Which country has first crowdfunded film?

The First Crowdfunded Film: Switzerland’s Breakthrough in Independent Cinema

Introduction

In an era where digital platforms and social media have revolutionized how people raise funds for projects, it may seem surprising that crowdfunding has become a well-known phenomenon in the entertainment world. But did you know that Switzerland holds the honor of producing the world’s first crowdfunded film? This groundbreaking moment marked a turning point in the way movies could be financed, paving the way for countless independent filmmakers who would later follow the same path.

The History of Crowdfunding in Filmmaking

Crowdfunding, the process of raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, became widely popular with the advent of the internet and platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and others. It gave creators the opportunity to bypass traditional financiers, like studios or investors, who would typically fund large projects. Filmmakers could directly reach out to their audience and seek their support to make their vision a reality.

But, while crowdfunding gained traction in the 21st century, it wasn’t always the dominant force it is today. In fact, it wasn’t until 2008 that the world saw the first crowdfunded film ever produced.

The First Crowdfunded Film: “Sternenberg” (2008)

Overview

“Sternenberg” is widely recognized as the first crowdfunded film. Produced in Switzerland, the film is a Swiss-German-language feature film created through the collective efforts of many small-time investors rather than a traditional studio or production company. Directed by Michael Steiner, “Sternenberg” is a crime-thriller that explores the lives of two protagonists caught up in a tumultuous and violent world.

What sets “Sternenberg” apart is the fact that it was funded entirely by small-scale contributions from individuals who believed in the project and wanted to see it come to fruition. The film’s success is often credited with helping launch the modern wave of crowdfunding in the film industry.

Production and Crowdfunding Campaign

In 2008, Michael Steiner and his team turned to the then-new platform Wemakeit, a Swiss crowdfunding site, to raise the necessary funds for the movie. The filmmakers aimed to gather $250,000 through small donations, from which they would be able to finance their movie.

What was remarkable about this project was that it wasn’t just a one-off project. The crowdfunding campaign was carefully orchestrated to create a sense of community and involvement among potential supporters. Each backer was encouraged to contribute an amount they were comfortable with, and in return, they would receive various rewards such as exclusive updates, tickets to the premiere, and credits in the film.

As it turned out, the campaign was a success, and the filmmakers reached their target amount. This not only allowed the production to move forward but also demonstrated that a wide-reaching community of independent backers could come together to fund an artistic endeavor.

How Crowdfunding Changed Filmmaking

Before “Sternenberg,” films were typically funded by large studios or independent investors who had the financial backing and resources to fund major projects. But with the rise of crowdfunding, the power of financing shifted to the people, allowing anyone with a compelling idea and the right tools to get their project off the ground.

Key Benefits of Crowdfunding for Filmmakers

1. Creative Freedom: Crowdfunding removes many of the traditional barriers filmmakers face, such as studio interference or the need to adhere to mainstream commercial interests. It allows creators to maintain full creative control over their projects.
2. Direct Audience Engagement: Crowdfunding encourages a direct relationship between filmmakers and their audience. Supporters feel personally invested in the film, often providing feedback and ideas that can help shape the direction of the project.
3. Access to Capital: Rather than seeking funding from large investors, filmmakers can turn to small-scale backers for financial support. This can also lead to more diverse stories as independent creators are no longer beholden to investors’ demands for blockbuster-style films.
4. Global Reach: The internet allows filmmakers to tap into a global pool of potential supporters. Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow anyone with an internet connection to fund a project, meaning even filmmakers from smaller, more isolated countries can have access to large-scale support.

The Legacy of “Sternenberg” and Crowdfunding Today

While “Sternenberg” may not have garnered international fame like major Hollywood blockbusters, it left an indelible mark on the film industry. It paved the way for numerous films—both large and small—to seek crowdfunding as a viable means of production.

Following “Sternenberg,” a variety of projects have been successfully funded through crowdfunding platforms, including notable films like:

• “Veronica Mars” (2014): A popular TV show turned film, which raised over $5 million on Kickstarter.
• “Wish I Was Here” (2014): Zach Braff’s follow-up to “Garden State,” funded by a highly successful Kickstarter campaign.
• “The Blair Witch Project” (1999): Though not crowdfunded in the modern sense, this film’s marketing campaign leveraged fan engagement to achieve unprecedented success on a small budget.

Today, crowdfunding has become an essential part of the independent film industry. It allows filmmakers to find an audience early in the process and proves that, even in a highly competitive industry, creativity and innovation can find financial backing.

Crowdfunding Platforms in Filmmaking

There are a variety of crowdfunding platforms that filmmakers use to finance their projects. Some of the most popular ones include:

1. Kickstarter – Perhaps the most well-known platform, Kickstarter is a crowdfunding site that has raised millions of dollars for film projects.
2. Indiegogo – Another popular crowdfunding platform, Indiegogo is known for offering flexible funding (where creators can keep the money they raise even if they don’t meet their target).
3. Wemakeit – A Swiss crowdfunding platform that helped fund “Sternenberg,” Wemakeit is focused on creative and cultural projects.
4. Seed&Spark – A platform that focuses on filmmakers and storytellers, Seed&Spark allows filmmakers to raise funds while also building an audience and community for their films.

Conclusion

The first crowdfunded film, “Sternenberg”, made history in 2008 by proving that films could be made outside of the traditional studio system and funded by individuals who believed in the vision. It helped establish crowdfunding as a legitimate way for independent filmmakers to finance their projects, and since then, the model has been adopted by filmmakers around the world.

Crowdfunding has not only changed how films are financed but also how they are made. It has empowered creators, democratized the process, and fostered a more inclusive and diverse film industry. Switzerland’s innovative role in this revolution will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of cinema.

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