10 Crowd-sourcing tips from Kickstarter filmmakers...

I stumbled across this interesting article via NoFilmSchool which poses some interesting facts and tips for creating a pitch and crowd sourced project on sites such as Kickstater and was published by Ad Wasey on Rooftop Films.

Split into 10 sections, it features the following points;

1. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK
2. GIVE YOUR PITCH A HOOK
3. HAVE A GOAL AND EXPRESS IT
4. REACH OUT TO COMMUNITIES
5. EMBRACE SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
6. SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE FUNDING RACE
7. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FUNDERS
8. MAKE YOUR PITCH PERSONAL
9. TELL PEOPLE WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
10. USE WHO YOU'VE GOT

These are all extremely valid points and I can't help but notice that Koo also gave me a lot of advice similar to that of the info relayed here by some other successful funding schemes. It shows that if these points are followed closely then there's a good chance your project may be successful!

One point that sticks out the most to me is keeping in touch with your contributors.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FUNDERS

The constant contact is really key. Especially in this day and age, it’s about building and cultivating an audience for yourself so you can hopefully sustain [your film career]. I was talking to someone recently who had contributed to both of my campaigns. She had also contributed to a number of others. She said, “You’re the only one that I really found this connection with.” There are a couple [of other campaigns where] she’s never heard from the people — she was assured that she would at some point. It’s hard because it varies by your own personality, how you connect with people. I do think there’s a real value, when people are giving you money, even if you know their name and address — you have an obligation to be in contact with them and let them know what’s going on. They were excited about the project in the first place! If you do really put an effort into the contact, over time, it will pay off, in terms of being able to get your work out there and sustain your work.
— Gregory Bayne, Jens Pulver: Driven

Gregory Bayne’s Jens Pulver: Driven is a documentary about a champion UFC fighter and his last match. Its Kickstarter project was a smashing success, raising more than $25,000 in just 20 days. For more about Jens Pulver: Driven, head over to thislovelymachine.com.

The article can be found in full HERE