Independent filmmaking has always been a job of passion, but as with many art forms, gathering money is one of the hardest aspects of the discipline. In the past, filmmakers would traditionally seek support from studios, grants, or private investors, but the rise of crowdfunding has transformed how independent films are financed. Several platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Seed&Spark have allowed filmmakers to connect with their audiences and raise funds directly through grassroots-level support.
Bardya Ziaian, founder of Bardya Pictures Ltd. in Toronto, knows about the financial obstacles Canadian indie filmmakers encounter all too well. Ziaian got into the industry in 2019, and was responsible for the production of the comedy film Super Dicks. Reflecting on crowdfunding’s place in the modern filmmaking industry, Ziaian explains, “Crowdfunding is a financial tool, but it’s also an early indicator of audience engagement. If people are ready to commit to your vision before the movie is even made, that’s a pretty good indicator that your story has potential.”
Crowdfunding gives filmmakers more ownership than conventional financing does. Filmmakers are then free to follow their vision without the interference of studios or investors who prioritize commercialism over artistic integrity. This crowdfunding model has worked behind some notable indie success stories, with films like The Veronica Mars Movie and Super Troopers 2, both of which used their dedicated fan bases to surpass funding goals.
But running a successful crowdfunding campaign involves more than pitching on a website. Developing effective campaigns from the ground up involves a combination of smart marketing, audience research, and telling a great story. With a compelling campaign video, regular updates, and enticing reward tiers, filmmakers can significantly boost contributions.
The numbers speak to the power of crowdfunding. According to Kickstarter’s own statistics, over 88,000 film and video projects have been successfully funded via the platform, with total funds raised exceeding $597 million. Seed&Spark and Indiegogo are two other major platforms for such endeavors, and both report the participation of indie filmmakers increasing significantly, illustrating the heavy dependence on these tools. By 2025, Kickstarter had launched 656,492 projects in all categories, generating a total success rate of roughly 42%.
But crowdfunding isn’t without its challenges. Success is certainly not guaranteed with a campaign. Only about 42% of all projects on Kickstarter reach their funding goal. There’s so much competition for attention that filmmakers need to spend as much time and energy building a social media presence behind email blasts and press outreach to promote their campaigns.
Another challenge is delivering supporter rewards, which can be expensive and time-consuming. From digital downloads to unique merchandise, fulfilling rewards adds another layer of responsibility to which filmmakers must prepare well in advance. Also, consider that platform fees and taxes can chip away at the final amount raised, so financial planning is key.
Crowdfunding has served as a tool to build an audience beyond its merits as a financial backer. Filmmakers who connect early with those who support them can build up a loyal audience that follows their path after one project. Such enthusiasm can lead to ticket sales down the road, streaming views, and career longevity.
“Crowdfunding is about building a movement around your project. Sometimes the relationships you create during a campaign are just as valuable as the money,” says Ziaian.
Going forward, the role of crowdfunding in independent filmmaking will likely continue to evolve. With the rise of new platforms and funding models, filmmakers will have to remain flexible and innovative in their financing strategies. Be it traditional crowdfunding, equity-based funding models, or blockchain-based film investments, independent filmmakers have the ability more than ever to realize their films how they want to, when they want to.
Crowdfunding in the traditional sense is still a powerful money-raising option, but for filmmakers willing to put in the effort, it is also an awesome option for building an audience, navigating market viability, and allowing for more creative control. As the indie filmmaking ecosystem continues to adapt, those who embrace crowdfunding tools and use them efficiently will be best positioned to thrive.