I cannot imagine a better match than Richard Botto writing about crowdsourcing for filmmakers in the digital age. RB is masterful in his knowledge of the digital space and attracting an audience, as he's shown with Stage 32, and this is the next logical step: applying that expertise to making successful films, which is one of the most important things to learn for breaking into today's and tomorrow's entertainment industry.
- Dean Silvers, Lawyer, Author of Secrets of Breaking into the Film & TV Business
Fact: No one knows crowdsourcing better than RB. And now, all of his unparalleled knowledge and detailed case studies are packed together into a single volume –– Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers. From gathering feedback and ideas to piecing together film crews and connecting with an audience, this book will without a doubt become an invaluable resource in every filmmaker's journey from script to screen.
- John T. Trigonis, Author, Crowdfunding for Filmmakers
Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers should be required reading for any writer, director, or producer looking to build a career as a filmmaker. The book is a perfect encapsulation of the expertise RB developed through founding and growing Stage 32; it couldn’t be more relevant to the world of independent film.
- Jason Scoggins, President & COO, Slated, Inc.
I cannot imagine a better match than Richard Botto writing about crowdsourcing for filmmakers in the digital age. RB is masterful in his knowledge of the digital space and attracting an audience, as he's shown with Stage 32, and this is the next logical step: applying that expertise to making successful films, which is one of the most important things to learn for breaking into today's and tomorrow's entertainment industry.
- Paul Hanson, CEO, Covert Media
Comparing the power of moving your existing contacts to crowdsourcing a targeted audience is like comparing the power of mobilizing a small village to the power of potentially moving the universe. Rich Botto’s Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers shows how hard work and planning will greatly help today’s fillmmaker take part in what is a new revolution. RB shows clearly that the power is in you, and that power can be harnessed by learning the lessons in this amazing book.
- Michel Merkt, Golden Globe winner, Creative Producer of over 50 films
Filmmaking has changed dramatically since I started Raindance in 1992. Film funding has completely changed. Some would argue for the worse. Not Richard Botto and his essential Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers which clearly and completely outlines the social media (and other) strategies used by successful crowdsourcers to make their movies happen. Richard writes in a matter-of- fact tone that his hundreds of thousands of followers will instantly recognize for its warmth, wit and wisdom. is book is like having Richard Botto and his years of experience in your back pocket 24/7. Indispensable.
- Elliot Grove, Founder, Raindance Film Festival, British Independent Film Awards
Sourcing and moving a crowd has never been a bigger factor in the life of an indie filmmaker. With Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers, RB has written a next level and engaging discourse on the subject that will help so many achieve their artistic endeavors.
- Michael Polish, Director, Writer, Producer, Twin Falls Idaho, The Astronaut Farmer, Big Sur
I learned so much from Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers. Rich Botto has crafted an easy to grasp resource with definitive steps on how to best access a community and get your films made. It is essential reading.
- David Greenblatt, Manager, Producer
No one is more dedicated to educating filmmakers to learn and prosper in today’s rapidly changing landscape than Richard Botto. He is successfully helping filmmakers move towards a newer, more global and digital era of filmmaking. In Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers he has introduced an important tool for filmmakers to help achieve maximum engagement—not just on their films, but on themselves. Read this book!
- Jason Roberts, DGA AD, Jurassic World, Transformers: The Last Knight, Almost Famous, Empire
Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers is a must in the new era of filmmaking as the traditional models have begun to die out. And there is no one who under- stands the future of the business and where it is headed more than RB.
- Elissa Friedman, Entertainment Executive, Covert Media
The independent film landscape continues to change at a rapid rate. It is no longer good enough simply to be a filmmaker, you have to know the brand of your lm and the brand of you. With Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers, Rich Bottoprovides a clear road map, using both time tested and innovative techniques designed to help you build an army of support for your project from conception to distribution and beyond.
- Jon Reiss, filmmaker, author, film strategist, Hybrid Cinema
Given the hundreds of thousands of creatives on Stage 32, Rich Botto certainly knows how to source a crowd. In Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers, RB takes his wealth of knowledge and lessons learned and passes them on to the independent filmmaker. is could not be a more book for the “now” and should be essential reading for anyone making films in today’s environment.
- Bradley Gallo, Producer, (The Call, Mr. Right), Chief Creative Officer, Amasia Entertainment
It’s almost impossible to crowdfund without the crowd. You’ve gotta crowdsource FIRST. Before you can convert strangers into motivated fans to champion your artrepreneurial dreams, you’ve gotta start by authentically engaging friends, family and acquaintances to create tipping point momentum. No one is better at identifying and charismatically catalyzing aspirants into a branded community than RB. If you’re an independent lm- maker or content creator looking to make your creative and career dreams come true, RB’s insights will help you blueprint your plan. It’s up to you to put it into action and make it happen.
