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#Scriptchat Transcript: Crowdfunding Tips from John @Trigonis
The best way to become a better screenwriter is to produce your own work. Filmmaking requires money, and John Trigonis has the tips to help you have a successful crowdfunding campaign. Enjoy! @jeannevb
Today at 5PM PT (8PM ET), our own @Trigonis will be live-tweeting about #crowdfunding for #scriptchat! #gogofilm pic.twitter.com/SZ0CzjMLpr
TONIGHT 5pm PT #scriptchat guest is @Trigonis talking Crowdfunding- chat instructions here: http://scriptchat.blogspot.com/p/how-to-chat.html … pic.twitter.com/UUABGn3e9R- IT’S #SCRIPTCHAT O’CLOCK w/ guest is @Trigonis talking Crowdfunding - Login here to chat: http://www.tchat.io/rooms/scriptchat …
- Welcome to the madness, @Trigonis! *pours margarita* #scriptchat
- Wut up, folks? How'd you all do on your goals and writing this week? #scriptchat
- .@jeannevb Unfortunately, no margarita for me (though I am on three glasses of vino.) Coffee's the key for me tonight! #Scriptchat
- I'm a big believer in screenwriters producing their own shorts. Incredible way to learn. But ya need $$. Enter @Trigonis #scriptchat
- Hello all you happy people. #scriptchat
- Crowdfunding. Where you need a crowd to get funding. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat I made it.
- @Trigonis let's talk crowdfunding tips... LOTS to consider. How about we start with things you should do BEFORE launch? #scriptchat
- We're here #ScriptChat
- And sometimes it seems crowds are harder to come buy than money. #scriptchat
- .@jeannevb Same here! I think screenwriters & actors should all be creating their own stuff. #scriptchat
.@Trigonis talks #crowdfunding for #indiefilm & more NOW! Join in >> http://scriptchat.blogspot.com/p/how-to-chat.html … #scriptchat pic.twitter.com/nkascGzX4K- @Al_1701 hey, David! #scriptchat
- You're exactly right, @Al_1701. Like I always say, the crowd's gotta come before the funding. #crowdfunding #scriptchat
- @GorillaProducer jump in, Calvin. #scriptchat
- @Trigonis What an extreme introvert to do? #scriptchat
- Before launch, @jeannevb, we need to spend the proper amount of time finding & interacting with our audiences. #crowdfunding #scriptchat
- #scriptchat Exactly how do we get the crowd to come? @Trigonis
- .@Al_1701 They've got to lessen the extreme of their introversion, actually. The age of the timid #filmmaker is all but over. #scriptchat
- I went to a convention this weekend. #scriptchat
- In all honestly, though, @Al_1701, introverts just need to be themselves & put focus on their films/ideas & themselves. #scriptchat
- Build a following - blog, short films, online stuff, etc? #scriptchat
- .@writeranthonydp Through interaction –– that's how to get a crowd to come. First, though, you need to know who your film's for. #scriptchat
- . @Trigonis We've noticed a big change in #Crowdfunding since the celebrities jumped in How do we compete? #ScriptChat
- .@writeranthonydp If you read something, tweet it. Always seek to add value to followers' lives. Then they stay followers. #scriptchat
- @Trigonis Thanks John! #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 Great question! First, becoming a curator of valuable content that fellow creators can RT, share, etc. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat That's what I try to do. @Trigonis
- @SarahAlexis4 Thanks so much Sarah! I definitely am! #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 The key thing about building an audience is doing so because you want them to SEE your film, not... (1/2) #scriptchat
- I need a more tweetable life. #scriptchat
- When you realize you'd be so rich if you got paid for every hour you worked... #Screenwriting hour number 7 today, and going! #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 (2/2) ...FUND your film. Make the reason we're interaction about #crowdfunding, we lose the interaction game. #scriptchat
- @Al_1701 Join the club, half my tweets the past few days was about my pet peeing on me! #scriptchat
- @Trigonis have you found 1 social media platform better than others to grow a following? #scriptchat
- .@Al_1701 Don't we all, my friend LOL! But you'd be surprised what's tweetable these days. I think you're all good :-) #scriptchat
- Because of stuff like this, @jeannevb, Twitter is still my go-to. Problem is so many creators don't "get it." #scriptchat
- #scriptchat What's the best? Seed & spark, indiegogo, kickstarter...@Trigonis
- I also forget I'm no Twitter when tweetable things happen. Big storms hit my area, not even thinking about Twitter. #scriptchat
- .@jeannevb But whatever social media platforms you know how to make the best use of, make the best use of 'em 1,000%. #scriptchat
