Kickstarter

Definition

Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform that allows creators to raise funds for their projects by soliciting small contributions from a large number of people, typically through the internet. This innovative funding method has transformed the landscape of film financing, enabling independent filmmakers to bypass traditional sources like studios and investors, while also fostering a direct relationship with their audience. It empowers creators to bring unique and niche film projects to life that might not find support through conventional financing channels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kickstarter was launched in 2009 and has since helped fund thousands of film projects, allowing filmmakers to connect with potential audiences early in the production process.
2. On Kickstarter, projects must reach their funding goal within a specified timeframe; if they don’t, no money is collected from backers.
3. Kickstarter encourages creativity and innovation, leading to diverse film genres and styles that may be overlooked by traditional studios.
4. Successful Kickstarter campaigns often utilize social media and marketing strategies to engage potential backers and build a community around their project.
5. Many notable films have been funded through Kickstarter, demonstrating its potential impact on the independent film industry.

Review Questions

• How does Kickstarter facilitate the financing process for independent filmmakers compared to traditional sources?
  • Kickstarter allows independent filmmakers to connect directly with potential supporters without needing to rely on studios or large investors. This platform enables creators to present their projects and attract funding from a broad audience interested in their work. By raising funds from many small contributions, filmmakers can maintain creative control and explore unique storytelling opportunities that may not align with mainstream market expectations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Kickstarter as a platform for generating financial support for diverse film projects.
  • Kickstarter has proven effective in generating financial support for diverse film projects due to its ability to reach a global audience and create a community around specific interests. Filmmakers can share their vision and updates, which helps foster engagement and encourage backers to contribute. This platform democratizes film financing by enabling voices and stories that might otherwise be marginalized in the traditional film industry to find funding and an audience.
• Assess the long-term implications of using Kickstarter for film financing on the traditional studio system and the overall filmmaking landscape.
  • The rise of Kickstarter has significant long-term implications for the traditional studio system as it challenges conventional financing models and empowers independent filmmakers. As more creators successfully fund their projects through crowdfunding, studios may need to adapt by considering alternative narratives and supporting more diverse content. This shift could lead to a broader range of stories being told in cinema, as filmmakers gain more autonomy and control over their work, ultimately reshaping the overall filmmaking landscape.

Related terms

Crowdfunding: A method of raising money from a large number of people, typically via the internet, to fund a project or venture.

Pledge: A commitment made by backers on Kickstarter to contribute a certain amount of money to a project in exchange for rewards or incentives.

Rewards-based funding: A type of crowdfunding where backers receive non-monetary rewards, such as exclusive content or products, in exchange for their financial support.