What made these 2020 Kickstarter projects so successful? An awesome product. Strangely, none of these campaigns hired me to be model in their campaign video But that, somehow, didn't stop them from absolutely crushing it. See why these were the most funded Kickstarter projects of 2020. Be shown and guided every step of the way in Cinema Grade from newcomer to crushing in the color grade! This is the all-in-one solution! Bonus #3: RAW Footage ($499 Value).
2017 Update: for more recent cost data check out our Crowdfunding video benchmark. We asked 100 campaigns about their videos to learn what works, what doesn't and how much to spend on your Kickstarter/Indiegogo video?
2016 Update: we just released a list of the best Kickstarter video production companies. We analyzed hundreds of past video projects. These 20 companies helped raise $50M+ and consistently ranked highest in terms of quality, value and results.
Your crowdfunding campaign needs a great video - one that is both genuine and energizing. This is easier said than done as many first time Kickstarters find out. Luckily, there are experienced video professionals ready to help, and Videopixie makes it easy to find and hire them. But how much does it cost? $500? $2k? $10k? The answer varies based on your objectives, but let's breakdown the costs of video production, and give you a few reference points.
Shoestring video options
Of course you always have DIY video production options, where your team takes on large portions of the project. For example, your team can be responsible for: directing, script writing, and managing the production. This lets you apply available budget to the most technical tasks: a junior videographer with entry-level equipment may charge as low as ~$500 for a half-day, and you can get simple editing done for ~$200 (assuming you are precise in your directions to limit iterations). All in all, for less than $1k you will get a video that should clear the 'watchability' threshold. It will probably have some technical limitations (sound, image, pace,.) that can be offset by a particularly creative script and authentic personalities.
A quality video starts at ~$2k
If you are looking for a more polished, more predictable result - such as this video - you'll need $1-2k to hire a small crew with quality equipment to generate clean professional imagery, and ~$500 to hire a talented editor to bring your story to life. Expect a simple but effective video - probably mostly an interview of the founder and some b-roll. There won't be enough budget for much pre-production work, so you'll still be in charge of the story, and the success of your video will still rely in great part on your passion and presentation skills. But by hiring professionals you do get the look and feel of a project that's going places!
Example of a $2k video: simple, professional, interview of the founder and some b-roll by Taylor Hellhake
A 'wow' video will cost anywhere from $3k to $10k
Many serious Kickstarter videos spend more to reach higher levels of creativity and catchiness.
Example of an $8k video: tighter script, several actors, professional voiceover, rented locations, motion graphics, custom score
With a bigger budget you'll be able to:
- add a director on your team: the director plays a critical role in guaranteeing an interesting script customized to your message
- involve more specialists: gaffers, sound specialist, motion graphics, .. who will create a more polished result
- access to better equipment: cinema-grade equipment like this RED Epic camera rents for $2k a week (mind you that's just the camera! the lights, sound and steadycam are extras)
- hire actors: fees for actors vary a lot based on role and talent, but an experienced director will know exactly how much to budget to find the right casting for your video
- rent inspiring locations: one of the key differentiators of higher-end videos, is the care and preparation that went into picking a place and interesting backdrops for filming
- custom score: A musician will compose a soundtrack that maps and enhances the pace of your video. It adds a lot of engagement value to your video, and it's not as expensive as you'd think (starting ~$500)
All of this may be necessary to reach your objectives, in particular if you want a video that stars your product, rather than just rely on your presentation skills.
Diminishing returns? Depends on your objectives
At what point are you spending too much on your video? It really depends on your objectives. To give you an idea, higher-end studios won't consider projects under $30k. But, for that price, the quality of the videos jumps to a different level, where not only the script is insanely original, but the filming and animations are state of the art, and the casting is spot on.
Example of an $30k+ video: insanely original concept, execution that pulls out all the stops, by the creative geniuses at Hayden 5
It's a different kind of video, that may be perfectly suited for a later-stage Kickstarter, eg. a team with an existing product and good traction, looking to rack in tons of pre-orders for their next launch. But for most early-stage projects, it's obviously too premature to be spending that kind of money on what is in effect advertising, albeit a new form of it.
Getting your video budget right
It's really important to set a budget that is commensurate with the scope of work involved. Otherwise you are in for surprises. Now if all you need is a video of you giving your usual pitch in front of the camera, then no need to spend the big bucks, and actually you may enjoy doing it yourself (here are some good DIY resources). But if you need help with the concept/script, or if you need high quality images and sound, or if you have a cool but complex idea in mind, then you'll want to define the scope realistically and budget appropriately.
Most of the Kickstarter videos we see at Videopixie set a budget in the $2k-$5k range. And we are here to discuss your specific project and help you compare options - just email us human@videopixie.com or call: 1 800 510 6570. Also know that when you post your project, the community will chime in and they will let you know if your budget is realistic. You'll progressively get a sense for what trade offs to make and what is worth spending on.
An Evening with Kickstarter
September 15, 2014, 7:00 P.M.
The Albert and Dana Broccoli Theatre, SCA 112, George Lucas Building, USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex, 900 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
The USC School of Cinematic Arts and Kickstarter invite you and a guest to attend
A panel discussion featuring Meirav Haber (Stan), Kyle Rankin (Night Of The Living Deb), Andrew Droz Palermo (Rich Hill) and David Malki (Machine Of Death), hosted by Kickstarter Film Community Manager, George Schmalz.
