crowdfunding Archives - livetree blog

March 24, 2017March 25, 2017

Why Crowdfunding Doesn’t Work

Crowdfunding is a risk free way for creatives, communities and entrepreneurs looking to fund their project. A well run crowdfunding campaign can take an idea and turn it into a reality, yet crowdfunding may seem easy but there are some considerations to take on-board before starting. When a crowdfunding campaign fails, many business owners or project creators often wonder what went wrong. This blog takes you through some of the common pitfalls.

So why doesn’t crowdfunding work? Or, for better words, when crowdfunding doesn’t work, what happened? Below are some of the reasons crowdfunding doesn’t work and how LiveTree’s improved version of the typical crowdfunding platform can work for your business. LiveTree offers the best crowdfunding solutions for your project and can create successful crowdfunding campaigns for any project.

Define your crowd

The reason crowdfunding often doesn’t work is often due to weak marketing strategies (which can kill your crowdfunding project) and failure to define their crowd in order to get the right funding, recognition and opportunities. You need to consider who would be interested in your project and, more importantly, who would be willing to financially invest in your project. Defining your target crowd/audience defines who would be willing to back you financially or be interested in promoting your story. Consider the themes driving your project: Are there online forums, groups, location suppliers, or businesses relevant to your film? Could you reach out to those people? Are there bloggers or journalists that would be interested in telling your story?

While developing your career it’s important to have a good slate and a crowd that supports you. When you have a crowd, it makes it much easier for us to market you to raise more funding and introduce you to relevant partners like BFI.NETWORKS, Film London, RedRock Entertainment or any of our relevant partners. LiveTree is here to get you funded and develop your career.

What the industry needs

The industry needs a different kind of crowdfunding platform which focuses on the success of their campaign creators and can provide them with the kind of features they won’t find anywhere else. With many crowdfunding platforms, project creators are offered a crowdfunding platform and little else. Project creators need resources they can use to help build their businesses and grow their crowdfunding efforts. Features including videographers and legal advice, as well as other tools project creators need should be included in a convenient online directory.

Business owners know that it is good business to align themselves with non-profits and other charities. With existing crowdfunding platforms, there isn’t a non-profit element and that is something that can often add value to a crowdfunding project. Project creators need all of these features and more if they are going to succeed.

This is where LiveTree comes in. LiveTree understands that the non-profit/charitable organization element can help influence others to help promote a crowdfunding project, making it that much more successful and effective. LiveTree also offers a wide range of useful tools and resources that can help give projects the momentum they need to succeed.

Another advantage that LiveTree has over any other crowdfunding platforms is a sense of community. LiveTree has built their online community by focusing on both sides of the crowdfunding project and offering backers a financial incentive for promoting crowdfunded projects. LiveTree offers no hassle crowdfunding that will ensure your project’s success.

Why Should You Choose LiveTree?

If you are serious about growing or expanding your business, making your startup succeed and creating a successful and effective crowdfunding project, choosing LiveTree is an important start. LiveTree goes beyond being just a transactional marketplace and focuses on the success of project creators and offers the best crowdfunding solutions in the industry. This ensures that business owners can get the financing they need for their projects while helping others succeed in their crowdfunding projects as well.

Contact LiveTree Now to Get Started

The next time you are considering a crowdfunding project for your business startup or expansion, choose LiveTree and avoid the above reasons many crowdfunding campaigns fail. Contact a LiveTree professional now and let us create a successful crowdfunding campaign for you today!

March 13, 2017March 24, 2017

KickStarter Vs IndieGoGo Vs Crowdfunder Vs GoFundMe Vs LiveTree: Which Crowdfunding Platform Is Better?

When it comes to crowdfunding platform, it is very important that you understand that not all platforms are the same. With so many options to have to choose from such as Crowdfunder, GoFundMe, IndieGoGo, Kickstarter etc. it’s understandable if you are confused about all the options out there. Here is a quick handy comparison guide to help you choose the right one for your next project.

