How many times have you gone to see a big budget film only to leave disappointed? Maybe the characters weren’t up to snuff, or the storyline itself left a lot to be desired. Whatever the reason, you are still scratching your head wondering how they could have spent so much money on a movie that was merely lackluster. This makes what we are about to share with you even more incredible. We have found a selection of independent films that were very successful without the financial backing of a large production company. These films were all crowdfunded and they are all a must see for anyone looking to be entertained. Crowdfunding for filmmakers is just another facet of the crowdfunding industry and one that enables independent filmmakers the opportunity to get their project funded and get their film in front of millions of fans. Let’s take a look at some of the industry’s most successful crowdfunded films:
- The Veronica Mars Movie Project
The Veronica Mars Movie Project was created by the original cast and crew of the television series. Raising $5,702,153 from 91,585 donors made this film one of the most funded crowdfunding projects of all time.
- Gosnell
Gosnell, a film following the now infamous doctor, Kermit Gosnell, as he became one of America’s most prolific serial killers, raised $2,241,043 through its crowdfunding efforts.
- Blue Mountain State: The Movie
Based on the successful television series about three incoming freshmen attending a Midwestern college football powerhouse, Blue Mountain State: The Movie was a successful crowdfunding effort showing what fans of a television series can do. This crowdfunded film raised $1,911,827 from 23,999 contributors.
- God Help the Girl
Set in Glasgow, God Help the Girl is a musical/coming of age film that was written and directed by Stuart Murdoch (lead singer and songwriter in Belle & Sebastian). Although its crowdfunding goal wasn’t as lofty as the other films in our list, they did reach their goal and create a successful film with some top industry names including Barry Mendel, the man behind the likes of Munich, Rushmore, The Sixth Sense who produced it, and Game of Thrones’ Hannah Murray who plays one of the lead roles.
- Lazer Team
When the creators of Red vs Blue, Achievement Hunter, The RT Podcast and RWBY wanted to fund a new project, they turned to one of the most successful and innovative ways to do it, crowdfunding! Their latest project, Lazer Team, was about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and offers the idea that we are not alone and that the galaxy is a dangerous place. This sci-fi comedy raised $2,480,099 thanks to just 2,188 backers.
- The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint
The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint is an exercise in how effective crowdfunding can be. Spike Lee was able to raise almost $1.5 million dollars from just over 6,400 supporters. We have all heard of crowdfunding success stories and this is one of the most talked about in the entertainment industry.
When asked why he chose crowdfunding for this project, Mr. Lee wrote, “I’m an Indie Filmmaker and I will always be an Indie Filmmaker. Indie Filmmakers are always in search of financing because their work, their vision sometimes does not coincide with Studio Pictures. But I do put my own money in my films.”
- Under the Dog
Although Under the Dog might not have been as popular as the other titles in our list, we wanted to add this one to show that even a small independent filmmaker can achieve their crowdfunding goal. Many of the other titles in our list are attached to big name celebrities, but Under the Dog was created by a veteran anime director and a community of supporters. This is what crowdfunding is all about and this successful campaign raised $878,028!
Start a Project to Crowdfund Your Next Film Project with LiveTree
Are you considering promoting your next film project to a production company for financial sponsorship? Perhaps crowdfunding for filmmakers is right for you but you don’t know how to get started. If so, LiveTree is the number one crowdfunding platform where artists, filmmakers and anyone looking to finance their next film or other project go for a successful crowdfunding campaign. Contact LiveTree now and let our team of crowdfunding professionals make your dream a reality and get your film seen by people around the world.
