Crowdfunding 101 - Let's Start Here

Crowdfunding is lost. Why? Let me answer.

First, if you aren't aware of what crowdfunding is; it's simply when a filmmaker (I know there are a lot of other reasons to crowd fund but let's stick with filmmaking) turns to the internet site Kickstarter, as an example, creates a campaign, a pitch video, posts what the project is about. Then, fans, the crowd, people who become interested, donate to the project to help make this dream a reality.


So far, so good.


Now, I will lay the blame on the filmmakers. Some do it right. Those are the ones who achieve their goals and actually do better than they hoped. The ones who look to blame everyone and everything except themselves are the problem.

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN - keyword in planning is plan. This is simple. Do your homework and research what you're making, what crowdfunding platform would work best. Look at costs and finances. Have a back up plan in case your goal is not met. Know what you're making...do you need insurance, permits, new equipment? What needs to be paid for. Look into everything. Make a check list. How much will it cost to crowd fund? To make and deliver your perks? Look at everything. (I won't touch on pitch video or perks today, but stay tuned for a future video or blog)


Stop creating multiple crowdfunding campaigns asking for help 3-4 times to get one project done. You're already asking people to take a chance, now you're looking terrible and potentially ruining the experience for them, and the next project they might invest in. You could start a chain reaction that damages others dreams. Be responsible.


You are a filmmaker, in essence starting a business. You need to budget yourself and your project. If you can't do this, don't crowd fund. Do not ask for anything that is beyond your means. Stop asking for unrealistic numbers. Don't have a following? Then the chances of you succeeding is small. Maybe crowd fund for a small project, make and complete that and build faith in your current customers and potentially build a larger audience.

Stop and PLAN

Here is the blunt fact - stop being lazy, stop blaming others, start researching and show others why they should invest in your project.


Look at your project as an outsider and be honest: would you donate? Do you care if this gets made? Does the pitch trailer look like a professionals work?


Before I launched my campaigns, each of my 3 projects I used crowdfunding (all successfully reached their goal, the last reached the goal 36 hours after launch) I was studying pitch videos, reading books, googling for help online. I asked others and paid attention and stopped using excuses like "Well, Rob Zombie was crowdfunding and thats where the money went!" Stop fooling yourself. His fans aren't investing in yours. "But Rob, you don't understand"...actually I do...that's why I'm being honest. I treated my investors like partners and shared things along the way and tried to show them bits and pieces along the way. I delivered on all 3 projects. I worked hard, lost some money but didn't let that stop me. I made mistakes but I would NOT let people down.


That's it for today. Crowdfunding works. It's not begging unless you make it begging. The people investing are proving they believe in you. Have integrity and don't let them down. Prove you're a professional and make something great. You can take this advice and make the best project possible or ignore help and realize you made a mistake, costing you much more than a bruised ego. Look around, plenty of advice/help out there. Best of luck.


Until next time, want to see my films? Visit www.youtube.com/RobDimension and watch for free.

Baggage teaser trailer, casting info & how you can help!

Baggage teaser trailer, casting info & how you can help!

"baggage" is a story that Rob Dimension has been sitting on for over two years now. While eating lunch together, Sal Valente made mention to Rob about a simple premise, this simple premise has blossomed and grown in a full fledged project. Dimension, fresh off the success of the award winning film "No Clowning Around"; another short film he wrote, starred and co-directed, has worked hard to bring fresh life to the Horror genre. Dimension is no stranger to the horror community, from the TV show "Late Night at the Horror Hotel" to blogging and reviews, even to podcasting, he has stood behind so many filmmakers trying to shine a light on the grass roots level; The Independents.

After the gritty feel of No Clowning Around, Dimension wanted to focus on "the complete opposite" and "baggage" was born. Submitting the script to Jeremiah Kipp, a director that Dimension has praised for nearly two years, was a personal risk but came with an amazing reward. Jeremiah responded almost immediately and was on board. Jeremiah had this to say: "baggage immediately captured my interest as a beautiful and macabre tale of a man haunted by desire.  It’s got the feverish melancholy intensity of an Edgar Allan Poe story, but told in a modern and transgressive way.  Every image should resonate with the beauty of a painting, but one where if you look at it too closely, you realize you’re caught up in the swirls of a nightmare."

Kipp is currently involved with the "In Fear of" webseries along with countless other films like Crestfallen, Contact and Easy Prey to name just a few. We could not be any happier to have Jeremiah's amazing vision and directional skills at work for this film. Dimension had this to say "I truly can't wait to work with Jeremiah, he has such passion." For more of Jeremiah Kipp's work, visit :http://kippfilms.com/main.html

The Cinematographer for "baggage" will be Jeffrey Gould, from Action Media Productions (http://www.actionmedia.tv). Jeff has an extensive background in film and has added great chemistry to the team. We are extremely happy to have Jeff and his team a part of this project. 

