From its headquarters in London, Genera has been set up to provide an alternative way for short filmmakers worldwide to achieve funding. (Source: Genera) We had an opportunity to chat with Genera. Check out the interview below.
What inspired you to start this service?
Having made a number of short films and experiencing first hand the struggle that comes with trying to fund them, I was left thinking – there had to be a better way. I studied various crowdfunding platforms along with funding bodies – both of which didn’t serve the filmmaker. Crowdfunding took high %fees, felt like a project in itself to set up and you had to give away incentives – all of which cost! The other option was Film bodies, which inevitably meant giving up creative control. There was literally nothing out there for filmmakers that didn’t come with pages of conditions.
Once a film is complete, we all spend small fortunes submitting to films festivals. I thought, what if we put that process at the beginning and instead of being officially selected, you get the cash you need to make your film. Of course, there would have to be a submission fee to support the funding but I was keen to give something for all applicants submitting a film. Because of this, I have partnered and will continue to partner, with the worlds best festivals and organizations to help those filmmaker applicants access products and services to help them. With that – Genera was formed!
You offer filmmakers an incredible opportunity to produce their movies. Some of the things you look for is the story and vision. With so many great scripts, how do you choose which to fund?
Choosing which films get funded really is the hardest thing. I wish we could find every film that comes through the door because I believe everyone should have the opportunity to make their films. The more Genera grows the more films we can fund! All films are judged by a number of working industry professionals and their feedback is collated and that forms the decision on the films that are funded that round. Again, fairly similar to film festivals.
Of course, you receive hundreds, if not thousands of applications. What makes an application stand out above the rest?
The story. If the story is not interesting, different or breaking boundaries then it won’t stand out.
Currently, your company is registered in England and Wales. Any plans to expand the company to North America or other countries?
Although we are based in London UK, we fund short films worldwide. We work hard to create relationships and partnerships from all over the world.
Thank you for taking the opportunity to speak with us. Is there anything else we haven’t asked that you would like to mention?
Our aim is to continue serving filmmakers – we will continue to grow and evolve, ensuring filmmakers are granted with the support they deserve along with a well-respected opportunity to make their films. Check out our promo video:
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/WVX5GDeZ6bo”]
Any special words for aspiring filmmakers?
Don’t give up. Be passionate about what you do. You have to earn your stripes in this game and as they say – the more you practice the luckier you get.
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