The project is about 30% funded and Cross attributes the success so far to animation news sites picking up the funding story from his production blog and helping to spread the word. “I would suggest putting a link on your blog or website, as well as using as many social networking sites as you can. Facebook is also a great resource for me in getting the word out. Honestly, fundraising is one of those things that I never thought that I would do but using a site like IndieGoGo made it really simple and painless, and having the perks to give back to investors is a great idea.”
Founder Slava Rubin gives these tips for making a persuasive pitch to donors. “Have an interesting profile. An interesting profile has video with you in it to have a personal connection with your backers. Have proof of what you trying to accomplish and proof of capability. If you are trying to make a videogame, show an example of a game you already made in the past or show how you have experience in making games. If you are doing an internet start up, show me how you have experience in running internet companies. There is value to having a human connection; a human connection is key. “
The concept of project closed is different on IndieGoGo. Since there is no mandated deadline, closed just means that a project has raised the money for that one specified elementt. A creator can always come back on with a new campaign without having to reopen an account and set up again. “It means the fundraising is dormant. If creators are at an event and happen to have people who want to know where they can go to help, the creator can direct them to their IndieGoGo page and people can make a donation,” said Rubin.
Another piece of advice for using IndieGogo. “It is best to be specific about what the money is used for. Don’t try to raise huge sums all at once. Raise small amounts incrementally. There is a herd mentality about wanting to be on board with something successful. If you are trying to raise $100K and you have only raised $2K, it looks like you don’t have very much interest in your project. Put the goal at $5K for something specific (website design,camera rental etc) and then come back for another chunk for something else,” advises Rubin.
In the next installment, I will be looking at a site just launching. The Biracy Project and their SoKap platform promises to transform how independent projects are funded and made. It is wholly different from the previous platforms and it is raising interest from some very important people in the film industry. Stay tuned. (For a sneak peak of Biracy, check out Ross Pruden's brief overview.)
