New filmmakers go the ‘Kickstarter’ financing route

KATE Hudson, Zach Braff (center) and Pierce Gagnon top-bill “Wish I was Here.”

The recent film, “Wish I Was Here,” wasn’t just a good movie, it also serves as a fine early example of how a new kind of film financing system can result in the production of movies that would otherwise not be made, due to lack of funding.

It’s instructive to note that the movie’s lead actor, Zach Braff, is also its director, writer and producer. He thought up the project many years ago, but no established producer and financier wanted to bankroll the admittedly personal, noncommercial and edgy movie.

In the past, Braff would just have eventually given up—but these are more “democratic” film times as far as indie film financiers goes. So, Braff took a deep breath and took advantage of a new financing scheme that makes full use of the Internet, specifically the Kickstarter website.

This new method enables prospective film producers to write about their new project and ask for donations from anybody and everybody interested in helping make the project come to actual film life, by donating any amount toward its production.

Many initiatives haven’t prospered, but “Wish I Was Here” went against this desultory norm—and did very well, indeed!

Catchy title

Perhaps it was the project’s catchy title that got prospective donors interested. In addition, Braff was able to get popular stars, led by Kate Hudson to appear in his movie—another attractive plus factor!

Whatever the key convincing factor was, Braff hoped that he could raise $2 million to finance the project—and, only three days later, he was bowled over to discover that he had already met his target!

Even better, Worldwide Entertainment later stepped in to “gap-finance” the venture, and when the dust had finally settled a month after the Kickstarter campaign for it was launched, “Wish I Was Here” ended up with over $3 million in its production kitty!

It’s even more instructive to learn that the final tally reflected the interest and investments of 46,520 people!

Granted, the project’s appeal to all those small and bigger investors was boosted by the stellar presence of Braff, Hudson and Mandy Patinkin, but that explains only part of its inspiring success story.

Other factors, like its fascinating and involving plot and theme were similarly persuasive. Other filmmakers should take heart and go the “Kickstarter” route—and make their dream film finally come true!

What about the local film scene, can it allow for a similar mass-financing scheme to work here, as well?

Think of it: If you need P2 million to bankroll your film, that means that you need only 2,000 people to invest P1,000 each. If you “hit” once all of your relatives, friends and friends-of-friends, some of whom would probably invest more than P1,000 each, that total goal sounds promisingly and realistically achievable! Give it your best shot, why don’t you?