BUILT FOR INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS READY TO RAISE FUNDING
YOU NEED MONEY FOR YOUR FILM.
WE'LL SHOW YOU HOW TO RAISE IT.
You already wrote the story.
Now it’s time to fund it.
4 minutes. Most filmmakers stay stuck. Let's make sure you don't!
The system we used to raise more than $100,000 for creatives, now turned into The First Money Blueprint. Now yours to follow, step-by-step.
Ready. Set. Raise.
You're Here to Take Action. Let's Get Started
1: Lock In
In a matter of hours, you could have your first funders ready to support your film.
2: Map it
Calculate your bottom number. This is the step that makes it all possible.
3: launch
Make the pitch for what you need. This is your moment of truth.
4: Elevate
Greenlight your next move. Put first money to work to make it possible.
The Trap
the truth about why you're stuck.
You’ve been preached to from panels, encouraged to stay inspired, and given everything EXCEPT a film funding roadmap that works.
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They keep selling you the promise but nobody gave you the process.
We’ve worked with hundreds of filmmakers in your exact position. And the pattern is almost always the same.
You wrote the script.
You mastered your craft.
You have a strong vision.
Your story collects dust while you try to get it in “the right hands.”
You spend time and money applying for grants that only get rejected.
You hear you need investors, but have no idea where they are or how to reach them.
You follow advice from industry gurus but still can’t move your project forward.
You see other filmmakers succeed while you’re stuck spinning your wheels.
YOU DON’T NEED MORE EDUCATION.
YOU DON’T NEED MORE inspiration.
You're not lazy, you're searching for what actually WORKS!
The truth is, the industry changed, but nobody gave you the memo.
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Filmmakers are now expected to perfect the pitch, package the project, and wrap it in a neat bow to make it attractive to investors.
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But noboy gave you the information, tools, or resources to pull it off. Then they blame you for being unprepared.
that cycle... not your talent, is what keeps filmmakers stuck. funding doesn't find you. but you can learn to secure it.
Ask yourself these questions:
How am I planning to move my project forward?
Where will I have the strongest possibility of success?
Are the methods I’m using genuinely working?
Where will my project be in six months if I keep doing this?
Hard to answer?
IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT.
There’s no shortage of success stories, industry gurus, and advice on how to fund your film.
But everyone tells you what worked for them. Nobody makes the actual path clear.
until now.
The real fundraising playbook, built from experience working with 300+ filmmakers and raising over $100K for creative projects.
YOUR FILM FUNDING ROADMAP
YOUR RAISE. ONE SYSTEM. ZERO GUESSING.
You don’t need to abandon your art or become an expert at film funding. Start with the money you need now, follow the steps, and put your first raise in motion.
01
DEFINE
KNOW WHERE TO START
Identify your first-money goal, uncover the resources already within reach, and map your network using the LOTUS Model to discover who can help move your project forward.
02
LAUNCH
PUT YOUR RAISE IN MOTION
With a clear message and raise strategy, begin strategic outreach to your core network, share your vision, invite support and build momentum toward your first-money goal.
03
EXPAND
LEVERAGE SUCCESS
Build on early contributors to attract additional support, expand your network and open doors to more competitive downstream funding opportunities, including investor interest.
The industry average indie film funding success rate is approximately 5%. The First Money Blueprint was built for the other 95% of filmmakers left trying to figure it out.
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That gap can be the difference between filmmaking remaining a hobby and building a successful career.
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And closing that gap takes a process. Not luck.
OUR SYSTEM WORKS AS LONG AS YOU DO TOO.
FILMMAKERS WHO DID THE WORK.
Meet Brittany. She started writing as a way to express herself. She didn’t come from a film school or a rich family with deep pockets.
What she did have was a story she believed deserved to be told, the determination to make it happen, and the willingness to do the work.
Now, she’s turning that story into a film with the big-screen energy it deserves.
BRITTANY'S FIRST MONEY RESULT
$10,000
Raised in 40 Minutes
5
Production Company Startup Expenses Covered
ALL
Production Company Startup Expenses Covered
in talks
With Key Talent & Executive Producers
UNEDITED RECEIPTS
No BS Testimonials
Brittany's success wasn't a one-time fluke. During our LIVE Film Funding Catalyst, I taught the First Money Method to filmmakers who had never worked with me before. They took what they learned, put it into action, and started seeing results of their own. But don't take my word for it. Hear what happened straight from them.
See how excited Morgan was after just Day 1 of the Catalyst. She applied the process and started seeing results.
