As I continue to produce my feature film project, Heart of Indiana, many people ask if I’ve considered crowdfunding sites, like IndieGoGo or Kickstarter.
Naturally I have; however, without celebrity involvement in the campaign, I won’t be able to raise much.
Crowdfunding is a powerful tool that Hollywood actors are embracing more and more. Early adopters such as Zach Braff and Spike Lee dealt with a lot of flack for launching their own campaigns, but, guess what: they succeeded. I have a ton of respect for the way they faced all the critics and humbly muscled through to making art, instead of talking about making art!
Celebrity-based crowdfunding campaigns are GREAT for indie film for one primary reason: it legitimizes it as a means of raising money. This empowers indie producers to call upon prominent actors to participate in campaigns. I even envision a future where participation in a campaign is part of the “offer” producers submit to actors’ agents!
Crowdfunding is a win-win situation: a win for the artists and a win for the fans who are given unique opportunities to engage in the creative process and connect with those they admire.
I was thrilled to learn about Don Cheadle’s current crowdfunding effort, which I contributed to. I hope you’ll do the same!
(*Note the way Mr. Cheadle mentions Ewan McGregor in the video, which clearly is McGregor’s way of supporting the campaign!)