- @Trigonis Twitter has definitely changed a lot over the years. Not for the best either. #scriptchat
- Don’t worry if you missed some tips. I’ll post transcript after #scriptchat. Also @Trigonis has a book out too https://www.writersstore.com/crowdfunding-for-filmmakers-the-way-to-a-successful-film-campaign?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=scr-jvb-tw-160710 …
- Absolutely that! All these things. RT @wcmartell: Build a following - blog, short films, online stuff, etc? #scriptchat
- @Trigonis so let's say you're a god at social media & have a following, tips for picking amt $ to ask for? What's sweet spot? #scriptchat
- For #webseries creators, @filmwritr4, make your own pilot with your own dime. Then go #crowdfunding for the season. @jeannevb #scriptchat
- .@filmwritr4 Key thing about #crowdfunding #webseries is you need something to share initially. To tease the fans. @jeannevb #scriptchat
- @Trigonis @jeannevb @blueneumann I definitely know all about that. I cover a lot of web series for @SnobbyRobot, and... #scriptchat
- @Trigonis @jeannevb @blueneumann @SnobbyRobot I have thought doing crowdfunding for season 2 of my web series... #scriptchat
- The first impression is also vital. Anyone hear of Midnight Mares? #scriptchat
- @Trigonis @jeannevb @blueneumann @SnobbyRobot I might do that on a future project. Thinking of ways to better interact, though #scriptchat
- @Trigonis @jeannevb @blueneumann @SnobbyRobot I definitely want to boost FB/Twitter presence, and come up with extra content #scriptchat
- BOOM, @SarahAlexis4! I just put out this video @filmcourage all about the missteps of #crowdfunding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-w21QjDTlY … #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Exactly. It was an idea by someone and they intended to crowdfund. However, their teaser was terrible. #scriptchat
- @Trigonis @jeannevb @blueneumann @SnobbyRobot I have some ideas, but it's all about executing them, writing/producing #scriptchat
- @Trigonis - what are the must-haves in a promo video to hook people on you and your project? #scriptchat
- .@jeannevb I can do a whole #tweetchat just on setting #crowdfunding goals LOL! First thing is 30% from friends & fam... (1/2) #scriptchat
- It was made of mostly tired cliches, and did not make itself look like more than an attempt to latch onto the MLP trend. #scriptchat
- Not only did he miss his target, but you could count the percentage he received on one hand. #scriptchat
- And his further attempts have proven more fruitless because the well is already poisoned. #scriptchat
- .@jeannevb (2/2) ...even if you're a social media "God" you're still gonna need friends & fam –– then the fans will come. #scriptchat
- The moral of this tale: Make sure your teaser makes you and your idea look good. #scriptchat
- It's true, @Al_1701, a failed campaign spoils the "well" which is why we need to do the due diligence of #crowdfunding research. #scriptchat
- No cliches. Emphasize when makes your work special and worth pointing real money into. #scriptchat
- When? I mean what. #scriptchat
- .@jeannevb #Crowdfunding video must-have #1: Creator must invite us to be part of the campaign... (1/2) http://goo.gl/z2Qs4W #scriptchat
- .@jeannevb (2/2) ...and she or he must in in the #crowdfunding video in order to make that invite. #scriptchat
- On the nose! RT @Al_1701: No cliches. Emphasize when makes your work special and worth pointing real money into. #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 Honestly, the most successful ones listen to me LOL! (But seriously, then do :-) #scriptchat
- #scriptchat I noticed many videos have a breakdown of how the money is going to be used. @Trigonis
- .@SarahAlexis4 But the common denominator for successful @IndiegogoFilm campaigns is that the #filmmakers DO THE WORK. #hustle #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 They don't skimp on perks, they have well-designed #crowdfunding campaigns that get folks excited to back. #scriptchat
- I've been looking into turning my shorts into directorial practice. should crwdfund only be used for minor or major projects? #scriptchat
- Yes, YOU & YOUR IDEA. Not either/or. MT @Al_1701: Moral of this tale: Make sure your teaser makes you and your idea look good. #scriptchat
- Great Q., @Tamawil. #Crowdfunding can be used for great or modest projects alike. Depends on what you need and... (1/2) #scriptchat
- @Trigonis what about the length of the campaign? What is too long & how do you keep stamina up? It's seriously exhausting! #scriptchat
- In the case of Midnight Mares, I heard from the creator some of his ideas, like these sapient horses transition between worlds. #scriptchat
- .@Tamawil (2/2) ...what you can get from the folks around you & the following you've earned, #socialmedia-wise & beyond. #scriptchat