- Heather Hale, Author, How to Work the Film & TV Markets and StoryTelling: How to Develop, Market and Pitch Film & TV Projects
Richard Botto is my favorite sort of guy: e type of guy who went out and figured it out for himself, unearthing information wherever he could, and making good use of it at every turn. In Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers, RB shares the priceless knowledge he has gathered along the path to becoming an industry trailblazer, generously imparting on the reader with the sort of fundraising and crowdsourcing information on the shoulders of which projects can get made and careers will be built.
- Lee Jessup, Screenwriting Career Coach, international speaker and author, Breaking In: Tales From the Screenwriting Trenches
What sets great filmmakers apart is their understanding that they need an army of support. With Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers, RB has written the definitive guide on how to drum up support and get your audience to engage in you and your project.
- Agustine Calderon, Development Executive & Producer, In the Company of Lies
Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers: Indie Film and the Power of the Crowd (American Film Market Presents)
Get this book before you start crowdfunding.
There are way more eloquent reviews than mine but here are my 2 cents worth anyway.Should be on every filmmaker's bookshelf!
I honestly thought crowdfunding and crowdsourcing were interchangeable - boy was I wrong. Crowdsourcing is so much more and such a huge part of our world today. This book is a must-read for all filmmakers! I adore the conversational style in which it is written. It's such an easy read and feels so personal, like I'm hanging out with, and getting the best advice from, a dear friend. The real-world examples are priceless. Love it. Get this book. You'll be happy you did.Excellent and Informative
I heard about this book on a panel at Hollyshorts and it sounded really interesting. I was able to get an advanced copy from the author and I could not be more grateful. Richard Botto has done an excellent job explaining how to get traction for my film, myself and build my audience to help support my film efforts. My state is starting to see the benefit of filming due to new tax incentives and it's allowed me to understand all the elements that go into becoming a successful filmmaker in my area. If you are a filmmaker, you will learn a lot by reading this book.Explained in a funny and engaging manner this book educates and motivates
I can’t put this book down. I have highlights all through the book. Explained in a funny and engaging manner this book educates and motivates.Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers has renewed my hope and energy as ...
Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers has renewed my hope and energy as a producer. I started a short film competition to energize our local film community hit hard by the lack of state incentives, but I realized the only people energized were those who were selected to make the films. After reading this book I understand why no one else got excited! I plan to buy more copies of the book, get together with the local filmmakers and come up with a crowdsourcing plan for our entire film community -- thank you, Richard Botto, for the insights in how to move forward.This book is a must if you want to set yourself (and your projects) up for success.
So, you know the term crowdFUNDING but do you know how integral crowdSOURCING is to your success? It might be one of the most important things you do for your film. And you should start doing it from day one! It might make the difference between getting distribution/profits or only showing your film to your family during Thanksgiving. Disclaimer: a film I co-produced, MILE... MILE & A HALF is one of the book's case studies. Because of the support of our fans, the film shot to the top of iTunes highly-rated docs. We were thrilled to be asked to be part of RB's book so we could share what worked for us. I learned tons from reading the rest of the book, and I look forward to applying the tips and principles to my next project. RB a the master at crowdsourcing. So, of course, this book is a must if you want to set yourself (and your projects) up for success.Truly Enlightening
I am truly enlightened after reading this book. RB does a fantastic job of not only explaining the psychology of crowdsourcing, but explaining each step of crowdsourcing in great detail. This book is heavily injected with RB's brand throughout, and I found it very clever how he demonstrated crowdsourcing... by writing a book on crowdsourcing. Clever girl, Clarice... clever girl. ;)Demystifying the world of crowdsourcing, one filmmaker at a time!
