Help with finding financing for a creative project

[KeithHandy]

I'm in the very early stages of thinking about trying to find financing for a creative project -- be it via a grant, or independent investors, or whatever. I'm not sure it would be a good idea to announce the specifics on a public forum, but suffice to say my gut has told me for a long time that it would make money with the right marketing.

This is at a time in my life when my personal finances are taking an unexpected kick to the groin, which I want to transform into something positive by confronting the reality that I'm not going to carry this entirely out of my own pocket.

I'm looking for anyone that can help with advice, contacts, how much of a "demo" or "prototype" I would need from the get-go, what kind of mindset to have, what things to say, what things not to say, if I should recruit a liaison to do the talking for me (so I don't blow it), and probably several other questions & concerns that aren't popping into my head right this second.

A large part of it will be mental conditioning on my part, because I "lack experience" with money, so unconsciously I'm thinking people would be less likely to put it up if they figure that out.

If anyone wants to message me privately, I can be more specific -- it's not a huge secret, I'm just not sure it should be spelled out on a public forum right now.

[andrew]

Maybe you could give us a general idea what is is?

Web 2.0 start up?
Software?
Real life service?
Toy?
Electronic?
Building?

[intentionengine]

Hi Keith, Send me some more information and I may be able to advise.

You can achieve loads without $$$, A good team of people and a bit of creative marketing can often be the way to go.

The main thing is you've decided to make it happen and you've asked for help.

2 big steps.

Power to you.


Brendan

[Brutha]

What amount of money are you thinking about?

[KeithHandy]

Originally Posted by andrew

Maybe you could give us a general idea what is is?

Web 2.0 start up?
Software?
Real life service?
Toy?
Electronic?
Building?

Feature length film. I'd probably have to describe it in more detail to someone more experienced in budgeting to get a dollar amount, but it would be made using unconventional methods because I want it to have a unique "look".

[RT Wolf]

Depending on where you are, you may be able to get grants and the such. In Canada, the film industry is heavily supported by the government and other institutions.

On the other hand, you can use extreme creativity instead of money, such as for movies like El Mariachi and Primer.

Of course, it all depends on what you're looking for. Mariachi was filmed in a small town, while Primer was filmed using pretty much whatever was around.

[KeithHandy]

Originally Posted by RT Wolf

On the other hand, you can use extreme creativity instead of money, such as for movies like El Mariachi and Primer.

I'm already planning on using as much extreme creativity as possible.

I still think I need something tangible in front of me that says "you have this much uninterrupted time to do the piece, and if you need people, extras, assistants, you can actually pay them something instead of begging them to help and having half of them not show up".

I love what I can do with very little. I'm extremely grateful for what I can accomplish with the cheapest of tools. But damn it all, it's time for an upgrade.

[RT Wolf]

^ You sure? I still love my ghettoneering skills. I have a Ghettoneering degree, you know.

Cheap dollys FTW.

I'm a bit of a movie guy. On an amateur level. I've mostly been doing sports footage such as this recent video:
Bike Trials - Google Video

PM me if you'd like to talk.