Which Country Has the First Crowdfunded Film? - History
Crowdfunding in movies has a long history, starting in the 18th century. Jonathan Swift's Irish Loan Fund in Dublin and subscription models by artists like Alexander Pope and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart are early examples. Even the Statue of Liberty's construction in 1885 was funded by the public.
But it wasn't until the early 2000s that crowdfunding changed the game. Platforms like ArtistShare, the first for musicians, allowed independent filmmakers and artists to fund their projects in new ways.
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Key Takeaways
- Crowdfunding in cinema has a long history, with early examples dating back to the 18th century.
- The Statue of Liberty's construction in 1885 was funded through a large-scale public campaign.
- Modern crowdfunding platforms, like ArtistShare, emerged in the early 2000s, revolutionizing independent film financing.
- Subscription models and patron support played a significant role in the early development of crowdfunding in the arts.
- The evolution of film financing has seen a shift from traditional funding sources to more diverse and inclusive models, including crowdfunding.
The Birth of Film Crowdfunding in India
The Indian film industry shows the nation's rich culture. In 1976, "Manthan" started the community-supported cinema movement. This film, directed by Shyam Benegal, was crowdfunded by 500,000 farmers, each giving ₹2.
The Making of 'Manthan' (1976)
"Manthan" was inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien's dairy cooperative movement. It tells how India became the world's largest milk producer. The film stars Girish Karnad, Naseeruddin Shah, and Smita Patil, with music by Vanraj Bhatia.
This film was a groundbreaking effort in community-supported cinema in India.
The Role of 500,000 Indian Farmers
The crowdfunding for "Manthan" showed the strength of grassroots support. 500,000 farmers each gave ₹2, raising ₹10 lakh. This was a huge success for the time.
This approach empowered the community and made the film's story real.
Dr. Verghese Kurien's Influence
"Manthan" was inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien's work. He led India's "White Revolution". The film highlighted the power of community-driven change.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Qu54pekrCKY
"Manthan" was a landmark achievement in the history of Indian cinema, demonstrating the power of community-supported filmmaking and its ability to amplify the voices of the marginalized."
Which Country Has the First Crowdfunded Film?
India's 'Manthan' (1976) is often seen as the first crowdfunded film. But Australia also claims this title with 'The Age of Stupid' (1979). Peter Fisk's environmental documentary was funded by over 200 people, showing the power of community support.
India's 'Manthan' is also a standout story. It was made by 500,000 dairy farmers, each giving just ₹2. The film helped AMUL grow to ₹80,000 crore, proving the lasting effect of community funding.
"Manthan" was produced by 500,000 dairy farmers who each contributed Rs. 2/- towards the production of the film.
The restoration of 'Manthan' took 17 months, funded by the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation. This effort shows the importance of preserving cultural heritage through film.
The restored 'Manthan' will be shown in some Indian theaters. It was also chosen for the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024. This honor highlights the film's global impact and lasting influence.
Historical Roots of Crowdfunding in Cinema
Crowdfunding in cinema has a long history. It started with early subscription models and patronage systems. Even in the 18th century, famous authors like Alexander Pope used these methods to fund their work. The film industry was a natural fit for crowdfunding.
Early Subscription Models
In the 18th century, Jonathan Swift set up the Irish Loan Fund. It was a way for communities to pool resources for small loans. This idea is the basis of today's crowdfunding.
The Statue of Liberty is another early example. In 1885, journalist Joseph Pulitzer ran a fundraising campaign in his newspaper. He raised $101,091 in just a few months to build the iconic landmark.
From Patronage to Public Funding
Over time, funding for creative projects changed. It moved from individual patronage to public funding. This change led to the modern crowdfunding we know today.
Evolution of Film Financing
"Manthan," directed by Shyam Benegal, was the first film funded by crowdfunding in 1976. It was supported by 500,000 Indian farmers, showing the power of collective support.
Digital platforms changed film financing further. In 1997, Marillion raised $60,000 online to save their US tour. This was a big step in crowdfunding history.
