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Advice on funding student film.

Dex

By Dex,
in Huddle Lounge

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Dex Collaborator

Dex

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My final project class is coming this spring and I've decided to do a film. However I want this to be the film of all films but my resources are limited as is my filming equipment. I know you're going to say find producers but how would I go about doing that? I'm in the process of doing the script and will be editing, directing and writing it all myself. I have the software I need but I don't have the hardware or money for props. I'd like to somehow find funding for purchasing a camera this is capable of producing film like footage, lights, microphones, props, tripods the works, Where do I start? I don't make enough money and am a full time student. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Also this film will be dedicated to Sam Mills.

I'd rather not take out a loan, actually it's out of the question but maybe there are companies who give film students grants or donations for their ventures?

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PhillyB Grand Master

PhillyB

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any way to rent equipment?

also you might try contacting the panthers PR department (or even send a snail-mail letter to JR himself) announcing your interest in working on the project (i'm assuming the project is about sam mills... or is dedicated to different from what you're actually filming?) you might find them accommodating.

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Dex Collaborator

Dex

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any way to rent equipment?

also you might try contacting the panthers PR department (or even send a snail-mail letter to JR himself) announcing your interest in working on the project (i'm assuming the project is about sam mills... or is dedicated to different from what you're actually filming?) you might find them accommodating.

The story is about Sam Mills however the title of the film will be Keep Pounding. The story has more a Thomas Davis story than Sams. I do like the idea of contacting JR. However I'm not sure the story is enough to warrant any help. Also I live in Connecticut and although a fan for almost 10 years have never been to BoA.

"This is the story of an athlete whose dream is to play professional football. He is very talented but has an uphill battle ahead of him. His senior season he suffered a season ending injury and colleges are apprehensive when it comes to the thought of bringing him in to be a part of their program. Along with his physical traumas he also has to deal with depression, staying out of trouble as well as having epilepsy since he was a child. His older brother as well as personal trainer is trying to get him back to where he was before the injury while also fighting his own demons. It will be a drama and underdog film."

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Dex Collaborator

Dex

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seriously, contact them. these are the types of bones they're likely to throw out to fans, especially when the team has been such a shitty on-field product for the last half a decade.

Thanks for the advice! I'll start writing up a draft tomorrow!
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Dex Collaborator

Dex

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seriously, contact them. these are the types of bones they're likely to throw out to fans, especially when the team has been such a shitty on-field product for the last half a decade.

Hello Mr. Richardson I know your time is precious so I’ll get right to the point. My name is Dan Perkins I live in Seymour, Connecticut and have been a Carolina Panthers fan since I was 12 years old. I’m currently 21 and am a full time student while also working part time. I’ve tried to see as many Panthers games in person as I can in the area especially ones at the Meadowlands. I was at the Jets vs Panthers preseason game this year and was even at the Giants vs Panthers game in 2009, which was a great victory. Unfortunately I’ve never been to the queen city to see my Panthers play. However that isn’t why I’m contacting you. I attend Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, Connecticut and am a Digital Media major with a double in Video/Audio as well as Graphics/Animation. I couldn’t afford film school and this was the next best thing to it. I want to be a director someday and everyone needs to start somewhere. Fortunately for me I have found my niche. My professor’s see something in me I never saw in myself; talent. I’ve finally found the thing I was meant to do. One of my short films will even be in the commercial for my schools media department. However as everyone knows making films, even student films isn’t cheap. I’ve gotten by for past films due to them being entry level. However if I wish to pursue my dream I will need some help on my next film.

For my final project I’ve decided to direct, write and edit a passion project I’ve been thinking about for a while now. The story is mostly drawn from my real life with some thematic elements thrown in. Here is the synopsis for the film.

This is the story of an athlete whose dream is to play professional football. He is very talented but has an uphill battle ahead of him. His senior season he suffered a season ending injury and colleges are apprehensive when it comes to the thought of bringing him in to be a part of their program. Along with his physical traumas he also has to deal with depression, staying out of trouble as well as having epilepsy since he was a child. His older brother as well as personal trainer is trying to get him back to where he was before the injury while also fighting his own demons. It will be a drama and underdog film."

I was born with epilepsy and have had to deal with grand mal seizures since I was a child. Thankfully my condition isn’t as bad as others I’ve heard of. However it is one of the obstacles I’ve had to overcome throughout my life. The second and main struggle of the film is injury. I love football. It has always and will always hold a special place in my heart. Unfortunately my sophomore year of high school I was a squatting in the weight room and herniated a disc in my back. That along with my concussions and epilepsy made it nearly impossible for me to continue my dream. Now I feel the only way for me to fill that void is to make this film.

I drew most of the inspiration for this film from two people. Sam Mills Jr and Thomas Davis. The strength, love and dedication these men had for the game was unparalleled. For that reason I would like the title of the movie to be “Keep Pounding “dedicated to and in honor of the late Sam Mills Jr. Being a Panther’s fan I know how much he means to football and more importantly this franchise and want to do this film justice. I’ve begun writing the script but it is all for nothing if I can’t raise the funds through producers or donations which I’ve yet to find any.

I’m not asking for a hand out Mr. Richardson I will literally do anything just to be given the chance to make this film and make it right. I’m only asking for the opportunity to do it. I would need the equipment required to make this movie and that starts with a camera, lighting, props as well as the permission to make this film. Also for the film credits I’d love some archive footage and photos of Sam that are of high enough quality to use It would mean more to me than you would ever know and if you can’t I understand but thank you for taking the time to read this and make another one of your fans happy.

If you need to reach me my information is below. Thank you.

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mmmbeans Newbie

mmmbeans

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The technology at my school is archaic and you can only use equipment if it's on school grounds.

people have been making movies for quite a while, there've been quite a few great films made on "archaic equipment."

how do they know if you take it off school grounds?

TLDR: you aren't going to be able to afford to do this on your own. people don't invest in student films... if you want money from people you know, approach them from the angle of furthering your education and getting a tax writeoff... Anything else you're going to need a business plan... maybe try kickstarter?

A couple of side suggestions:

1. Audio quality matters way more than you think it does.

2. Get somebody else to edit for you... it will be harder for you but your film will be better.

3. Craigslist. Find people to help you. Again, you can't do this by yourself. If you can't pay them, feed them well.

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