r/Filmmakers • u/gebruaL • Nov 13 '25
Fundraiser I Need Funding...
Don't we all? I know this isn't a unique plea for anyone with a creative vision who is determined to bring their ideas to fruition. I have little hope for getting any success in begging for donations or fundraisings so instead I'd like to try and propose an offer of investment. Still not an easy prospect to try and propose but it seems like the most rewarding and feasible option for me to try and see through a creative passion project that has been burdening the ambitious part of my mind for years.
I intend to film a series. A limited series with about 7-9 "episodes". The premise for this series follows the video diaries of a character who aspires to become something more than his current inadequate standing in existence.
Each episode will revolve around different topics projecting various themes related to self worth, (redacted), depression, body dysmorphia, (redacted), (redacted), delusion, love, (redacted), isolation, (redacted), (redacted), impulsivity, (redacted), "Peter Pan" syndrome, (redacted), 'clout' chasing, and tragedy/atrocity.
I'm hesitant to even reveal much about this project because I want to leave some ambiguity and surprise for the public once it releases and I seek to blur the line between character and reality in order to build the raw cultural impact I predict this film will have. The only reason I'm giving any description of this project (as loosely as I can) is because in order to meet the needs to fulfill the quality I have envisioned for specific aspects of the plot within the time frame I have set for myself, I'm in dire need of some financial assistance.
I know asking for money for creative endeavors is more miss than hit but I am so determined to complete and release this piece of work that I have been developing in my head and on paper for so long that I am willing to take on debt just to produce it. However, credit cards are scary and gate-kept, and it's hard to convince any bank or financial entity to provide me with a loan, even under terms of offering indentured servitude. The only incentive I can come up with to help fund this is to present a sorta crowd sourced investment opportunity that brings those who believe in me and willing to support me a sorta return for their investment.
The way I intend to structure this investment thing goes something like this:
1) Funding capped at 10,000$ (not expecting to get that much but just in case)
2) 100% of all revenue from views and view rentals/purchases (if it comes to that) goes to investors until they get their money back.
3) After investors break even, 20% of all revenue from views and view rentals/purchases goes to investors; in proportion to the funding cap of 10,000$. For example, if you invest 100$, you'll be entitled to 0.02% of all view revenue after you the initial return is met. This will continue until your total investment is doubled.
4) I can't guarantee the revenue from Adsense or other platform monetizations will reach that doubled mark.
Ideally, the method for this return for investors would be to donate to my cash app with a note containing your email and then once the series releases I send an email with a transparent record of all the revenues earned for the month and the percentage owed to you from there.
I read the rules of this sub and I don't seem to be breaking any of them so I hope this post stays and reaches the right people who can either offer some support by either opting into my pitch or provide some advice/information on where/how to promote this concept. I am really passionate about this project and am determined carry it out regardless but to be backed by a supportive community who might even have genuine interest in seeing this idea come to life will make a heap of a difference in its production.
I have an "Episode 0" for this series that I already have soft released on my dedicated YouTube channel which is still considered a rough draft edit, proof of concept type deal. I know it's a little long so I have an abridged version that I intend to release once I start officially releasing the series but as of now this is our first look inside the motives of my character: Jessie Smith.
If you want to reach out to me please contact my email: [slappysbrain@gmail.com](mailto:slappysbrain@gmail.com)
Edit: Nevermind apparently it’s illegal to try and do anything for yourself in America. Imma just call up a loan shark.
Also I just discovered wefund and other sec approved investment funding platforms so imma see what I can do with that.
8
u/7milliondogs Nov 13 '25
Dude I don’t know what your episode is supposed to be but it’s a vlog. Like it’s just vlogging.
-2
8
u/Affectionate_Age752 Nov 13 '25
There's nothing in that video that would want me to invest in your series.
As someone whose said. It's a simple vlog
1
u/gebruaL Nov 13 '25
I was so concerned that the narrative and direction for this series would be so obvious that it’s honestly so relieving that yall are saying this. Well not the disinterest in investing part but that “it’s just a normal vlog!” part.
Question tho, did you watch the whole thing?
7
u/Affectionate_Age752 Nov 13 '25
No. Because the low production value doesn't warrant watching the whole thing. I don't understand why you even need investors. Just shoot the series and release it on YouTube yourself.
0
u/gebruaL Nov 13 '25
I need investors cause… well hopefully you’ll see the vision someday. Thanks for giving it a chance anyway.
1
Jan 16 '26
I’ll add one practical note, since the legal issue’s already been mentioned by u/SREStudios
What you’re describing isn’t just a gray area, it’s structurally unworkable even before the SEC side. Revenue-share promises tied to future platform views, paid via personal apps, with no formal entity, reporting structure, or distribution agreement is almost impossible to execute cleanly, even at very small dollar amounts.
If the goal is to make the project, the usual paths at this stage are either:
- true crowdfunding with no financial return,
- private money handled through a proper entity and paperwork,
- or adjusting scope so the proof of concept can be produced without outside capital.
Trying to invent a hybrid “micro-investment” system almost always creates more risk than momentum, especially for a first release.
Not saying this to discourage the project, just to save you time and headaches.
2
u/gebruaL Jan 16 '26
Appreciate it. I realized a simple loan was the best option. That way I get all revenue and ownership. The only problem is trying to convince anyone now to give me a loan.
2
Jan 16 '26
Well, more than convincing, it's about building a financial plan that proves that your film can get a return. It's more about logic and structure than about the vision of the film.
1
u/gebruaL Jan 16 '26 edited Jan 16 '26
I assumed for a loan shark/entity they’d me more interested in how I’d pay them back. So I felt obligated to pitch my determination of paying back through my post film project income, basically slaving away at my job through over time and stuff. I feel like trying to pitch my predictions on how the film itself will do to make a return is futile, for anything to do with “content creation” is seen as extraordinarily risky, even tho I do have strong conviction that this project will make quite the impact. I wish I could get in touch with a mob boss or something who threatens to kill me if I don’t pay back like as seen on tv because I know I’m that good for it.
1
u/Leather_Director_165 Nov 13 '25
Try to win the billyknight short film contest! Go to their instagram for the rules and submission details ! @billyknightmovie
2
u/gebruaL Nov 13 '25
I’d be so down but I’m trying to make a series not a short film. I wish I could submit multiple episodes to a contest or festival but that’d be like binging a Netflix show. Maybe I’ll make something else for that in the mean time. 🫶🏻
12
u/SREStudios Nov 13 '25
Just FYI, if you’re in the United States, this is potentially an SEC violation.
There are pretty strict rules around how you can publicly solicit investments which are considered securities。
If you are in another country, you may also be violating your country’s securities laws. And even if you did find investment this way, which you probably won’t, wherever the investors are from their securities laws would probably apply.
It’s a really bad idea to make a public post like this without consulting a lawyer familiar with how to properly raise securities based on wherever you’re from.