- And partially transforming when they did so. #scriptchat
- And I was like, "Great, why wasn't that the teaser?" #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 Authenticity & passion are must-haves, but we also need to have the confidence as backers that you can deliver. #scriptchat
- Instead he tried to go for emotional manipulation with a kid who lost their parents and an angsty teenager. #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 #Crowdfunding's come a long way. We no longer have to impress investors, but we have to impress our audiences. #scriptchat
- .@Al_1701 I don't know much about this particular campaign, but I do know that's NOT the way to go these days. #scriptchat
- If you're a writer/director/producer interested in crowdfunding, checkout tonight's #scriptchat
- .@jeannevb I may need to read that transcript myself LOL! #scriptchat
- In science fiction and fantasy, I would think demonstrating a facet of the world the characters is a good teaser. #scriptchat
- @writeranthonydp I never recommend putting a #crowdfunding breakdown in the video (the goal amount CAN change), but... (1/2) #scriptchat
- Perhaps in other genres too, just giving sense of the fictional normal. #scriptchat
- .@writeranthonydp (2/2) ...there should be a visual representation (pie chart) in the story section of every #crowdfunding page. #scriptchat
- If possible, @Al_1701, the more #crowdfunding #filmmakers can get us into their world (and their storyworld), the better! #scriptchat
- You definitely want consumer confidence. Total transparency. #scriptchat
- Hey #scriptchat, if I'm missing some major questions, please RT 'em or ask them again. I wanna get to all of these babies!
- #scriptchat I usually see a breakdown as I scroll down. That is some of them. @Trigonis
- @Trigonis when @Bekemeyer & I crowdfunded #Impasse we added surprise perks along the way to keep campaign fresh. #scriptchat
- @Trigonis Going with the goal of making both you and your idea look good? #scriptchat
- Yep @writeranthonydp, y'gotta tell potential backers where OUR money's going to make YOUR film. #scriptchat
- Transparency builds Trust. Trust = #crowdfunding success. MT @blueneumann: Definitely want consumer confidence. Transparency. #scriptchat
- @Trigonis What would you suggest to show the audience initially if I can't show any kind of footage? #scriptchat
- #scriptchat And more the reason to have a great producer.
- @filmwritr4 Constant content is the way to build up followings on both organically. @jeannevb @blueneumann @SnobbyRobot #scriptchat
- #scriptchat Manageable perks.
- @blueneumann @Stanton_BruceL @Trigonis General design notes too. It's something visual for them to get an idea. #scriptchat
- .@Stanton_BruceL No footage to show? No problem. Get storyboards made up. A look book. Heck, a Pinterest board for your film. #scriptchat
- .@writeranthonydp Depends on what you mean by "manageable" when it comes to perks, though. If you're skimping... (1/2) #scriptchat
- .@writeranthonydp (2/2) ...you're not gonna reach the widest audience. Some folks do contribute 'cause of what they get. #scriptchat
- You also have to consider the real advantage of getting a perk. It can be a representation of history. #scriptchat
- .@writeranthonydp Just avoid T-shirts! Unless you're a well-known YouTuber, you won't sell many at $75 & up (to cover cost). #scriptchat
- .@Al_1701 Yes, or immortalizing a mere mortal's name in the annals of IMDb! #scriptchat
- When I was looking to do a web series a couple of years ago, I created iconic props as part of the story that could be perks. #scriptchat
- Hi #Scriptchat peeps!!! :)
- Wow, time flew this time. #scriptchat
- #scriptchat I read or heard that. Get your special edition movie glass!!! @Trigonis
- @wcmartell I was thinking that too! Anything your movie uses that you can give away can be a perk #scriptchat
- @Trigonis Better than some stupid T-shirt. #scriptchat
- Interesting, @wcmartell. You created those props specifically to be perks in a #crowdfunding campaign later on? #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 Actors should always, ALWAYS be involved in #crowdfunding. I even know #filmmakers who are putting that... (1/2) #scriptchat
- @Trigonis @wcmartell That was the plan - at story stage create things that could be part of crowdfunding. #scriptchat
- I was thinking of copies of parts of the production process. #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 (2/2) ...in their contracts. If the actors don't comply, the #filmmakers find other actors. End of story. #scriptchat
- We are going to offer a copy of the DVD along with the final draft of the script as a perk. That might work as well. #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 That's how serious #filmmakers take #crowdfunding. This is how we fund our work & keep our creative control! #scriptchat