Then, Sarah came for Day 2 of the Film Funding Catalyst, and realized she had two supporters in her core network that could make her funding dreams a reality.
Now it's your turn
You've seen what happens when filmmakers put the First Money Method to work. Now imagine what you could do with it.
WHAT'S INSIDE
WHAT YOU GET IN THE FIRST MONEY BLUEPRINT
Everything you need to turn your vision into a clear funding opportunity, bring the right people into your corner, and start securing the money and support to make your next big move.
Interactive First Money Guide
Turn your film's first funding milestone into a focused, achievable first-money goal with a clear path from preparation to your first ask.
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Know your numbers. Identify what you need to raise and what that support makes possible.
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Find your people. Discover potential supporters, resources, and opportunities within your existing network using our proven LOTUS Model.
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Make your next move. Follow a proven process for moving from planning to outreach.
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THE MECHANISM
EVERY DAY, YOU WORK YOUR FUNDING PLAN AND SEE WHAT'S POSSIBLE.
No long applications or gatekeepers. Just real progress you can see for yourself, and a growing belief in how far your story can go.
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Every conversation. Every contribution. Every new connection gives you another reason to keep going. To reach out to one more person. To make your next move. To keep bringing your film closer to production, premieres, and the success you envisioned when you first decided to make it.
YOUR FIRST THREE HOURS
A FEW HOURS FROM NOW, YOU COULD BE SECURING FUNDS.
Not another notebook full of advice.
Not another list of people you hope will discover your script.
An actionable plan for your first-money raise, with the tools to take immediate action.
HOUR 01 — UNDERSTAND THE METHOD
Review the First Money Guide and discover how to approach funding your film with a clear process instead of guesswork.
HOUR 02 — GET YOUR MIND RIGHT
Prepare mentally with the First Money Mindset and start reframing limiting beliefs with the confidence to take action towards your film funding goals.
HOUR 03 — MAP YOUR FIRST RAISE
Start developing your First Money raise using the tools provided. Identify your first move and start mapping the funding strategy that matches your project goals. This is how you soft launch First Money!
Plan for 3–5 focused hours of funding strategy mapping before you launch.
You wrote your story in your spare time. Now it’s time to secure the funding.
THE TRUTH IS NECESSARY
THIS IS NOT FOR EVERY FILMMAKER.
and we mean that literally.
✕ DON'T BUY THIS IF
You expect someone else to do all the work. Getting professional help is an option, but your involvement is still essential. No one can build the relationships or believe in your vision for you.
You believe your script should be enough to secure funding. A great story matters. But people need a reason to put their resources and reputation behind your project.
You're waiting for "the right person" to discover you. If that's your plan, this isn't for you. We're here to help you start creating opportunities instead of waiting for them.
You need everything figured out before taking the first step. Clarity comes through action. If you're unwilling to start before you have all the answers, this system won't work for you.
You're looking for a shortcut that guarantees funding. There isn't one. There's a process that works, if you are willing to work it.
✓ THIS IS FOR YOU IF
You're a filmmaker who makes things happen. You may not have the money or connections yet, but ALSO, you know waiting for someone to make it happen for you is no longer an option.
You know how to make it happen for what you believe in. You may not have it all figured out, but you're not about to let that stop you from doing what you can to get things moving.
You're a little nervous about having those first real conversations, but you still know fear shouldn't stop you from inviting people to become part of what you're building.
You want to understand how film funding actually works so you're not starting from zero every time you have a project to finance.
THE REAL QUESTION
"BUT CAN I REALLY RAISE FILM funding MYSELF?"
Short answer... Yes. Because you don't need to become a fundraising expert, have a wealthy network, or know somebody in the industry to get started.
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You already know how to tell a story. Now you're using your natural skill to build early support.
Will everyone contribute? Maybe not. But the good thing is, you don't need everyone to say yes to secure your first money.
You need a clear goal, a reason for people to get involved, and a way to turn those conversations into real support.
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And here's what makes learning to raise your own first money so powerful. You're not just figuring out how to fund one film. You're building skills and relationships that will elevate your entire filmmaking career.
01 — YOU KEEP THE CAPABILITY
The relationships you build, the conversations you learn to have, and the support you generate don't disappear when one campaign ends. You can use them for your next milestone, your next film, and the opportunities that follow.
02 — YOU KEEP CONTROL
You decide what you're raising for, who you approach, and what you're willing to offer. You can make meaningful progress without giving away ownership of your story or waiting for someone else's permission to move forward.
