Filmmakers are turning to Geyser because it enables them to fund via their communities, thereby retaining their creative freedom, connecting with their audiences throughout production and beyond, and validating their ideas from early on.
"You all have dream projects in the back of your pocket. Get moving on them. At the very least, build a Geyser project and figure out how much you would need and what you could offer viewers and audience members to make it happen."
In this guide, we analyze some of the most successful films and documentaries funded through Geyser to uncover the secrets behind their success. Let's get started.
Successful films and documentaries
Peru's Bitcoin Revolution: a Kinetic Finance Doc
Peru's Bitcoin Revolution raised 120% of its original goal and was able to fund its unique documentary thanks to:
A strong social media campaign built through podcast appearances, partnerships with other creators, and a ton of behind-the-scenes content.
A compelling project Story with excellent graphics, a clear structure, and specific goals. Learn how to write a great story.
Attractive Rewards including shoutouts, tickets, gifts, and sponsorships.
No More Inflation Film
No More Inflation Film successfully funded part of its production by implementing a unique approach, which included:
Ticket and sponsorship sales to an in-person premiere event alongside Bitcoin Atlantis 2024
Limited edition hat sales to raise funds and awareness about the film
Consistently providing clear directions to all people who showed interest in the film to donate via the project's Geyser page
Dirty Coin: A Documentary About bitcoin Mining
Dirty Coin has raised and continues to raise a lot of funds with ongoing efforts to make the community a part of the project by:
Writing multiple Geyser Entries revealing trailers and production updates to keep the community engaged. How to write Geyser Entries.
Encouraging and fostering community discussion in a Telegram group.
Attending screening trailers and full movies at Bitcoin conferences.
Appearing on several successful podcasts to promote the film.
Key elements for success
Crafting a great narrative
The key to captivating potential backers starts with a compelling project Story.
Start with a hook—a compelling statement or question that grabs attention. What's your story about?
Then outline your vision, your story's perspective, and why it matters. What's your goal?
Next, tell about yourself and your team, your passion and expertise, showing your past proof of work to justify why people should help you. What's your motivation?
End with a compelling and clear call to action to turn the reader's momentary inspiration into action. How can they help you?
Each section should contain great visuals. Photos and videos break the wall of text and make the page much more accessible and appealing.
For more on this topic, see our step-by-step tutorial for how to write a great Story
Clarifying your goals
There's nothing worse for a supporter than donating to a project that will never see the light of day. Plan as much as possible for the costs your project will incur, and be transparent about them to build trust and credibility with your donors.
That said, milestones are not just fundraising goals; they are storytelling tools. Use them to keep your audience engaged and invested in the project's progress.
For example, set a milestone to unlock a special behind-the-scenes video or live Q&A with the cast and crew. Celebrating these milestones builds momentum, keeps the audience interested, and encourages continued support.
Offering amazing rewards
On average, creators who sell rewards on Geyser raise 3.3 times more funding than those who don't.
For filmmakers in particular, rewards offer a unique opportunity to connect with donors and show how much you appreciate their support.
Consider these reward ideas, tried and tested by successful Geyser projects:
Shoutouts: Personal acknowledgments dedicated to funders in your film credits or social media can create a strong sense of community.
Sponsorships: Offer the chance for funders to get featured in your film, either through product placements or as part of the storyline.
Tickets: Exclusive premier tickets or special viewing experiences make your backers feel like VIPs.
Gifts: Enable supporters to extend their generosity with a screening ticket to a friend or contributions to relevant charities.
These rewards can be offered as limited editions to cultivate a sense of exclusivity and increase their perceived value.
The most successful campaigns leverage the power of social media to amplify their message.
Add your Geyser project link to your social media bio so it's always easy for supporters to find it and keep on coming back.
Leverage your social media presence to share regular updates, engaging content, and personal stories about your project to connect it with a wider audience.
Remember, consistency and authenticity are key to building a lasting relationship with your audience, and social media lends itself well to building and maintaining those relationships.
Being Adaptable
In the world of crowdfunding, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. What works for one project may not work for another.
The secret to success? Have a plan and be proactive about promoting your project, whilst also being prepared to try different tactics, listening to your audience, and being open-minded to adapt your strategy if needed.
Embrace the journey, learn from each step, and remember that every supporter brings you closer to seeing your vision on the big screen.
We hope this guide has helped you get from script to screen, from idea to reality. If you find this content helpful and valuable, you can give us value back by donating to the Geyser project
If you still have unanswered questions, feel free to reach out to us.
