How to get funding for your film

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How to get funding for your film

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Wednesday, December 3, 2014 · 6:30 - 9:30pm GMT

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

The inside track on raising funds for your film from investors, crowdfunding, competitions and government schemes

As any successful filmmaker will tell you, securing funding for your debut requires as much creativity and hard work as writing and directing it. Whether you're trying to fund an arthouse short or a multiplex feature, this no-nonsense evening course offers practical advice on a multitude of routes for prospective producers, directors and auteurs to get the cash they need to realise their ambitions.

Writer/director Paul Frankl gives the benefit of his personal experience of securing independent funding, and a panel of experienced industry veterans talk you through the available options, including government funding, sponsorship, competitions and crowdfunding. You'll get straight-talking advice from the people who hold the purse strings, including Film4 producer Fiona Lamptey (Attack the Block) and iFeatures executive producer Tristan Goligher, and learn how to put together a proposal that will tempt investors, producers or crowdfunders. Whether you want to make the next Four Weddings, or the next Four Lions, this large-scale seminar gives you a comprehensive understanding of your options – and what to expect from your backers.

This course is for you if...

  • You're a filmmaker at the start of your career, looking for financing for your first film
  • You've previously produced or directed a short film and are looking for ways to fund a feature

Course description

This large-scale seminar offers advice for first-time filmmakers from a panel of experienced directors and producers on the various funding models available, and the best ways to take advantage of each. Topics covered on the evening include:

  • Competitions – what's out there, and what they can do for you
  • Branded content – what to expect, and how to take advantage of opportunities
  • Short film funds from Microwave to Creative England
  • Creating an effective crowdfunding campaign
  • What makes a good producer
  • How to keep up your momentum

Tutor profiles

Tristan Goligher is executive producer for iFeatures 2. Tristan's first film as producer was Martin Radich's Crack Willow. In 2010, he co-produced Late Bloomers by Julie Gavras, starring William Hurt and Isabella Rossellini, and Andrew Haigh's Weekend, winner of Emerging Visions Audience Award at SXSW 2011. Tristan is currently in production on 45 Years, the new film from Andrew Haigh, starring Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay.

Fiona Lamptey is a producer for Film4 and the founder of boutique production company Fruit Tree Media. Fiona started her career in TV commissioning, working on award-winning programmes, spanning genres including documentary, studio and live entertainment. For the last six years, Fiona has worked for Channel 4's feature film division, Film4. Her main responsibilities include negotiating development and talent deals, and overseeing budgets and short film production.

Paul Frankl is a writer/director based in London. In 2012 he won Bombay Sapphire's Imagination Series competition – his five minute script was produced with a budget of £40,000 and premiered at Tribeca Film Festival 2013. Paul recently collaborated with Absolut Vodka on his next short film, which he wrote, directed and co-produced, and which is currently touring the film festival circuit. He is currently developing the story for this film into a feature film script.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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