by Sarah Afshar

Created on: May 10, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2007

Financing a film can be extremely complicated, especially if your film requires more than the average filmmaker quo. It can become even more of a burden if you aren't Bill Gates and do not earn enough income to lay down a lump sum. The best thing to do is not to panic and focus on several integrated plans that will help you on your way. The ultimate key is networking with the right people.

Any medium that uses it's premise to help filmmakers is a good medium. Do not join websites asking you to pay a fee, because they may be a scam. Instead use a medium such as Myspace's filmmaker area to promote your film. In fact, that would probably be the ultimate best, as critics and other individuals in the film industry lurk Myspace all of the time. If you are feeling a bit skeptical, you can even try YouTube, as YouTube is great for overall exposure. Don't show the entire film, but a fraction of the film that you want to use as "highlights" or part of the commercials. If people are impressed with your film, perhaps you can sway them to donate towards your project.

Traveling is key, especially in the film industry. Create a plan of destinations you want to attend. Think about the type of people you want to attract. Look at both psychographic and demographic factors of the people you intend to attract with your movie. I have a friend who is a successful filmmaker and before he became mainstream, he did a lot of traveling promoting several films ranging from small projects to large projects to expected final products. It is best to find what people like and don't like. It's best to be assertive, but ask as many questions as you can, without being annoying. The people are the critics and in reality, their opinions matter as much as your own. If people enjoy the film enough, they can also possibly invest a small amount towards your project.

The people are the critics of your movie, hence why their opinions do matter. Do some research on some individuals who are aware are "well to do" and find out what type of movies they like. Perhaps Bill Gates is interested in your movie. If so, possibly he can sponsor your project or his company Microsoft could lay down a large sum towards your movie. Do not just target someone like Bill Gates though, as he may or may not be impressed, but look at other individuals who may or may not like your film that have enough to invest in your project. It is very important to also look at businesses (whether they are a sole proprietorship, partnership,

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