crowdfunding for quicksand

[Fred588]

From what I understand of how this operates, a custom scene is one that is directly financed by an individual, or a few individuals, and gives said individual an element of input into the scene.

I hope "directly financed" means more than just "an element" of input into the scene.

As far as I know (and I know very little) all scenes end up belonging to the producer - custom or otherwise - and become part of their sales inventory. So personally financed never means personal ownership.

I'd like to be wrong about this.

Any transaction of this sort ends up being whatever is negotiated between the parties, but Dave is correct in that a proper business transaction takes all relevant costs, and benefits, into account.

[Fred588]

From what I understand of how this operates, a custom scene is one that is directly financed by an individual, or a few individuals, and gives said individual an element of input into the scene.

I hope "directly financed" means more than just "an element" of input into the scene.

As far as I know (and I know very little) all scenes end up belonging to the producer - custom or otherwise - and become part of their sales inventory. So personally financed never means personal ownership.

I'd like to be wrong about this.

The term "custom" applied to a scene COULD mean one that is produced as a work for hire and ends up belonging to the customer. It usually does not mean that, however. Personally, I use the term "custom" to refer to a scene in which a significant element is specified by the customer and the term "partial custom" to refer to one in which only some relatively small element (such as use of a particular kind or piece of wardrobe) is specified. Obviously the cost is a function of how much is specified as well as other factors. As Dave pointed out in this thread, the amount of money invested in a production company, particularly one with its own facilities, is quite a bit. In my own case it is in the six-figure range (and the first digit is NOT a one) and I calculate its not very different for Dave. And I am not counting the cost of my home at the Studio either.

[Viridian]

Point being, a custom scene is different from a crowdfunded project in that a custom scene is basically the customer going "I have money and/or a special hat, make this scene for me" compared to a producer stating "I'm filming these scenes and I need funds to make it happen".

[wysvp]

I have considered crowdfunding myself, but like Leila and others state, it is important to have a reputation first, and to deliver quality products.

The same goes for customs - people want to do customs with a producer who will deliver and be professional about the whole process.

For anyone who wants to start off, I suggest the following:

1. Have a location that does not cost you anything (building outdoor or indoor pits is expensive, even if you just use cork);

2. Work with local talent (unless you are super lucky and have a friend who will do this for free, or for part of the profits), and expect to pay for such talent. While a lot of models enjoy being in mud, they won't do it for free!!!

3. Feel free to chat with producers; speaking for myself, I don't mind sharing experience, info, etc. Case in point: Jim Weathers asked me about my cork set some years ago; guess what that exchange led to!!! And I love Jim's work. Similarly, Dave and I have exchanged experiences; and Fred's been super helpful to me when I first started off.

So, you can certainly try crowdsourcing; keep your goals reasonable; and go for it. See what happens. You won't know till you try.

Mike

[DarthMau]

To everybody ... I appreciate your comments so much. Believe me, all your opinions are very valuable to me and this will help me make my decision to make or not a crowdfunding next year. Thanks again and have a good start to the week.

[Hispanian1]

Hello:

I'm one of the societs of DarthMau. And all can see my art in fake.

My contributions to the comunity in scenes, comics, and links. Free by yours to enjoy.

Respect to DarthMau. I know him, he is my friend. He have your talent and i have the mine.

I'm working in a new material by QS, not organic, and the FX.

I've seen his work, yours screentest with actresses, Costume Design, locations, and concepts.

he has my support in the production of their projects, personnel and materially.

He only need the first impulse.

Thanks.