Followed by a screening of Rich Hill, plus the short film, Stan, and Kickstarter campaign video for Night of the Living Deb. There will also be a demo of Machine of Death in the Lucas lobby prior to the event.
7:00 P.M. on Monday, September 15th, 2014
The Albert and Dana Broccoli Theatre, SCA 112
George Lucas Building, USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex
900 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Cinema Grade Kickstarter Review
FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVPS REQUIRED.
Presented in conjunction with the Kickstarter Film Festival, at The Autry in Griffith Park from 6:00 - 11:00 P.M. on Friday, September 12th.
Learn more at: https://www.kickstarter.com/events/filmfest2014_la?ref=filmfest
About the Event
Kickstarter is a new way to fund creative projects. We're a home for everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of projects, big and small, that are brought to life through the direct support of people like you. Since our launch in 2009, 6.7 million people have pledged $1 billion, funding over 66,000 creative projects.
Join the following Kickstarter Film Fest Los Angeles featured creators: Meirav Haber (Stan), Kyle Rankin (Night Of The Living Deb), Andrew Droz Palermo (Rich Hill) and David Malki (Machine Of Death), along with Kickstarter Film Community Manager, George Schmalz, to learn more about building a project.
Come with your ideas and your questions!
About the Guests
DAVID MALKI (Author, Wondermark / Creator, Machine of Death: The Game of Creative Assasination)
David Malki is the author of the comic strip Wondermark (wondermark.com), co-editor of the bestselling Machine of Death series of fiction anthologies, and most recently, creator of Machine of Death: The Game of Creative Assassination (machineofdeath.net). He also uses dice to generate fantastic creatures and draws their portraits at rollasketch.com.
Cinema Grade Kickstarter 2020
ANDREW DROZ PALERMO (Co-Director/DP, Rich Hill)
Andrew Droz Palermo is the co-director and cinematographer of Rich Hill, a documentary which won the 2014 Sundance Grand Jury Prize. He recently wrapped production on his narrative follow-up, a Sundance Labs project called One & Two. Also in 2014, he shot Hannah Fidell's untitled sophomore effort produced by Mark Duplass.
He was tapped as one of Filmmaker Magazine's '25 New Faces of Independent Film of 2013.' Before that in 2011, he lensed his first feature, Adam Wingard's smart horror film You're Next. At Sundance 2013, he premiered A Teacher, directed by Hannah Fidell, and Black Metal, directed by Kat Candler.
After growing up in central Missouri, Andrew studied graphic design at Columbia College Chicago. He then progressed from photography to directing and shooting music videos for indie bands White Rabbits, The Walkmen, Arms and Believers.
He is currently in post-production on One & Two and directing commercials.
KYLE RANKIN (Director/Producer, Night of the Living Deb)
Kyle Rankin has directed The Battle of Shaker Heights, Infestation, Nuclear Family, and the viral videos Hellholes, Case Tape #347, and Exhibit B-5, the latter of which led to a writing gig with Jeremy Renner's company. Recently, Kyle raised funds on Kickstarter for the zom-rom-com Night of the Living Deb, which just wrapped principal photography.
GEORGE SCHMALZ (Moderator/Kickstarter Film Community Manager)
George Schmalz grew up in West Virginia, and received a B.A. from Bethany College in Communication and an M.A. from San Diego State in Television, Film & New Media. While in San Diego he worked in film exhibition with Landmark Theatres and in film production with Kovarova and Wormwood Films respectively. After moving to New York he shifted focus to film distribution, having worked for both Oscilloscope Laboratories and Kino Lorber before coming to Kickstarter, where he currently works as a Film Community Manager.
About Rich Hill
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Documentary
at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival
Rich Hill, Missouri (population 1393). Off the highway, next to the railroad track. ANDREW, 14, works on his bike, talks dreams with his dad, practices dance moves with his twin sister. He's just like a lot of American teenagers, except that his days are often also about survival. HARLEY, 15, lives with his grandma and eight other members of his extended family because his mom is in prison for attempted murder. Still, Harley is the first guy in the room to crack a joke and make you laugh when you least expect it. APPACHEY, 13, finds solace in skateboards and, despite his intelligence, has had to repeat the 6th grade, which doesn't come close to fixing what's broken in his life.
These boys can be tough – they know how to walk with a clenched-jaw stare like they have nothing to lose. But when you get to know them up-close, you see their insight, their humor, and their determination to survive. And despite the isolation and brutality of their circumstances, their hope for a brighter future persists. They imagine that their hard work will be rewarded, and that, although there is no road map or role model, even they can live the American dream.
Visit the Official Website: http://www.richhillfilm.com
Visit the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RichHillFilm
Visit the Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/RichHillFilm
Check-In & Reservations
This event is free of charge and open to the public. Please bring a valid USC ID or print out of your reservation confirmation, which will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Depinisyon ng grid. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M.
All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.
Parking
The USC School of Cinematic Arts is located at 900 W. 34th St., Los Angeles, CA 90007. Parking passes may be purchased for $10.00 at USC Entrance Gate #4, located at the intersection of W. Jefferson Blvd. & Royal Street. We recommend Parking Structure D, at the far end of 34th Street. Please note that Parking Structure D cannot accommodate tall vehicles such as SUVs. Metered street parking is also available along Jefferson Blvd.
Contact InformationCinema Grade Kickstarter Games
Name: Alessandro Ago
Email: aago@cinema.usc.edu