03 — YOU BUILD LEVERAGE
Every contribution, commitment, and new relationship can help you move your project forward. You can start building the business, assembling your team, developing your materials, and creating the momentum that makes larger funding conversations possible.
Because the point isn't just to secure funding. It's to become the kind of filmmaker who doesn't wait for permission to make their next move.
WHAT THE BLUEPRINT UNLOCKS
01 — YOU HAVE A REAL WAY FORWARD
You know what you’re raising for, who to approach, your outreach messaging, and a plan of attack to start raising immediately.
02 — YOU GREENLIGHT YOUR NEXT STEPS
You stop waiting and take control of what you can accomplish now, who can help make it happen, and how to turn the resources and relationships you already have into real support for your project.
03 — YOU MAKE MORE POSSIBLE
The early traction you create with First Money helps position your project for grants, incentives, investors, and other funding opportunities. And when those doors begin to open, you'll have the knowledge, credibility, and leverage to pursue them on your own terms.
THE INVESTMENT
THE FIRST MONEY BLUEPRINT
$29
ONE-TIME INTRODUCTORY PRICE
Take advantage of the opportunity to finally break out of the funding rut that keeps your story stuck.
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For context, our done-for-you clients spend $3,500 for the same system we’re offering to you. First Money hands you the identical playbook and full access to the process for a fraction of the price.
Our Simple Promise...
Do the work for 30 days. Use the system. Show us your results. And if you’ve seen zero movement in your momentum, we’ll give you a FREE Coaching Session to help you get moving.
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The First Money Blueprint gives you the process, tools, and confidence to start raising independently—and a system you can keep using as your project moves forward.
FAQ
The Questions Filmmakers Ask
How much time does this take?
3–5 focused hours to get oriented, then about 1–2 hours per week until you reach your first money funding goal. You control your raise from start to finish.
I don’t need MILLIONS for my project. Is that ok?
That’s actually perfect. The true power of the First Money Method is that it works on any size project. If you have a small-budget project, you could raise 100% of the funds following the blueprint. No project is too small.
Do I need to have a big network?
No. The only thing you need to get started is your willingness to work the process and the belief that you can take your story further. We hand you everything else you need to optimize the relationships you already have.
Is this a program?
The First Money Blueprint is a DIY film funding system complete with everything you need to raise early financial support and carry that support beyond the money conversation. No more waiting for permission.
What if I fail?
There’s no such thing as failure as long as you don’t quit. If you put your all into the blueprint for 30 days and don’t see results, we’ll help you find the best opportunity to get back on track toward your funding goals.
Why should I trust you?
Fair question.
Truth is, I don't want you to trust me. I want you to believe in your ability to use the skills and resources you already have to secure early support for your film project.
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Brittany and Morgan's stories are just a few examples of what's possible, but the most important success story to focus on is yours.
STOP WASTING TIME, ENERGY AND CONFIDENCE GOING AT IT ALONE.
The outcome of the next 30 days is up to you...
You can keep applying for grants, looking for opportunities, and figuring things out as you go. There's nothing wrong with any of that.
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But if those efforts haven't gotten you where you want to be, maybe it's time for a different approach.
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The real question is whether you want to keep figuring it out on your own or put your effort behind a proven system that's helped produce 10+ projects and raise more than $100K.
I've been where you are
DOWNLOAD EVERYTHING I WISH I KNEW WHEN I WAS TRYING TO FUND MY FIRST FEW FILMS.
I wrote, produced, and bootstrapped my own film projects first. I lived on the exact hamster wheel you’re on for three years.
But before I was a filmmaker, I spent years in corporate, using business strategy and operational discipline to save companies millions of dollars.
Then I brought that same discipline into independent filmmaking. I ran Flip The Script and learned what it actually takes to fund film projects.
Since then, my team and I have made 10 short films for aspiring filmmakers who deserved a path forward and raised more than $100K in the process.
So I’ll tell you what most people in this industry won’t…
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I CAN’T MAKE SOMEONE FUND YOUR FILM.
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Nobody can promise to do that. And I’d be wary of anyone who does.
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But I know what’s possible when filmmakers have a process that works.
That’s why I created the First Money Blueprint.
I’m sharing the same methodology we’ve used time and again, so you can apply it to your own project, secure early support, and change where your story lands.
I’ve done the work to develop the process. Now it’s yours to put to work.
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EUNICE N. SHELLEY
Founder, CineSparq
300+
filmmakers trained
$100k
raised for film production