Three Quick Reasons Why I Decided Against Film Funding – Indie Filmmaking Tips
When I began working on my debut feature film, ‘Electrician’, I made a decision to avoid traditional film funding options such as grants, film funding bodies, and private investors. This choice was based on several things, but here we will look at a few key factors that I still stand by today.
Here’s why I opted to make my film independently.
1. Lack of Track Record
At the time, I had no previous experience making a feature-length film, and I believed that this would make me a less attractive candidate for funding. Most investors and film funding bodies tend to prioritise filmmakers with proven track records, particularly with feature lengths. As a newcomer, I felt it was unlikely that I would be seen as a viable financial investment, and pursuing funding would be a time-consuming endeavour with slim chances of success.
2. Creative Control
Another big factor in my decision was the issue of creative control. I was concerned that with traditional film funding, investors or funding bodies they would have a say in the final film, from creative decisions to the overall direction of the film, in order to acquire their funds. I didn’t like the idea of handing over control to outside entities, where their decisions could determine whether I even got to make my film.
3. Time and Energy
Securing film funding can be an exhaustive process, requiring a significant amount of time and energy. I felt that those resources could be better spent on making my film, rather than chasing funding opportunities that might not materialise. By choosing to go the no-budget route, I was able to maintain my focus on the creative aspects of filmmaking without the added stress of seeking financial backing. Yes, no-budget does come with its own added stresses, of course, but at least I felt like the power was back in my own hands to get my film made.
Final Thoughts: While securing film funding can offer valuable resources, it’s not the only path to making a film. For me at that time, maintaining creative control and focusing my energy on production rather than fundraising was the best choice. If you’re considering self-funding, or the no-budget route for your project, I hope this provides some helpful insight.
Do I Need a Professional-Grade Cinema Camera to Make a Film?
Like most dedicated filmmakers, I shared similar equipment concerns when I set out to create my first feature-length film. This topic is a common point of discussion among fellow creators. Dive deeper into equipment considerations by downloading my free, concise 4-page PDF guide, available here.
More indepth blog post about why I made the no-budget decision
Steve Conway Films 