http://www.creativeengland.co.uk/index.php/funding/

Or why not try and crowdfund your project through websites such as Kickstater, Indiegogo, Sponsume and Wefund?

Crowd funding works on the idea that many hands make light work: lots of little donations adding up to become a large budget to help you make your project happen. Not just restricted to film projects, crowdfunding has helped a range of individuals and companies launch their ideas from large scale festivals, to new inventions, board games and arts performances. Kickstarter alone has claimed to have launched over 3000 film projects and with an estimated 700 crowdfunding platforms out there, there are a plethora of ways to help you raise finance through crowdfunding.

The most successful crowdfunded projects are those that engage their audience – you could have the best idea in the world but unless you get the world buzzing with interest, no one will hear about it.

Social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook can be used with great success to not only help spread the word about your campaign, but also engage them through social interaction by asking questions and generating polls; all of which help you gather feedback to assess what the world likes about your project and what you could do to improve its likeability and chance of securing more funding.

Make the most of image and video sharing sites such as YouTube: uploading a team photo or concept art not only lets your audience put a face to a name, but also gives them a clear idea of your vision. Why not make a video pitch? Let your passion for your project show with a video address to your audience about just why they should donate to your project. Not only this, but by having your images and videos hosted on sharing sites, it increases your exposure by enabling more people to find your project. If you want help with your concept art, promotional photography or video pitch, drop me a message via aimee@aimeespinks.com and see how I can help!

As we all know, it’s not often you get something for nothing. Other than the completion of your amazing idea, offer backers rewards for their support. Depending on their level of donation, why not offer them a sliding scale of goodies in return for their hard-earned cash? This could be anything from props used in filming; limited editions of the final film or product; exclusive content or access to launches and premieres.

Whatever your means of raising finance, keep your public engaged through the entire process so by the time you are ready to release your project to the world, there is already an audience buzzing to see it!

The post Film Funding appeared first on Aimee Spinks Photography.

White Room Studio is based just outside Birmingham City Centre and with 2500sqft of space it houses an open plan high key studio with a huge infinity curve; perfect for shooting music videos or large groups. The size of the infinity curve really is a great addition to the studio and sets it above many of the rest which make do with half size coloramas (White Room Studios also has plenty of these).

Adjoining the main shooting space is a green area with sofas and a pool table for those not shooting to chill out in along with an in built audio system so you can plug in your own tunes. Connected to the shooting area there is a large make-up room fitted with a luxury make-up chair; full sized, lit mirror as well as unique features and decorations to make the room itself a potential shooting area if it takes your fancy! Facing opposite there is also a large changing room for the models to have some privacy and I also hear rumour that this may be getting kitted out with a shower for any messy shoots!

Kit-wise, the studio boasts 7 lights including both flash and continuous bulbs for those of you wanting to shoot video instead of stills, along with a huge selection of umbrellas, soft boxes, snoots, beauty dishes and ring flash accessories amongst a myriad of others. Designed with video in mind, it also has audio equipment including a Rode shotgun mic; lav mic and a Tascam recorder as well as a voice over area, ideal for productions needing a bit of ADR. Ever the thoughtful studio manager, Dan also has a large inflatable pool and tarp on standby for people like me, intent on making a mess in the studio as you can see from my recent shoot with Lucie Webster:

As you can see, from the photo, this was a hugely messy shoot and I’m so appreciative of Dan for letting me do it and for the help in tidying up all the paint (which he didn’t have to do but that just goes to show how lovely he is)!

Check out my next blog entry for more info on how this shoot went, what we learned and the results we achieved!

With great rates, great facilities and great equipment, I cannot recommend White Room Studios enough! Check them out for yourself at http://www.thewhiteroomstudios.com

The post Studio Hire Birmingham: The White Room Studios appeared first on Aimee Spinks Photography.