Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers

Indie Film and the Power of the Crowd

By: Richard Botto

Narrated by: Richard Botto

Whether you’re a producer, screenwriter, filmmaker, or other creative, you probably have a project that needs constant exposure, or a product to promote. But how do you rise above the noise?

In Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers: Indie Film and the Power of the Crowd, Richard Botto explains how to put crowdsourcing to use for your creative project, using social media, networking, branding, crowdfunding, and an understanding of your audience to build effective crowdsourcing campaigns, sourcing everything from film equipment to shooting locations.

Botto covers all aspects of crowdsourcing: how to create the message of your brand, project, or initiative; how to mold, shape, and adjust it based on mass response; how to broadcast a message to a targeted group and engage those with similar likes, beliefs, or interests; and finally, how to cultivate those relationships to the point where the message is no longer put forth solely by you, but carried and broadcasted by those who have responded to it.

Using a wealth of case studies and practical know-how based on his years of experience in the industry and as founder of Stage 32 - the largest crowdsourced platform for film creatives - Richard Botto presents a comprehensive and hands-on guide to crowdsourcing creatively and expertly putting your audience to work on your behalf.

©2017 Routledge (P)2019 Richard Botto

A good primer on crowdsourcing

I admit I didn’t know the difference between crowdsourcing and crowdfunding before I listened to this book.

Now I do and I have a blueprint to follow for all the work that must be done prior to launching a crowdfunding campaign.

It starts a little slowly, laying groundwork and introducing us to the author. But stick with the book and the journey is well worth the time investment.

I’ve completed the first listen and am revising key chapters to make notes and plans for my own future film funding campaign.

A Tour De Force Playbook

As a longtime Stage 32 fan, RB doesn’t hold back and pulls all the stops in this tour de force on the true roots of Crowdsourcing, this is it. This isn’t for the impatient ones who just want the quick fix. True students of the game will not be disappointed with the many lessons, case studies & takeaways that your future campaigns will thank you for years to come!

This book might have just changed my life.

If I had a time machine I would proceed to apply it to the mistakes of the past 20 years. I guess I'll just have to settle for moving forward.

It’s not an accident

Crowdsourcing done badly crushes projects. RB details the short comings and shark jumping that many filmmakers fail upon, while pointing out why successful campaigns thrive. A must listen for makers of any kind in this digital age.

"must read for every indie filmmaker"

When I was younger the thing that I always heard from people in the film world was 'Network.' Well I tried that so many times and failed miserably. 'Hey my name is....Here's my card, blah, blah, blah. Me, me, me...' Did anyone call me back? No. Networking is impersonal, and is all about getting what YOU want. "Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers" is about appreciating people the people around you, in order to recognize what THEY like. Why? Because you need to form a relationship with people in order for them to have an interest in you. And most importantly, they are going to be your audience in the end. While this book talks about crowdfunding, it's really about crowdsourcing. RB goes into how to approach (and how to not approach) and cultivate your potential group of crowdfunders before your crowdfunding campaign starts. "Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers" eliminates the black art of crowdsourcing and breaks it down into great real world examples read by the man, RB himself. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the author Richard Botto reading his audio book. Great work! So if you want to crowdfund your film, start here. This is the resource to go to. BTW this book was so important to me that I own it twice. Once on audio (for the car) and once in print. You should too. "Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers" is a must read for every indie filmmaker.

Great read

Absolutely loved it. Richard Botto is great narrator. His story really inspired me. There are too many gems too mention.

Great Information for Every Filmmaker

As founder of the highly successful film crowd sourcing site, Stage32.com, Richard Botto takes a detailed look at crowd sourcing and deftly distinguishes it from the more well-known crowd funding.

The book is insightful, detailed and witty and sprinkled with stories from his personal experiences which deliver messages that enhance the entire topic.. I love Richard's vocal style as he guides the filmmaker through the very important crowd sourcing that filmmakers of our era need to know.

Example of his style: "My eyebrows raised so high they scraped paint off the ceiling." Richard Botto
That's a great filmmaker, even with only sound as his palette.

Loved it!

Engaging informative not to mention entertaining

Verry worthwhile - I have been studying crowd sourcing for another non moviemaking endeavor. I heard books fall off the shelves in front you at the right time, and this one did. Great info and inspiring to me as well.

Great contect for any curious human being 🔎

Before I started to listen to RB's audio book, I've got some kind of average awareness of the term 'crowdfunding'. I'm a film actress and business woman always looking for new adventure, new skills and discoveries. That was exactly what I've experienced by listening to this book. Excellent. I enjoyed the whole networking idea as it's one of my natural characteristics I think. Being social, communicate, share, listen, take actions. I love this book, thank you, Mr. Writer, I enjoyed it very much. I'll share it with my fellows.
With respect,
Zdenka

Getting It Right

If you're anticipating any kind of crowdfunding campaign or want to build your brand, you NEED to listen to this book first. This is all about creating your CROWD. And while the title says for filmmakers, it's for anyone that's thinking of crowdsourcing or brand building for anything. Just replace the word "film" with whatever your thing is. Richard Botto (RB to his filmmaking friends) does a great job of laying the groundwork and giving you the steps to follow. There's a lot of information here and you'll want to listen to sections many times over as you build your crowd. And you're hearing from the author himself so you get personal insights that help bring the message home. Highly recommended.