Hollywood and the financial environment of independent cinema are changing because there are many new technologies that have altered the filmmaking and movie reviews process. It used to be that only a little over 900 production and film financing distribution partners invested in Indie Films through private placement memorandums. Any willing investor could do it today.

This influences several areas: 1) Filmmakers now have online schools where they can get training, learn about filmmaking, and locate a mentor in the industry to work with. 2) Traditional fundraising methods to secure film distribution are becoming outdated, while new funding opportunities for independent filmmakers are emerging.

Big productions are favored by international financiers. In the past, many of the large studios have used German tax shelters, New Zealand subsidies, and pre-sales to fund big blockbuster film projects. But what about the small independent filmmaker? Where can he get funding for his projects?

The digital revolution is changing both the distribution of films and how they’re made. Independent filmmakers no longer need a large distributor because faster broadband now allows people to watch movies from their computer screens. Some films are simply available for anyone to purchase from the film’s website online. One recent example is a film called “The Fall of America and the Western World.”

Independent filmmakers who are hoping to get their film projects can look forward to the future when these changes increases their opportunities.

There are also online companies that match filmmakers with distributors and/or investor nowadays. Filmmakers from small towns can make use of these kinds of services.

If an independent filmmaker received good movie reviews for past film projects, it helps a lot. These movie reviews lend credibility to filmmakers when they are seeking investors.

When it comes to online websites for filmmakers and investors, the way it typically works is that the filmmaker submits a description of their project or film for consideration. There are many investors registered on the website who can then access the list of projects at their own pace, and review those projects that are in need of funding. Because they can contact the filmmaker directly, the middlemen of old are no more.

Next there is the non-profit organization that focuses on helping independent filmmakers locate funds to finance and distribute their films. They don’t fund filmmakers, but they do offer fiscal sponsorship. Filmmakers can then receive funding from sources that limit their funding to nonprofits due to this sponsorship.

There are many other websites that link independent producers with investors, which encourages fundraising by allowing producers to post website ads and information about projects for investors.