Also, Associate Producer Bill Wilusz will be leading the Behind the Scenes video package that will be included with the DVD release. Bill has also written, starred and produced his own films (Prey and Demon Hunters) so we are sure this inside look into the making will be a can't miss!

Synopsis - Benjamin is normal. He does his best to fit in with society. He goes to work, loves his significant other and has hopes and dreams just like you. You will follow Benjamin for one day of his life, but will you still believe that Benjamin is normal after his world is revealed?

The cast of Baggage:

Benjamin - Rob Dimension

Julia - Ilaria Malvezzi

Supporting Cast - Steve Corino, Kim Dimension, Amber Marchese, Thomas Mendolia and Chris Raddatz

Writer and Screenplay : Rob Dimension

Director : Jeremiah Kipp

Cinematographer/Editor : Jeffrey Gould

Executive Producer : Kim Dimension
Associate Producer : Bill Wilusz

Soundtrack/Composer : Steve Vil and Burn the Darkness

Photographer : Deirdre Kinnevy (DeeKae Imagery)

Artwork : Brian Mitchell (Brian Mitchell's Creative Mind)

How much do we need? Where is it going? - Even though the film is a short, we have a $3,000 budget. We have special effects that total more than $1,200 plus, securing locations, production costs, food, travel and additional post production expenses. We truly believe that this project will be well worth your donation and support. Dimension, Kipp and Action Media Productions will do their absolute best to make horror fans proud of our effort. We hope this video teaser shows our passion and proves how much we believe in this. 

Your Perks for Support!

(all perks are expected to be delivered by Nov 2013)

$10 - for donating $10 your name will be on our site, as well as in the credits under "Special Thanks" in the finished film. We know times are tough and we are thankful for any support.

$25 - for donating $25 you will receive a Limited poster signed by all involved with the film. This will be a great keepsake that reminds you of all of our hard work and your generosity. Plus, your name will be on our site and in the credits under "Special Thanks" in the finished film. 

$50 - for donating $50 you will receive a finished "baggage" DVD that will not be available elsewhere until 2014. Because we are submitting this film to certain festivals, we can not have an official release this until after the premier. This is a great chance to see what others will be talking about and have some special bragging rights. In addition, you will receive the Limited Poster, your name will appear on our site and see you name in the credits under "Special Thanks". 

$75 - for donating $75 you will receive a "Benjamin is Normal" t-shirt. (Please enter your size when ordering). This will help promote the film and will stick out to your friends once you know that Benjamin is NOT normal. You will also receive the DVD, the Limited Poster and special thanks in credits and on website.

$100 - You're an Extra!! That's right, you get a walk on role on camera in the film "baggage" and a credit on IMDB. You also receive the t-shirt, the dvd, the Limited poster and the special thanks. This is a great opportunity to see how movies are made!! (this does not include any travel, lodging or food compensation. You will also be required to sign a release to participate.) An email will be sent to you with filming date and what attire to wear. (We are planning on mid-late May filming and are not responsible if you are unable to attend filming due to scheduling conflict). We want you to come be a part, enjoy the experience and have some fun creating movie magic! (Location is near Red Bank/Long Branch, NJ)

$250 - Hello Mr Producer!! That's right, for donating $250, you are in instant Associate Producer for "baggage", you also receive an IMDB credit that says so!! Plus, you still get to be an Extra, you get the t-shirt, the DVD and the Limited poster and your name is on the site! You are proving that you believe in this project and filmmaking!!  This is a great opportunity to see how movies are made!! (this does not include any travel, lodging or food compensation. You will also be required to sign a release to participate.) An email will be sent to you with filming date and what attire to wear. (We are planning on mid-late May filming and are not responsible if you are unable to attend filming due to scheduling conflict). We want you to come be a part, enjoy the experience and have some fun creating movie magic! (Location is near Red Bank/Long Branch, NJ)

$500 - This is the King Perk! You get to be involved in the final editing process, you watch the film in a very exclusive screening with Director, Jeremiah Kipp, Cinematographer and editor Jeff Gould, plus Associate Producer Bill Wilusz and Writer/Lead Actor Rob Dimension. You see the finished project before ANYONE else!! You are also listed as Associate Producer for "baggage", you also receive an IMDB credit that says so!! Plus, you still get to be an Extra, you get the t-shirt, the DVD and the Limited poster and your name is on the site! You are proving that you believe in this project and filmmaking!!  This is a great opportunity to see how movies are made!! (this does not include any travel, lodging or food compensation. You will also be required to sign a release to participate.) An email will be sent to you with filming date and what attire to wear. (We are planning on mid-late May filming and are not responsible if you are unable to attend filming due to scheduling conflict). We want you to come be a part, enjoy the experience and have some fun creating movie magic! (Location is near Red Bank/Long Branch, NJ). This gives you an absolute inside look at how it's done and the process. We can't wait to hear what you think!!

We really appreciate your consideration, your support and believing in this project. Stay tuned to www.YouveBeenRobbedFilms.com for updates as well as www.RobDimension.com