Crowdfunding Platform

Exposure

When it comes to getting your name out there, you might be better off going straight to Facebook (it’s free) than choosing crowdfunding platforms. As they rely entirely on your existing network in the hopes that they will spread the word for you. Although this is a good place to start it is a market that soon falls flat, which is why most of these platforms have a less than 30% rate of projects, which achieve their goals successfully. They do nothing to help you build or grow your network; you are more or less left to your own devices, sink or swim.

Crowdfunding Platform

Giving Back

Kickstarter won’t give you a single cent if you don’t reach your goal, while LiveTree will. Kickstarter does, however, like LiveTree, offer a reward of appreciation to the contributors when a goal is reached. Crowdfunder and IndieGoGo offer little benefits in this regard when compared to incentivisation of the entire global LiveTree community to participate in your project. LiveTree’s fees are lower in comparison that opting to donate to charity won’t even put a dent in your budget, while the exposure and goodwill that comes from it are priceless.

Expert Support with Bonus Exposure

Unlike all the other platforms, LiveTree offers one on one support from day one through to completion of your project and beyond. When making one final comparison, the bottom line, it is clear what makes the most sense when it comes to selecting the right platform to crowdsource funds for your project.

LiveTree doesn’t have an all or nothing rule; as they recognise that projects evolve and adapt and how important it is to have flexibility. Backers of projects are given the opportunity to refund their pledge before the funding deadline and if a backer makes a pledge within two weeks of the funding deadline they will always have a minimum 2 week “cooling off” period. After those two weeks, the funds are then made available to the creator of the project at the end of the project.

Networking

Unlike these platforms, LiveTree has revolutionised the crowdfunding scene by introducing a concept called Branching. This gives people the opportunity to share your project on various social platforms, incentivising them with a commission if their share leads to a donation. LiveTree has connections with various charities; by donating a percentage of your earnings to these charities you are further exposed to their followers and an even greater audience, who will appreciate your goodwill. A portion of the commission that the Branchers earn can even be donated if they so wish. You do not get exposure like this from other platforms; in fact, GoFundMe clearly has a different model entirely; on their website that you should not expect to be assisted by strangers at all – they recommend contacting the media if you hope to gain outside assistance. Branching tools promote the growth of your network, which will grow to include other bloggers, as well as the greater creative community. For this reason, LiveTree is a firm favourite.

Crowdfunding Platform

February 20, 2017February 20, 2017

GoFundMe Vs LiveTree – A Comparison

Your aim when launching a project in this manner is to use the best platform to get the most out what you have to work with. When comparing what you’re getting between GoFundMe and LiveTree, the winner is clear. At first, GoFundMe seems to be very user-friendly, much more so than Kickstarter; like LiveTree, GoFundMe will allow you to withdraw at any point and you can keep everything whether you reach your goal or not.

But is that enough really? Are they really making it worth your while, since they’re giving you cash from your own friends, and keeping a big section for themselves? Let the showdown begin. With GoFundMe, can you;

Reach a Wider Audience?

With GoFundMe, you rely on the people in your life you could easily just approach in person. Then, if they really like you, they ask their friends to support you. I know what you’re thinking; why paying 8% of my earning to GoFundMe in that case? If not, then you should be.

Reward and Incentivise Your Network to Expand Your Exposure?

GoFundMe do not connect you with potential donors, nor do they expose your project in any manner other than to use the network you already have. They having nothing resembling LiveTree’s Branching concept, which encourages other LiveTree users and social media users to spread their story and promises them commission for doing so. It’s a win-win situation in which everyone is helping everyone out, yet we don’t charge the exorbitant processing fees that GoFundMe do.

Make the World a Better Place?

Following our vision firmly rooted in bringing the community together, following the theme of everyone helping out, LiveTree associate ourselves with various charities and offer you the chance to donate portions of your earnings to these worthy causes. Not only does this help extend your network it helps you give back to the community which you are asking to help you. Branchers who help you spread the word are also further encouraged to get involved, knowing that while everyone is earning commission, they are also doing something good for the world. Charities LiveTree have aligned with include Doctors of the World, Hope for Children and Youth Music.

Get Continued Support, Expert Advice, and Global Exposure?

