IFP’s Independent Film Week in New York is a unique event, drawing participants from around the world who wish to celebrate diversity in film and media. Not only does it provide an opportunity for storytellers across all mediums to connect with industry and peers alike, but it gives filmmakers, content creators and innovators a chance to advance their creative projects amongst the international community. Indiegogo is proud to have sponsored IFP Independent Film Week this year, leading two panels and supporting several Indiegogo alumni involved in the annual event including “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night,” an IFP Independent Film Week Project Forum selection.
The Evolution of Crowdfunding in Film
Our first event took place on Sunday, September 20 at the Made in NY Media Center by IFP. Our Head of Film, Marc Hofstatter, took the stage as moderator while panelists discussed the evolution of crowdfunding, from strategy to distribution and everything in between. Panelists included:
- Peter Gerard, Director of Audience Development & Content Operations at Vimeo
- Justin Begnaud, Producer of Indiegogo film A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
- Chiemi Karasawa, Director and Producer of Indiegogo film Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me
- George Rohac, CEO of Breadpig, Inc. and Campaign Manager of Indiegogo series Con Man
These five authorities on the film crowdfunding space shared their thoughts and experiences with a roomful of aspiring filmmakers and content creators, providing unique insight into what crowdfunding for creators looks like today and where it’s headed. The speakers discussed how to maximize audience engagement, take advantage of distribution resources and use crowdfunding’s robust ecosystem to reach partners who work with filmmakers at every stage of the process. The interactive discussion was live-tweeted, giving the rest of the world a glimpse into some of the valuable insights that were shared. Below are select Tweets from the event:
"You're owning your community, you're owning your whole audience and fundraising. It's an end-to-end solution." @Vimeo
— Indiegogo (@Indiegogo) September 20, 2015
"Now people are understanding crowdfunding within the cultural paradigm." George Rohac, @ConManSeries
— Indiegogo (@Indiegogo) September 20, 2015
"The cardinal sin of crowdfunding is not keeping your community updated." George Rohac, @ConManSeries #iggatIFP
— Indiegogo (@Indiegogo) September 20, 2015
"With your campaign, you can build a whole army that helps w/ your marketing, outreach & impact." Justin Begnaud, @AGirlWalksHome #iggatIFP
— Indiegogo (@Indiegogo) September 20, 2015
"If a film doesn't have a crowdfunding campaign behind it, it can be quite surprising nowadays." Peter Gerard, @Vimeo #iggatIFP
— Indiegogo (@Indiegogo) September 20, 2015
"It's about making sure the people who care most about your cause know your doc will make a big impact." Peter Gerard, @Vimeo #iggatIFP
— Indiegogo (@Indiegogo) September 20, 2015
Bridging the Gap After Crowdfunding
Our second panel was on Wednesday, September 23 at the Bruno Walter Auditorium. Head of Film Marc Hofstatter took the stage again as the moderator of four panelists who analyzed the next steps after a film crowdfunding campaign has come to an end. Other panelists included:
- John Hadity, EVP of EP Financial Solutions
- Jacqueline Gares, Director and Producer at Jac Gares Media, Inc.
- Kirsty Bell, Head of Film and Media at Nyman Libson Paul
- Peter Phok, Producer at Peter Phok Productions
Whether or not your crowdfunding project reaches its goal, you still need to make proactive and strategic decisions in financing options after the campaign ends. Panelists shared insights on how to continue supporting your project monetarily after crossing the finish line on Indiegogo. A couple notable quotes from the panel:
"If you're coming to Indiegogo solely for the money, you're missing the point." Marc Hofstatter, #iggatIFP @ifpfilm @IndiegogoFilm
— Indiegogo (@Indiegogo) September 23, 2015
"We're all on social media. Aside from updates, this is the spot the conversation w/ your audience can be had." Marc Hofstatter #iggatIFP
— Indiegogo (@Indiegogo) September 23, 2015
In addition to these events, the Indiegogo team was out and about at the event all week, meeting with emerging filmmakers, producers and industry leaders. Our Director of Film Kristen Konvitz participated in Friday’s “Meet the Decision Makers” group discussion as well that was focused on film support and financing.
It was a pleasure for our team to get to see so many new and familiar faces this past week and we’re looking forward to working with you over the next few weeks and months to develop successful Indiegogo campaigns.
Feeling motivated to get your creative project going? Start your own project today!