Today, we have platforms like ArtistShare, launched in 2001, for musicians. Equity-based crowdfunding started in 2007 in Australia. These changes offer more ways for filmmakers to fund their projects.
| Year | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 18th Century | Irish Loan Fund by Jonathan Swift | One of the earliest examples of crowdfunding |
| 1885 | Fundraising for Statue of Liberty | $101,091 raised in less than 5 months |
| 1976 | "Manthan" film crowdfunded by 500,000 Indian farmers | First film produced entirely through crowdfunding |
| 1997 | Marillion raises $60,000 for US tour | Milestone in music crowdfunding |
| 2001 | ArtistShare, first crowdfunding platform for musicians | Specialization of crowdfunding platforms |
| 2007 | Equity-based crowdfunding introduced by ASSOB | Diversification of crowdfunding models |
These historical steps have shaped today's film crowdfunding. It continues to change how we fund and create movies.
"The transition from individual patronage to public funding marked a significant shift in how creative projects, including films, were financed. This evolution paved the way for the emergence of modern crowdfunding practices."
The Success Story of 'Manthan'
In 1976, 'Manthan' hit the screens, changing cinema forever. This film was crowdfunded by 500,000 dairy farmers, each giving just ₹2. It became a huge success and made a big impact.
When 'Manthan' first came out, farmers by the truckload wanted to see it. They loved the story of the dairy cooperative movement in India. This showed how powerful grassroots funding and cinema can be in changing society.
Today, nearly 50 years later, the Film Heritage Foundation is restoring 'Manthan'. It will premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and then hit Indian theaters. The new version, in ultra-high definition 4K, will play in 50 cities and 100 cinemas on June 1 and 2, 2024.
The return of 'Manthan' to the big screen and its wide release in India show its lasting impact. Director Shyam Benegal and actor Naseeruddin Shah are thrilled. They can't wait for a new generation to see this crowdfunding success story.
The film restoration of 'Manthan' proves the power of Indian cinema. It shows what can be done when people come together. This iconic film continues to inspire and captivate, solidifying its place in Indian cinema history.
Impact on Global Film Industry
The early success of crowdfunded films like 'Manthan' from India and 'The Age of Stupid' from Britain sparked the creation of modern crowdfunding sites. These sites have changed the film industry worldwide. They help independent filmmakers and change how movies are made.
Inspiring Modern Crowdfunding Platforms
ArtistShare, started in 2001, was the first to support musicians. Later, Kickstarter and Indiegogo came along, changing how indie filmmakers get funding. These platforms have helped thousands of film projects, letting filmmakers connect directly with their audience.
Changes in Film Production Models
Crowdfunding has changed how movies are made all over the world. Filmmakers can now fund their projects online, without needing studios or private investors. This has made independent filmmaking stronger, giving a voice to many new stories and perspectives.
| Crowdfunded Film | Funding Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Manthan (1976) | Funded by 500,000 Indian farmers, each contributing 2 rupees for a total of 1 million rupees | Pioneered crowdfunding in the Indian film industry and inspired the creation of modern platforms |
| Kothanodi (2015) | Successfully covered production costs through a crowdfunding campaign | Demonstrated the viability of crowdfunding for independent filmmakers in India |
| Greater Elephant (2012) | Received funding from the public via Facebook to finance its release | Showcased the potential of social media-driven crowdfunding for film projects |
| Peddlers (2012) | Crowdfunded via social media after the film's script was publicly posted for evaluation | Highlighted the power of community engagement in crowdfunding campaigns |
| Veronica Mars (2014) | Crowdfunding campaign reached its goal within 10 hours of launch, allowing the film to be created | Demonstrated the speed and scale at which crowdfunding can mobilize resources for film projects |
These crowdfunded films have opened a new chapter in global filmmaking. They inspire new creators and help them tell their stories through new funding ways.
Modern Era of Film Crowdfunding
The modern era of digital donations and alternative finance for films started in the late 1990s. In 1997, the British band Marillion raised funds for their US tour through crowdfunding. This inspired the creation of ArtistShare, the first online platform for artist-fan crowdfunding, in 2001.
The 2008 financial crisis made crowdfunding more popular for filmmakers. Today, platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have helped over 230,000 projects succeed. The global crowdfunding market hit $12 billion in 2020.
