Independent Feature Film Funding: Why Unknown Movie Matters
Introducing “Unknown Movie:” A New Feature Film Funding Project
At The Film Fund, we’ve built a strong community of filmmakers, helping them bring their short films to life through our contest-based funding model. But over the years, we’ve heard the same question from countless filmmakers: “When will The Film Fund offer funding for feature films?”
We’re excited to announce that the time has come, but with a new approach: “Unknown Movie“. While closely connected to The Film Fund, “Unknown Movie” operates as a separate entity to tap into a unique financing model: equity crowdfunding. This allows us to support the creation of feature films across all genres, making it a natural evolution of our mission to democratize film funding.
How “Unknown Movie” Works
“Unknown Movie” simplifies the process of getting your feature film made. Here’s how:
- Submit Your Screenplay and Invest: Filmmakers submit their feature-length screenplays along with a minimum $100 investment. This investment isn’t just an entry fee: it’s your stake in the project. With equity crowdfunding, your $100 makes you a part-owner of the film projects that “Unknown Movie” chooses to produce.
- AI-Driven Selection: We use a patent-pending AI tool called ProducerScore to analyze the submitted screenplays. Trained on a vast dataset of successful feature films as well as evaluation criteria input from producer Thomas Verdi, ProducerScore identifies the screenplays with the highest potential for box office success. This means we can quickly and efficiently narrow down the submissions to those most likely to perform well.
- Building Production Packages: Once the top-performing screenplays are identified, we build complete production packages around them. This includes pairing each screenplay with a director, director of photography, lookbook, and other essential elements.
- Distribution and Production: We then present these packages to film distributors, who work with us to choose which films to produce and distribute. Even if your screenplay isn’t selected, you still hold equity in the films that are made, meaning you benefit from their success.
Why a Separate Company? Understanding Equity Crowdfunding
“Unknown Movie” had to be set up as a separate company because it operates via equity crowdfunding—a different model from The Film Fund’s traditional contest approach.
So, what’s equity crowdfunding? Unlike traditional crowdfunding, where backers receive rewards like merchandise or early access to a product, equity crowdfunding allows you to invest in a project in exchange for actual ownership. This means you’re not just supporting the creation of a film; you’re investing in its potential success and sharing in the profits.
The Power of The Film Fund Community and AI Technology
“Unknown Movie” leverages the strengths of The Film Fund’s existing community—over 20,000 filmmakers subscribed to our email list—and pairs it with cutting-edge technology. The Film Fund’s community has always been about bringing filmmakers together, and with “Unknown Movie,” we’re expanding that mission to feature films.
ProducerScore, the AI behind our screenplay selection process, ensures that the best scripts rise to the top. By analyzing key elements of each screenplay and correlating them with historical box office data, ProducerScore allows us to predict which films are likely to succeed, making the selection process more efficient and effective.
Why “Unknown Movie” Matters
Breaking into the feature film industry is notoriously difficult, especially for independent filmmakers. Traditional funding routes are often inaccessible to new voices, and the competition is fierce. “Unknown Movie” changes the game by offering a transparent, community-driven way to get feature films funded and produced.
The market potential is significant. In 2022, the domestic box office generated $7.4 billion, with horror films alone accounting for $634 million. Films with budgets under $1 million, which “Unknown Movie” targets, made up $207 million of that revenue. By focusing on these opportunities, “Unknown Movie” aims to produce films that not only make an impact but also deliver returns to their investors.
Join the Future of Independent Cinema
We’re proud of what The Film Fund has achieved, but we’re even more excited about the possibilities with “Unknown Movie.” Whether you’re a filmmaker ready to submit your feature-length screenplay or an investor looking to be part of the next big thing in independent cinema, “Unknown Movie” offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact.
Submit your screenplay. Make your investment. Together, let’s create the next great feature film. With “Unknown Movie,” we’re not just funding films—we’re building a new future for independent filmmaking.
Check it out here.