LiveTree gives that and so much more. While GoFundMe states that “Once your campaign begins to really pick up steam, our team may contact you,” the truth is that these is no personal connection to you whatsoever. LiveTree is unique in this aspect, in that we offer consistent support from your own dedicated Support Analyst from the moment your project takes off until it reaches its successful completion and beyond that – all at no extra cost to you.

So what are you waiting for?

January 23, 2017

Why LiveTree is an Ideal Crowdfunding Platform for Filmmakers

Crowdfunding campaigns involving creative projects such as filmmaking have often been unsuccessful or encountered difficulties in raising their required funds. This is because creative projects are often less popular and successful when competing against various other genres of campaigns such as technology. This has in turn resulted in many filmmakers and independent filmmakers feeling hesitant or fearful of embarking on a crowdfunding journey. This is where the LiveTree crowdfunding platform steps in and is able to assist creative individuals such as filmmakers by providing a crowdfunding platform that is uniquely tailored for creative projects and enables filmmakers to reach a wide audience and creative community. These advantages are specifically provided by the LiveTree crowdfunding platform and are not usually provided on the majority of other crowdfunding websites; making the LiveTree platform ideal for filmmakers and independent filmmakers.

Unlike some other creative projects, filmmaking usually requires a lot of financial resources in order to achieve and bring to life. For this reason, filmmakers, independent filmmakers and those making indie films often face the challenge of acquiring enough money and funds in order to make their films a reality. Crowdfunding therefore is a logical and fruitful route for filmmakers to take in order to raise the necessary funds to create their films. Crowdfunding was not available in the past, and filmmakers around the world have been reaping success from this wonderful opportunity that the modern world has created. It is therefore highly recommended that filmmakers take advantage of this opportunity in order to make their dreams a reality.

LiveTree is a unique crowdfunding platform that can particularly assist creative projects such as filmmaking. LiveTree hosts a number of different types of crowdfunding campaigns but unlike most other crowdfunding websites, LiveTree is especially helpful for creative projects such as filmmaking. The LiveTree team can help creative individuals such as independent filmmakers create the best marketing strategy and they even provide on-going help and support that is very hands-on. The LiveTree team not only helps creatives start and set up their crowdfunding campaign but also provides on-going assistance every step of the way to ensure that these campaigns are seen to completion. This can help to calm the nerves of any independent filmmakers who may feel anxious or even clueless as to how to create a successful campaign. LiveTree also provides the option for a portion of all funds raised during the campaign to be given to charity, and this also helps campaigns to increase their funding.

A unique aspect of the LiveTree crowdfunding platform is the ability to connect creative people such as filmmakers into a creative community. This is an advantage that filmmakers would otherwise not have, and allows them to connect with a larger audience than they would be able to by using their own networks. These creative communities can have a major influence on filmmakers and are filled with people who are looking to promote and sponsor creative projects and independent films. LiveTree can assist in partnering and exposing filmmaking projects and ideas to the right audience of people, and this allows filmmakers to have the confidence in exposing their creative ideas. Many independent filmmakers have become hesitant to share their creative ideas on crowdfunding websites because of the fear of being criticised or because of the fear of failing and not being able to properly promote their projects. The LiveTree team has acknowledged these issues and have designed a platform that is tailored for creative projects and provides assistance especially for creatives and filmmakers. LiveTree is therefore an ideal crowdfunding platform for filmmakers.

LiveTree will not only assist filmmakers in raising the required funds to begin their projects but will also help to connect filmmakers with the right target audience and support network. They will also provide assistance so that filmmakers can create a campaign that works for them. This gives filmmakers who may feel hesitant or nervous about creating a crowdfunding campaign the confidence in order to embark on their crowdfunding journeys. Receiving assistance from professionals who have helped to create loads of campaigns and who have extensive knowledge in how to create successful campaigns can give filmmakers the confidence they need. LiveTree provides support for creative projects, especially for filmmakers. Another example of one of the ways in which LiveTree cares for and encourages independent filmmakers is through one of the competitions that is provided exclusively for filmmakers. The winner of the competition is awarded £500 as well as access to BlackMagic cameras in order to create their film. This offer is exclusive to the LiveTree platform and is just one of the wonderful ways in which LiveTree supports filmmakers and independent filmmakers.

