M-town gives thumbs up to crowd-funding of films

As the first crowd-funded Kannada film Lucia gets rave reviews at fests, and does well at the BO too, TOI asks M-town filmmakers if this model will work for them...
It was a gamble that paid off big time for Kannada director Pawan Kumar. When he thought of making Lucia, a psychological thriller, he did not want to compromise on its creativity and hence chose a route that would help him do just this. He chose the crowd-funding model! And through this model Pawan Kumar raised Rs 51 lakhs in less than a month through his blog and FB page. Lucia got made on his whim. Will M-town filmmakers take to this route to retain creative control on their films? TOI finds out���������
How easy is it?
Director Pawan Kumar, who is basking in the glory of his film Lucia, says, "I think crowd-funding is the future in filmmaking. A digital presence of a person is a given these days. So, when you have a project that you want to do, you already have a set of followers who know you and your work. So, it's easier to raise funds as like-minded individuals join in and passion drives them to contribute. That's how Lucia happened with 110 investors, who were kept informed of the entire process of filmmaking. Now, as the film is doing well, many have asked me to reinvest their money in another film! Also, apart from the passion, it's the transparency of the funding that draws people in. It's all there documented on my blog."
Kudos to novelty
While this novel platform for funding Lucia does well, ask Marathi film producer Amit Bhanushali of Premachi Goshta, if this is the sign of things to come and he says, ���������It maybe a sign, at least for new filmmakers who do no have a reputation to back them, but what they do have is a good script. Pawan did have a good first film and he is known, yet he chose this route because he did not want his creativity to take a hit. However, if there is a novice out there who wants his work to be seen in the light that he wants to present it, this is a great idea and I think Marathi filmmakers will sooner or later adapt to it."
Both co-exist
Director Satish Rajwade, is all praise for Pawan even as he says, "While crowd-funding is great, I don't think it will replace the traditional role of producers. That will always exist. What I find exciting after the success of Lucia is that now both models can co-exist and successfully so. This Kannada film has laid the foundation for a different kind of route to make films and I think that should be appreciated. And yes, we in M-town should be open to this model of funding."
Audience count matters
While crowd-funding maybe a good way to start, filmmakers like Samruddhi Porey whose made Mala Aai Vhaichay and now is making a film on the life of Dr Prakash Amte, exercises a note of caution. "Funding and its many means are welcome. My issue has always been with the audience. In the sense that unless the Marathi audience comes to the theatre and buys a ticket to see a film, fortunes of a film can never change. Yes, many passionate individuals might pitch in for a film, but what if the audience does not watch it? That will dissuade these individuals next time. So, I feel that just as Pawan must be congratulated, so must the Kannada audience who chose to see it in the theatre. That has made this film and the model work big time."

How Lucia was made
��������� People could buy tickets of three denominations $100, $50, $25
��������� Those who bought $100 tickets would be provided with a unique affiliate link once the film released online
��������� Sharing that link on your blog/website etc meant he/she earned 50% of sales that happen through the link.
��������� Those who wanted to invest more became co-producers and they would get their money back as per a prior agreement
Crowd-funded films ��������� Hindi I Am Onir - 3.5 cr
��������� Tamil film Kurai Ondrum Illa 1.5 crore
��������� Malayalam film Chhedam 1.2 crore