She Strengthens

The Financial Reality of Independent Filmmaking

As an independent filmmaker, I’ve learned that producing content without the support of a production company or cable network is a daunting task. With over $80,000 in student debt, I’ve had to rely on my own resources to bring my creative vision to life.

The Birth of Brains

My award-winning web series, Brains, was my first major film project. I was determined to make it a success, despite the limited budget. At the time, I was working as an assistant manager at a coffee shop in TriBeCa, making $14 an hour, while also pursuing my graduate degree.

Crowdfunding: A Mixed Blessing

We ran an IndieGoGo campaign to raise funds for the first season, setting an arbitrary goal of $3,000. Although we only raised $923.65, after fees, it was still a crucial source of funding. One key takeaway: IndieGoGo fees are lower if you reach your goal. Had I known this, I would have donated the remaining amount myself to maximize the funds.

The Cost of Perks

In hindsight, I made a rookie mistake by not calculating the costs of our perks before setting their prices on the campaign. For instance, our “official poster” perk ended up being a net loss of $392.95. A valuable lesson learned: always crunch the numbers before promising perks to your backers.

Transportation: The Unavoidable Expense

Filming in New York City meant relying on taxis and public transportation, which quickly added up. We spent a significant amount on transportation, especially when we had to transport large props and equipment. In season two, we wised up and reduced our transportation costs to a mere $41.20.

Props: A Necessary Evil

As an apocalypse-themed show, we needed a range of props, including fake guns, lab coats, and zombie outfits. These essential items cost us $261.66. However, being a pack rat paid off in season two, as we were able to reuse many of these props.

The Unexpected Costs of Casting

When our original lead actor dropped out, we had to scramble to find a replacement. This unexpected expense set us back $91.70, including the cost of a Backstage.com account and renting a space for auditions. Although it was a costly mistake, we found an incredible new actor who was worth every penny.

Mistakes Happen

We all make mistakes, and in filmmaking, they can be costly. Our “charges that f* us without being that helpful” category totaled $165.65, including a prop gun that looked too fake, incompatible mics, and PayPal fees. While you can’t plan for every mistake, thorough research and planning can minimize their impact.

Feeding the Crew

Food is essential for a happy and productive crew. Although we were inconsistent in our approach, we still spent $221.23 on meals and snacks. Fun fact: hitting a watermelon with a machete and baseball bat makes a great sound effect for zombie kills!

Advertising: Getting the Word Out

As unknowns, we needed to promote our show to get noticed. I spent $167.86 on Facebook ads, which yielded varying levels of success. While it was a necessary expense, it was a costly one.

Film Festivals: A Necessary Evil

Submitting to film festivals is crucial for raising your show’s profile, but it comes at a steep cost. I’ve lost track of the exact amount I’ve spent, but it’s safe to say it’s over $240.74. As of November 2015, I was $948 over budget, and that number has only grown since then.

The Bottom Line

Producing a web series is a costly endeavor, and breaking even is the best-case scenario. Despite the financial struggles, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. As an independent filmmaker, I’ve learned to be resourceful, adaptable, and determined to bring my creative vision to life, no matter the cost.