Since LiveTree is directed toward creative projects; the platform also attracts many people from all around the world who are specifically interested in viewing and sponsoring creative projects. Filmmakers are therefore able to attract more funding and support by utilising a platform, which places a major focus on creative individuals and filmmakers.

If you are ready to get started with creating your own crowdfunding campaign in order to create the film of your dreams, simply click on the link below in order to create your campaign with LiveTree; the best crowdfunding platform for filmmakers and independent filmmakers.

January 23, 2017

Successful Films You Didn’t Know Were Crowdfunded

How many times have you gone to see a big budget film only to leave disappointed? Maybe the characters weren’t up to snuff, or the storyline itself left a lot to be desired. Whatever the reason, you are still scratching your head wondering how they could have spent so much money on a movie that was merely lackluster. This makes what we are about to share with you even more incredible. We have found a selection of independent films that were very successful without the financial backing of a large production company. These films were all crowdfunded and they are all a must see for anyone looking to be entertained. Crowdfunding for filmmakers is just another facet of the crowdfunding industry and one that enables independent filmmakers the opportunity to get their project funded and get their film in front of millions of fans. Let’s take a look at some of the industry’s most successful crowdfunded films:

veronica mars films

The Veronica Mars Movie Project

The Veronica Mars Movie Project was created by the original cast and crew of the television series. Raising $5,702,153 from 91,585 donors made this film one of the most funded crowdfunding projects of all time.

Gosnell films

Gosnell

Gosnell, a film following the now infamous doctor, Kermit Gosnell, as he became one of America’s most prolific serial killers, raised $2,241,043 through its crowdfunding efforts.

blue mountain films

Blue Mountain State: The Movie

Based on the successful television series about three incoming freshmen attending a Midwestern college football powerhouse, Blue Mountain State: The Movie was a successful crowdfunding effort showing what fans of a television series can do. This crowdfunded film raised $1,911,827 from 23,999 contributors.

God Help the Girl films

God Help the Girl

Set in Glasgow, God Help the Girl is a musical/coming of age film that was written and directed by Stuart Murdoch (lead singer and songwriter in Belle & Sebastian). Although its crowdfunding goal wasn’t as lofty as the other films in our list, they did reach their goal and create a successful film with some top industry names including Barry Mendel, the man behind the likes of Munich, Rushmore, The Sixth Sense who produced it, and Game of Thrones’ Hannah Murray who plays one of the lead roles.

Lazer Team films

Lazer Team

When the creators of Red vs Blue, Achievement Hunter, The RT Podcast and RWBY wanted to fund a new project, they turned to one of the most successful and innovative ways to do it, crowdfunding! Their latest project, Lazer Team, was about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and offers the idea that we are not alone and that the galaxy is a dangerous place. This sci-fi comedy raised $2,480,099 thanks to just 2,188 backers.

The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint

The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint

The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint is an exercise in how effective crowdfunding can be. Spike Lee was able to raise almost $1.5 million dollars from just over 6,400 supporters. We have all heard of crowdfunding success stories and this is one of the most talked about in the entertainment industry.

When asked why he chose crowdfunding for this project, Mr. Lee wrote, “I’m an Indie Filmmaker and I will always be an Indie Filmmaker. Indie Filmmakers are always in search of financing because their work, their vision sometimes does not coincide with Studio Pictures. But I do put my own money in my films.”

Under the Dog

Under the Dog

Although Under the Dog might not have been as popular as the other titles in our list, we wanted to add this one to show that even a small independent filmmaker can achieve their crowdfunding goal. Many of the other titles in our list are attached to big name celebrities, but Under the Dog was created by a veteran anime director and a community of supporters. This is what crowdfunding is all about and this successful campaign raised $878,028!

Start a Project to Crowdfund Your Next Film Project with LiveTree

Are you considering promoting your next film project to a production company for financial sponsorship? Perhaps crowdfunding for filmmakers is right for you but you don’t know how to get started. If so, LiveTree is the number one crowdfunding platform where artists, filmmakers and anyone looking to finance their next film or other project go for a successful crowdfunding campaign. Contact LiveTree now and let our team of crowdfunding professionals make your dream a reality and get your film seen by people around the world.