Prepare all documents needed in looking for film funding: script, one-page pitching document, budget breakdown, project funding proposal, marketing materials and other production documents required by producers, grant-giving agencies and sponsors.
Whether you or somebody else is writing the script, consider elements in the film that might interest potential sponsors and funding organizations. For instance, product placement or featuring a commercial establishment in a scene can be an opportunity to acquire sponsorships through product and/or logo placements. You can also get exchange deals (x-deals) like free catering, drinks, office supplies and other resources from business establishments in exchange for advertising their products and services in the film.
During the writing stage, it may also benefit the production to already talk to your prospective sponsors for locations and products that can be featured in the film so that you can properly incorporate them in the script early on.
Produce a spec trailer. This video can serve as marketing and pitching material showcasing what to expect on your film. Upload the video online, burn DVDs and save digital files in portable media players and your computer so that they are handy every time there is an opportunity to show a copy to potential producers and sponsors. Usually, making a spec trailer requires personal funding; you might want to request actors and crew to do this for free or for an honorarium. Make sure you put impressive production value in your spec trailer. Aside from letting individuals see it in your presentations, it may become a hit online, which could result in securing good financial deals.
Post information about your film online and open accounts for film marketplace and fund-raising websites that allow projects to raise money through online donations. Examples of these websites include Open Indie, IndieGoGo and Kickstarter. Most of them offer free registration, and you can use your online profiles and portfolio for marketing and social networking as well.
Apply for film grants by looking for open calls for submissions on film grants by many funding agencies. They commonly announce the information in their websites and other media platforms.
Make a marketing plan and seek sponsorships and solicitations from businesses, philanthropists or even friends and relatives. Provide them with an itemized list that ranges from a few dollars to thousands of dollars so that they have options on what they can provide you, and what you can provide them in return. Donors pledging small amounts typically get their names in the closing credits, while major sponsors get more space to also include their logos in the credits, along with reasonable screen time offers through product and logo placements in the film.
Pitch the film to movie executives and producers. While trying to get appointments to these people is tough, it’s still worth a try. Make sure that you know how to sell your story to them, especially when you are dealing with people from mainstream studios. More than anything else, these people prioritize the profit they can get in a film project. If pitching to independent studios, you are expected to present more artistic and socially or culturally relevant projects.