Crowdfunding has changed how films get funded. Fans get rewards like merchandise or credits. Platforms like Kickstarter only fund projects if they reach their goal.
Many films have been successful through crowdfunding. "Inocente" raised $52,527 on Kickstarter and won an Academy Award in 2013. "Veronica Mars" raised over $5.7 million, and "Super Troopers 2" over $4.5 million on Indiegogo.
The growth of digital donations and online platforms has changed the film industry. It gives filmmakers new ways to fund their projects. It also lets fans play a big role in making movies.
Notable Crowdfunded Films Through History
Crowdfunding has changed the film world. It lets independent filmmakers and fans make their dreams real. Movies like "Veronica Mars" (2014), "Super Troopers 2" (2018), and "The Babadook" (2014) have won hearts globally.
Landmark Productions
"Veronica Mars" is a big win for crowdfunding. It raised over $5.7 million on Kickstarter in 2013. This effort brought the TV series back to the big screen, pleasing fans old and new.
"Super Troopers 2" is another big hit. It raised over $4.4 million on Indiegogo. This shows how fan communities can bring back favorite movies.
"The Babadook" also made it big through crowdfunding. It raised over $30,000 on Kickstarter. The film got great reviews, making director Jennifer Kent a star in horror.
Success Stories and Statistics
Many filmmakers have made it thanks to crowdfunding. In 2003, musician Maria Schneider won a Grammy with fan support on ArtistShare. This was the first Grammy for a crowdfunded album without traditional sales.
The crowdfunding world keeps growing. The biggest project, EOS, raised $4,100,000,000. Other big wins include Filecoin ($257,000,000), Tezos ($232,000,000), and U-Haul Investors Club ($219,597,100).
These stories show how crowdfunding is changing the film and creative worlds. It lets artists and fans work together to make new projects happen.
Conclusion
Crowdfunding has changed how films get made, from the 18th century to today's digital world. Movies like 'Manthan' from India and 'The Age of Stupid' from Australia showed new ways to fund films. They inspired filmmakers worldwide to find new funding sources and involve their fans in making movies.
Now, crowdfunding is key for indie filmmakers as the film world changes. Over 50% of crowdfunding campaigns succeed, and 78% hit their goals. The global crowdfunding market is set to hit $300 billion by 2025, thanks to more people using it.
The future of funding films looks bright. Sites like Catapooolt, Ketto, Kickstarter, and Wishberry help campaigns succeed in India and elsewhere. People are raising money for all sorts of projects, from coaching to tech startups. This support is changing the film industry for the better.
FAQ
Which country has the first crowdfunded film?
India and Australia both claim to have the first crowdfunded film. India's 'Manthan' (1976) was funded by 500,000 farmers, each giving ₹2. Australia's 'The Age of Stupid' (1979) raised AU$50,000 from over 200 supporters.
What was the story behind the making of 'Manthan'?
'Manthan' (1976) was inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien's dairy cooperative movement. It tells how India became the world's largest milk producer. It was funded by 500,000 farmers, each giving ₹2.
How did the re-release of 'Manthan' in 2024 showcase its enduring impact?
In 2024, 'Manthan' was restored and premiered at Cannes. It will be re-released in 50 cities and 100 cinemas in India. This shows the film's lasting impact nearly 50 years later.
What were the historical roots of crowdfunding in cinema?
Crowdfunding in cinema goes back to the 18th century. Jonathan Swift's Irish Loan Fund and subscription models by artists like Alexander Pope and Mozart are examples. The Statue of Liberty's construction in 1885 was also funded this way. This shift from individual to public funding paved the way for modern crowdfunding in film.
How did crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo impact the film industry?
Early crowdfunded films like 'Manthan' and 'The Age of Stupid' inspired platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. These platforms have helped thousands of films, changing how they are funded.
What are some notable examples of successful crowdfunded films?
Many films have been funded through crowdfunding, like 'Veronica Mars' (2014) and 'The Babadook' (2014). In 2003, Maria Schneider won a Grammy Award for a fan-funded album on ArtistShare.