You wrote a great script. You have a talented crew ready to go. But you need money to make your film happen.

Crowdfunding: The Obvious First Choice #

Yes, crowdfunding is the most popular way to raise money for films. Sites like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, and Indiegogo help thousands of filmmakers every year.

But this article is not about crowdfunding. If you want to learn about crowdfunding your film, read our complete guide here: The ABC of Crowdfunding Your Film Project: A Beginner's Guide.

No, this article covers the other ways to fund your film. Here are seven practical methods beyond crowdfunding.

Film Grants: Where to Find Free Money #

Film grants are funds given to filmmakers without expecting repayment. You do not pay them back. Organizations offer these grants around the world.

The trick is knowing where to look. Most countries have a national film council or screen agency that offers grants.

But remember it often takes a long time for grants to come through and even if you apply, there's no guarantee you'll get the money.

If you want to give it a go, then a simple online search for your local or country film council will start to pull up results.

In-Kind Support: Reduce Costs Without Cash #

In-kind support means getting things for free instead of cash. This cuts your budget as much as getting money does.

Free locations save thousands of dollars. A coffee shop, gym, salon, or office can be your set. Ask the business owner if you can film there. Show them your script. Explain how your film features their business. Many say yes for free.

If they don't, offer to film an advert for them while you're shooting your film, or take some awesome pictures of the place for them.

Borrowed equipment costs nothing. Film schools loan cameras and lights. Ask filmmaker friends if you can borrow gear. Panavision offers free camera equipment to new filmmakers through their New Filmmaker Program in the US and Canada. Go onto your local forums and ask for help; filmmakers in similar positions will often help out.

Free props and costumes come from thrift stores, your own home, or friends. Remember, never buy what you can borrow.

Transportation can be donated. Ask someone with a van to help move equipment. Offer them credit in your film or an extra role. People love to be part of the movie world so make that work for you.

Deferred Payments: Pay People Later #

Deferred payment means cast and crew works now and gets paid later when the film makes money. Many new filmmakers use this method.

People agree to work for less or no money now. They get paid more later if the film earns money. This reduces how much cash you need upfront.

Be honest with everyone though. Explain that payment comes later. Some people cannot work for deferred payment. They need money now for rent and food. Respect that.

Only use deferred payments if you truly plan to pay people later. You have a responsibility to pay them when money comes in. If you're sure it will; remember that short movies rarely, if ever, make a single cent.

Oh, and put all this in a contract!

When it comes to deferred payment and working for free, your rule should be either everyone gets paid or no one gets paid. It's unfair to everyone if you pay some people and not others and you won't be respected for this decision.

Product Placement #

Who is a local brand that could do with a boost? Or even a national brand? 

Promise everyone will eat and enjoy a local pizza shop's products and all they have to do is donate to the film costs.

Local Business Partnerships: Trade Value for Value #

Local businesses can fund your film if your film helps them. This is different from product placement.

Think about businesses in your story. If you film in a bakery, that bakery gets exposure. Approach the owner with a simple pitch. Explain your film. Show how their bakery appears on screen. Ask for a small cash contribution plus free use of the location.

A hair salon can provide your location, do hair and makeup for actors, and give you money. A car service can loan vehicles and fund your project. A restaurant can feed your crew and pay for other costs.

This works because both sides win. The business gets marketing. You get funding and resources.

Start local. Businesses in your neighborhood are easier to approach than big companies.

Film School Resources: Use What Schools Offer #

Film schools want students to make films. They have equipment, locations, insurance, and sometimes money.

Many film schools offer small grants for student projects. Ask your school administration about funding opportunities. Even $500 to $2,000 helps a short film.

Schools loan professional equipment for free. Cameras, lights, sound gear, and editing software cost nothing to students.

Film students need projects for their portfolio. They work as crew members for free or cheap to build experience. You get skilled help. They get experience.

Some schools have insurance that covers student films. This saves you money on production insurance.

The National Film Board of Canada, for example, offers Filmmaker Support Programs with equipment loans and post-production services. Other countries have similar programs.

Equipment Grants: Get Gear for Free #

Some companies give filmmakers free equipment to use. This is not a loan. They give you professional gear to make your film.

Panavision New Filmmaker Program provides camera packages to aspiring filmmakers at little or no cost in the US and Canada. They have done this for over 25 years.

ARRI Rental partners with some grant programs to provide free camera equipment for film shoots.

Search for "equipment grants filmmakers [your country]" to find programs in your area.

These programs want you to succeed. If you make good films with their equipment, you might rent from them later when you have bigger budgets.

Work and Save: Fund It Yourself #

Many filmmakers work regular jobs to save money for their films. This is not glamorous but it works.

Robert Rodriguez participated in medical experiments to raise $7,000 for El Mariachi. That film launched his career.

Work in the film industry at other jobs. Camera assistant, production assistant, editor, or any job pays money. You learn skills and save for your own project.

Work outside the industry too. Any job that pays helps. Save money over months or years. Then make your film.

Start with a very small budget. A $500 short film is better than no film. Make something small. Use that to raise money for something bigger.

(And don't forget credit cards. Your film won't be the first to be made on the back of half a dozen credit cards.)

Combine Multiple Sources #

Most short films and indie films use several funding methods together. You might get a $5,000 grant, borrow $3,000 worth of equipment, get free locations worth $2,000, and pay crew with deferred payments worth $5,000.

This adds up to a $15,000 film budget without needing $15,000 in cash.

Think creatively about every part of your budget. What can you get for free? What can you borrow? What can you trade?

Make a list of everything your film needs. Next to each item, write how you might get it without cash.

Cut the Script #

Pare your script financially. This means take out the scene where the hero jumps in a cab to get home and have them hitchhike. You don't have to pay hire a cab but can use your friend's car instead.

But Keep the Essentials #

Yes, a cast and crew will work for no pay or deferred pay. But one thing they won't put up with is no food.

Whatever you do, keep everyone on set happy. That means catering. Remember the pizza shop from above? Maybe they can help with that. 

It's true. Feeding your cast and crew is perhaps the most important thing you can do to make sure your film gets made.

Take Action Now #

Stop waiting for one big funding source. Start with what you can get today.

Search for film grants in your country this week. Contact three local businesses next week about partnerships. Ask your film school about equipment loans tomorrow.

Apply to multiple opportunities. Getting rejected is normal. Keep applying.

Every successful filmmaker started small. They used creativity instead of big budgets. You can do the same. 

Your first film teaches you how to find money. Your second film is easier because you have experience and contacts. Keep making films and the funding gets easier.

...or you could rob a bank.