How to Raise Funds for Independent Films Using House Parties

Find a location
On of the first steps to fundraising for an independent film using parties is to find a location. The location should have enough space to accommodate a large amount of people. When hosting a party, there is no way to tell how many people are going to arrive. You will always end up having more or less guests than expected. That is just the way that parties go.

The location that you select for your film fundraising party should also have a bathroom. One bathroom is a necessity. Multiple bathrooms would be ideal for this kind of event. The chosen location for the independent film fundraising party should also have a lot of electrical outlets and storage space. You are going to need these outlets for stereos or televisions. If you find a location that already has a stereo or home theater system available, that will eliminate one job from the fundraising party task list.

The location that you choose is up to you. Locations for your independent film fundraising party can be rented or borrowed. It is best to find one that you can get for free. There is no need to spend extra money on expenses like this, when you are trying to raise funds for your film. One way to get around paying for expenses is by partnering with a local group or organization. College Fraternities and Sororities are great organizations to partner with. These groups have large real estate properties that can accommodate large amounts of people. Fraternity houses may actually have everything that you need from a home theater system to multiple bathrooms.

Make a list of food
Food is an important aspect of your independent film fundraising party. In fact, this is the area where filmmakers can not be cheap when it comes to the spending budget. If you are charging admission to the party, guests must be given more than chips and pretzels. Make sure to have a large selection of snacks and good food at the fundraising party for your film. You can serve chicken wings, pizza, hoagie sandwiches and barbequed meats. Filmmakers can get around having to spend a lot of money on food by paying someone to prepare these items.

Schedule entertainment
Another important part of the fundraising party is entertainment. Guests must have something to do at the party while you are raising funds for your film. Entertainment can include music and games. Many strangers will not immediately have a conversation with others. Music will help to put everyone in an exciting mood. One way to entertain guests and spread awareness about your film is to hold a screening at the fundraising party. Filmmakers can screen a work in progress for the film that they want to make or a previous movie.

Seek sponsorship
One way to cut costs for the film fundraising part expenses is to seek sponsorship. You can ask local businesses to provide goods or money for the party in exchange for free advertising. In return, you can place the company's name on party flyers and banners at your chosen location. A great incentive for businesses would be to place a credit in your independent film upon its completion. Small businesses in the area may be willing to sponsor a fundraising event for an independent filmmaker is they are going to gain more exposure.

Make local announcements
When you have organized a party to raise funds for an independent film, it is time to announce the party. It is important to post flyers everywhere possible to get people to come to your party. Make sure to state that it is a fundraising event for an independent film. This may entice more people to come. Filmmakers should determine an age limit for film fundraising parties.

It may not be best to serve any alcohol. However, children and adults should not be among the guests unless then party is advertised as a community event. Any other set-up would be a cause for concern among many parents. If you have partnered with a group or organization, make sure that you have help with the party announcements. Local colleges that have radio stations are also a good way to announce your film fundraising party.