2 ways of writing a self-funding proposal campaign for indie short films

Please read the short summary that my director wrote to help promote his short film.  If you are a new director/writer/producer this is something you can do very easily as well.  Get your projects made, then get your projects seen.


My name is Reginald Pippin and I am the director and writer of this short film, Meeting Miss Washington State. I was raised in Mississippi. I served in the United States Army from 2001 to 2010 as 92Y (Unit Supply Specialist). I was stationed in Fort Bliss, TX (2002-2004, 2008-2010) and Fort Irwin, CA (2004-2007). I am also an OIF (Operation Iraqi War) Veteran having served in Iraq during 2005-2006. After getting out of the Army in 2010, I made the decision to follow my dreams which is to make movies and started going to the Los Angeles Film School which I am currently attending.


The short film Meeting Miss Washington State is a silent romance comedy about a shy and reserved  art student who has a crush on beautiful landlord ,but is afraid to tell her. Meeting Miss Washington State is also about breaking out of habits which may keep him or her from achieving dreams. This film will not only be an enjoyable experience, it will also  help and boost the careers of the actors and the students who are entering the film industry.

I am fortunate to receive lighting, camera, and sound equipment from the Los Angeles Film School, but there is a more that goes into making any film. I am asking $800 to help towards the making of this film. 
The $800 dollars will go to the following:
Food (Three Days)
Location Permits
Gas (Four Days)
Insurance (Workers Comp)
Marketing
Film Festival Fees 

http://www.indiegogo.com/misswashingtonstate?a=256966#team

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This is summary #2 by Ms. Paquita Hughes another director that I am producing a film with.  She is a very talented director that you might be able to learn from.  If you are trying to self fund your own projects please feel free to use the model below as a template. 

::Who are you and why are you making this film?

I'm Paquita Hughes, an aspiring filmmaker attending an intense filmmaking program at the New York Film Academy, Universal Studios. Yes, Universal Studios. I served in the US Navy as an Air Traffic Controller for over 7 years and after fulfilling my contract, I set out to follow my dreams of becoming a successful Filmmaker.
I'm about to graduate, but not before completing my One Year Thesis Film project. This film will be my inauguraul film inducting me into the industry when I accept my diploma as a bonafide Filmmaker (Producer/Director)!
If you want to see my work as a Director, check out my demo reel and my website. I think you'll dig what you see.

::Why do you need $$?

Well, I need your help to become a bonafide filmmaker and receive a diploma. I need money to secure payments for the proper permits, locations, cast and crew to make my film.
I will also need to feed the hardworking individuals when they show up on my set to help me create movie magic. I've estimated the amount that I am pledging and could only hope that I receive enough donations to get the ball rolling on my film.
I need this to GRADUATE! No donation is too big or too small. If you can't donate, just spread the word to others you may know that would be interested in supporting this project.

::What is it about?

Kara runs away from home after a huge argument with her Aunt about a college acceptance letter. She bumps into another young woman, Vicky, who joins her on her walk to the train station. Kara spots her Aunt’s car driving around the neighborhood causing her and Vicky to retreat to a more discreet location. Kara learns that Vicky is an aspiring songwriter when she shows her a songbook. Kara's Aunt suddenly arrives to make amends but recognizes the book so she confesses the truth of Kara’s mother’s death which also eerily reveals that Vicky was the spirit of her estranged deceased mother.

::What will it look like?

This short film (intended for festival circuit) will be shot in HD Color & B/W on a Canon 7D. It's a drama with mysterious undertones and a supernatural twist. 

::Why should I care about this film?

I was taught, in life, you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family so, with that being said, we all have felt unappreciated and hurt by our loved ones.
My film celebrates the idea of discovering yourself on your journey to following your dreams no matter the stigma your family or environment has thrusts upon you. If you're not following your dreams, what ARE you following?

::Why are you telling this story?

My mother and I have had a strained relationship reaching back as far as I can remember. She is also sadly in denial about how over protective she was creating the sheltered lifestyle my brothers and I had to endure. I wanted to tell a liberating story about how I wanted to run away to California and just leave her and my awful life in Mississippi in the dust never looking back. Obviously, I chose a different route of liberation so this is the “what if” version with a supernatural twist.

::What's in it for me?

