look into investors. Many indies have been funded by Dentists (Hey, their lives are otherwise rather boring and they dont get the respect doctors get, while still making alot of money) but approaching them is difficult for legal reasons. The SEC has strict rules about approaching "Uninformed investors" (which is bassically anyone who has not funded a feature film before) So it is still a slippery slope.

The bottom line is there is no secret pot of money waiting to be added to your production budget. Your best bet is funding it yourselfhaps some help from friends and family) having a solid buisness and marketting plan and finding creative ways to make the most out of little to no money. Write around places and people you already have access to. Good luck.
R. Michael

Just wondering once you have financed and made your film how do you make a profit from it.

Who buys them and how do you get it seen by the right people.

Dont mean to sound dumb but I aint got a clue.

Usually have a few public screenings after which DVD's will be available to purchase. Getting it on a Public Access channel is always good, putting on the web, and also sending it to as many festivals as you can possbily get into (and afford).

I put out donation boxes

Stealing,Stealing is always good

Go to www.IFP.org and look around.

quote:

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Originally posted by gangster no. 1:
I put out donation boxes

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lol. I'll have to try that some time.

Now, I hear Robert Rodriguez did something like this, but my friend has done it a couple times too and he loves it. Go to one of your local hospitals or medical research centers and ask about medical research programs. They sometimes pay up to 500 dollars for one night of medical research. You basically sit in a chair and watch tv or read, or write, etc. and they put a needle in you and "monitor your levels." This may sound dangerous, yes, but think about it. These are huge, government owned organizations that need an incredible amount of safety to even use humans as subjects. You're in safe hands. And even if something does happen, you'll get a huge settlement deal (but nothing ever happens).

Just an idea for quick money.

I was thinking the same thing. I have a great story that I can't use because of location problems and using fake but real looking weapons on location. The idea was well planned out and took a while to figure out so I was distraught at having to wait and come up with a new idea... how could I get another script done quickly!? I thought about it because and figured I'd make a teen movie using what I have around me... teens, highschool, and a small suburban town. It's coming out great and its within a budget.

Robert Rodriguez also sold his body to science and donated blood.