Round Up Building MomentumThrough Crowdfunding With Ravi Chand
A Practical Guide to Crowdfunding with Ravi Chand, the second instalment of Screen Presence’s ‘From Idea to Screen’ series recently welcomed filmmaker Ravi Chand for an invaluable deep dive into the realities of indie film financing. Drawing from his own successful experience raising funds for his VCA Masters film, Coconut, Chand delivered a masterclass that was as thoughtful as it was rigorously practical.
Describing the crowdfunding process as “climbing a mountain,” Chand emphasised that a successful campaign demands preparation, persistence, and meticulous planning. Yet, what made this session truly exceptional was its accessibility. Whether the filmmakers in the room were at the absolute entry level or already recognised on the festival circuit, Chand proved that securing funding is an achievable reality, not an elusive industry secret.
Rather than relying on abstract concepts, Chand generously unpacked his strategy, breaking the entire endeavour down into a granular, step-by-step plan. He guided the audience through the mechanics of choosing the right platform, crafting a clear and engaging pitch video, and generating that crucial early momentum with core supporters. Crucially, he provided a candid look at the specific "do’s and don’ts" of campaign management, offering tailored approaches for leveraging different social media platforms to maximise reach and engagement.
Ultimately, what resonated most clearly throughout the evening was the philosophy behind the finances. Crowdfunding, as Chand beautifully articulated, is not merely about soliciting money; it is about inviting people into the lifecycle of the film and cultivating a dedicated community around the work long before it ever hits the screen.
A massive thank you to Ravi Chand for his generosity and insight. We would also like to extend our gratitude to our sponsors, the Melbourne Chinatown Business Association, and our remarkable team of volunteers—Laurie Fletcher, Laura Him, Ababil Ashari Winarizal, Wilari Tedjosiswoyo, and Pius Kung—for making the event possible.