If you find it in your heart to support my film and donate, I have some pretty awesome perks that I will fufill no later than August 2012! These perks range from a Thank You! from yours truly to an Executive Producer credit on the film and a ticket to the premeir at Warner Bros. Studios in June 2012.
Until my next campaign, California Dreaming::Post Production (smaller budget)...
Sincerely yours,


Paquita Hughes
Rock Violet Productions


http://www.indiegogo.com/calidreaming?a=256966

About Hollywood top producer George Ohan

My interests include forward thinkers, producing film, and self growth. I am a positive person that enjoys building a team with like-minded individuals. If you are looking to network, my work ethic is second to none. Please contact me at George@SignatureXaver.com Veteran- U.S. Army - 8 years Active Duty Positive vibes and Energy to everyone!!!! - George Ohan - - - - *"I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia." - William Saroyan - - - - A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.-Kahlil Gibran

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Top producer George Ohan mentioned in film related article. - Film LA

Los Angeles is home to the world’s most talented filmmakers.  Need proof?  Consider the thousands of students who come to Los Angeles each year to enroll at one of our prestigious local film schools.

FilmL.A. knows just how important student filmmakers are to local filming.  Student films make up about seven percent of all permitted film production days (PPD) logged in the Los Angeles region, and in some quarters, we receive just as many days of student filming as we do PPD for full-length features.  Student filmmakers are also the next generation of Hitchcocks, Chaplains, Scorseses, and Spielbergs, so we know it’s important that their first experience filming in L.A. is a good one.

FilmL.A. allows students enrolled in accredited, college-level film education programs to apply for film permits at discount rates. A small team of dedicated student coordinators is also available to help students with their permitting needs. From lane closures to street closures, filming at a park or the beach, students can do it all, and our staff members are here to help them with production planning questions and walk them through the film permit process.

The process for obtaining a student permit is a little different for students than it is for other FilmL.A. customers.  It starts with an in-person consultation at our office (appointments must be booked at least 72 hours before the first day of filming).  Students must then obtain a student certification letter on school letterhead to verify the permit applicant is a current student in good standing. Letters cannot be more than 30 days old and must specify that the student film project is not for commercial purposes. A valid student ID is also required.
FilmL.A. has made things easier for advanced student filmmakers as well.  Students working on graduate-level thesis projects no longer have to apply for permits in person.  Students meeting this requirement can submit permit applications via FilmL.A.’s Online Permit System (OPS), which prior to September 2011 was reserved for use by film production companies and permit services.  A student certification letter and other documentation are still needed, however.

We recently spoke with Ferdinand Ramml and George Ohan, graduates of the American Film Institute and Los Angeles Film School, respectively, and asked them to share their thoughts about student filming in Los Angeles.  Ramml already works in Los Angeles as a film producer. Ohan plans to enroll in the University of California Los Angeles’ graduate program in producing.

Asked why he decided to continue working in Los Angeles after graduation, Ramml responded, “I decided to remain in Los Angeles because of the connections I made while I attended AFI.”  Ramml went on to say, “Most people want to work in Los Angeles because almost any genre of film can be shot here. Whether it’s a documentary, a music video, a commercial, anything at all – it’s shot here every day.”

George Ohan served in the United States Army for eight years prior to enrolling at Los Angeles Film School. As a student, Ohan had the opportunity to work on professional projects to build his resume. George has visited FilmL.A. many times for film permits for student projects and on behalf of film companies. Ohan was also among the first group of students to use FilmL.A.’s Online Permit System (OPS) to submit permit applications.
“I like the experience of applying in person,” Ohan admits, “but the OPS system allows me to apply from anywhere, which saves me time and money because I have to pay to park when I come downtown.”
When asked for words of wisdom to share with current film students, Ramml advised that students should, “be nice to everyone. Never forget the people who helped you.”

Ohan advised being proactive about community relations.  “Shoot responsibly,” Ohan said.  “You have to earn trust and credibility and build a rapport with the people in the cities in which you wish to do business.”

Please don't mistake my kindness for weakness

I have many more years of experience as a business man than I do as a filmmaker.  I suppose that's the main reason why I'm so surprised when some slick talking Hollywood type acts as if they're doing me a favor when I'm helping them with a free project.  I know the name of the game, "free gig, free gig, free gig, PAID GIG."  Maybe some other filmmakers in Los Angeles have the luxury of not working that way, but at this point I do not.  When I do a free gig I try to make sure its for someone that can use the help.  More times than not I will help a person with headshots or video work if I appreciate their hustle.  The problem with "free" work is that every once in a while you come across a person that doesn't appreciate it or tries to take advantage of my offer.   When this is the case I allow for that particular person to dig themselves in as deep of a hole as they wish.  I am an independent film producer with financial responsibilities just like the next man.  I cannot afford to lose money to help you, I hope that you can understand my position.  I pay my bills by being a top Hollywood headshot photographer and film producer.  It is NEVER personal for me; we can drink a glass of cognac later, but for now,"Pay me... Please." :-)

Very Respectfully,

George Ohan

Creative Producer

www.SignatureXavier.com

iO Motion Pictures

ian Ohanian