- @markliterally The DVD seems like the most obvious perk. It'd be weird NOT to include it #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 We do have to always understand that no one will put 1,000% in the way we will. And that's okay. #scriptchat
- One of my fav perks on a project I got was a signed page of the working script and pdf of the script. #scriptchat
- Totally agree, @blueneumann. Too many filmmakers are like, "will it affect my chances of a distribution deal?" @markliterally #scriptchat
- @Trigonis @blueneumann @markliterally If the only people who want the DVD are those crowdfunding it, you h #scriptchat
- Send us a logline about your Sunday! Let's see how creative our followers are :) #scriptchat
- .@blueneumann Whether it does or not is irrelevant. You're inviting me to fund YOUR film; I need to see it 1st! @markliterally #scriptchat
- @Trigonis @blueneumann @markliterally If the only people who want the DVD are those crowdfunding it, you have much bigger issues #scriptchat
- My sis makes jewelry, so heroes have specific rings. Villains have cell phone casings that ID them. I made a list of props. #scriptchat
- Re: perks, ask writer/filmmaker friends w/ great networks to donate their books/films. Pays it fwd & they help promote. #winwin #scriptchat
- @Trigonis Would early access to BTS or showings be a good perk? #scriptchat
- @Al_1701 No, but if you donate money to a film and DON'T get the film ,that just sucks #scriptchat
- @blueneumann Exactly. And if the movie is worth crowdfunding, it will sell. #scriptchat
- Definitely cool, @Tamawil! There are three types of perks all campaigns should include: http://goo.gl/z2Qs4W #scriptchat
- #scriptchat a copy of the script on dvd is important
- That's the hope! #FingersCrossed! RT @Al_1701: @blueneumann Exactly. And if the movie is worth crowdfunding, it will sell. #scriptchat
- .@blueneumann @Al_1701 The only way it doesn't' suck is if the other perks are super. (And I don't see too many "super" perks.) #scriptchat
- .@blueneumann And listened to me every step of the way, too :-) And had a pretty good campaign manager, too. @Al_1701 #scriptchat
- You won't know what will happen to any film you do until you do it! So not steal NIKE's slogan but, "JUST DO IT!" #scriptchat
- As a "donator" I want a download of the film (I usually go for the DVD or Blu). I'm paying to have a movie I want to see made. #scriptchat
- .@Tamawil Early access to BTS footage is what I'd call "standard def," almost mandatory. Early access to the film, too. #scriptchat
- @SarahAlexis4 Keep a schedule and stick to it and let the funders know about it before it starts! #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 Best way to keep backers informed post-campaign is via email, #socialmedia, and through your platform. #scriptchat
- .@SarahAlexis4 But you don't want to burden them with relentless updates. Update when there's something to update, or... (1/2) #scriptchat
- @Trigonis @SarahAlexis4 (2/2) ...at least once per month. That's just email. On Twitter, be around as much as possible. #scriptchat
- The awesome Gary King videoed a full day where he said the names of donators as he went about post prodo and life. #scriptchat
- @Trigonis Frequency correlated to intimacy of platform. Twitter = most frequent, website = medium, e-mail least frequent? #scriptchat
- .@blueneumann @SarahAlexis4 Yep! @Indiegogo even has a new feature –– the "Coming Soon page –– for doing just that. #scriptchat
- .@wcmartell And @grking is awesome for doing that. But then again, he's an inspiration for what I call "Right crowdfunding." #scriptchat
- @wcmartell Did they the like that? I met some that don't want to be named. #scriptchat
- .@blueneumann People have websites in this day and age?! LOL! #scriptchat
- @markliterally @wcmartell I think we had to choose to be in closing credits or not at some point. #scriptchat
- @Trigonis Facebook page, whatever. Easily accessed documentation #scriptchat
- Goodnight everybody #scriptchat
- Thanks! #scriptchat
- Thanks so much, #Scriptchat! I hope the knowledge I dropped was informative! #scriptchat
- Thanks so much for joining us, @Trigonis! I'll grab the transcript & shout it out in a bit. #scriptchat
- .@Al_1701 Thanks for joining in! #scriptchat
- Thanks for that, @SarahAlexis4! And for moderating a kick-arse session! #scriptchat
- .@jeannevb And lots of free resources out there, including my @filmcourage video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-w21QjDTlY …)... #scriptchat
- .@jeannevb (2/2) ...and my #TEDx talk: http://goo.gl/HkTSxe (But my book's the most detailed of 'em all :-) #scriptchat