Many filmmakers these days are familiar with crowdfunding and how to do it Right (thanks in part to my own book on that very subject, I like to think), but not enough of them truly understand its progenitor –– crowdsourcing. Well, Rich Botto here has you covered. He not only expertly demystifies the often misunderstood concept of sourcing things other than funding from the crowd, but also shows you how to actually do it, whether you're seeking feedback and ideas or looking to put together an award-winning film crew. If you think the crowd-realm ends with crowdfunding, then this book is a must read, because there's so much more our crowds can help us with than just a handful of Benjamins, folks!This book has completely changed my thinking
Through the years, I have listened to Richard Botto on podcasts and followed his writings on Stage 32. As an independent filmmaker, I've always found his insights inspirational and very of the now. I was excited to have the opportunity to meet him at a book signing in Vermont at Itvfest and I immediately bought his book. I have to say the material exceeded my expectations. I'm someone who always concentrated on the content and believed that if done well, it would find an audience. Now I see that I have been missing a key component. I haven't been crowdsourcing. This book has completely changed my thinking. The case studies of various filmmakers and producers have shown me the path and the information Botto shares is priceless. And it's told in the most engaging of ways. I laughed a lot. If I could give this book 10 stars I would and I am glad to spread the word. Read it immediately.Topical, Timely and a must-read
If you are a creative and trying to make it in today's entertainment world, read this book. RB is an excellent writer who engaged me from the first sentence. His personal and conversational tone kept me interested and learning throughout. Crowdsourcing is essential for the filmmaker and the history and case studies help illustrate the definition and application.RB Shares His Passion For Helping Filmmakers With This Book!
As a Stage 32 member and educational trainer I've always been fascinated by how RB crowdsourced the community but to see those strategies and practices applied to me as a filmmaker was something else entirely. I enjoyed reading this book! It was a quick read and knowing how important it is to network and create relationships in order to gain the trust and support for my projects, this book gave great tools to do so. Bravo RB!Amazing resource for filmmakers!
As a filmmaker who is starting out in the business, I found Richard Botto's "Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers" to be an invaluable book! Not only is it incredibly insightful and informative as to what choices to make as you jump start or continue to grow your career, but it also does it in a manner that is so refreshing, smart, passionate and captivatingly honest, that you never want to put the book down, or for it to end. What a great resource to have by my side as I move ahead with my career!By Mike A. Chinea
There are way more eloquent reviews than mine but here are my 2 cents worth anyway.
What I liked best of Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers is the conversational style of the author and the deep research that went into making this book.
While the book may seem talky to some, the depth of field is priceless. I bought it to get a few tips on crowdfunding and what I got was real life lessons on the importance of crowdsourcing. After reading this book I have a deeper understanding for the necessity of building our audience, our team, our tribe.
Through this book RB has become my personal Zen Sherpa guide and my Jiminy Cricket.
The case studies made it real for me. This book is full of most have insights for the true Indie filmmaker and for entrepreneurs as well, it’s a must have guide in your personal library.
By Keren
I honestly thought crowdfunding and crowdsourcing were interchangeable - boy was I wrong. Crowdsourcing is so much more and such a huge part of our world today. This book is a must-read for all filmmakers! I adore the conversational style in which it is written. It's such an easy read and feels so personal, like I'm hanging out with, and getting the best advice from, a dear friend. The real-world examples are priceless. Love it. Get this book. You'll be happy you did.
By JR OWL
I heard about this book on a panel at Hollyshorts and it sounded really interesting. I was able to get an advanced copy from the author and I could not be more grateful. Richard Botto has done an excellent job explaining how to get traction for my film, myself and build my audience to help support my film efforts. My state is starting to see the benefit of filming due to new tax incentives and it's allowed me to understand all the elements that go into becoming a successful filmmaker in my area. If you are a filmmaker, you will learn a lot by reading this book.
By A Samaroo
I can’t put this book down. I have highlights all through the book. Explained in a funny and engaging manner this book educates and motivates.
By Amazon Customer
Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers has renewed my hope and energy as a producer. I started a short film competition to energize our local film community hit hard by the lack of state incentives, but I realized the only people energized were those who were selected to make the films. After reading this book I understand why no one else got excited! I plan to buy more copies of the book, get together with the local filmmakers and come up with a crowdsourcing plan for our entire film community -- thank you, Richard Botto, for the insights in how to move forward.
By Kia Kiso
So, you know the term crowdFUNDING but do you know how integral crowdSOURCING is to your success? It might be one of the most important things you do for your film. And you should start doing it from day one! It might make the difference between getting distribution/profits or only showing your film to your family during Thanksgiving. Disclaimer: a film I co-produced, MILE... MILE & A HALF is one of the book's case studies. Because of the support of our fans, the film shot to the top of iTunes highly-rated docs. We were thrilled to be asked to be part of RB's book so we could share what worked for us. I learned tons from reading the rest of the book, and I look forward to applying the tips and principles to my next project. RB a the master at crowdsourcing. So, of course, this book is a must if you want to set yourself (and your projects) up for success.
By Brandi Thomas
I am truly enlightened after reading this book. RB does a fantastic job of not only explaining the psychology of crowdsourcing, but explaining each step of crowdsourcing in great detail. This book is heavily injected with RB's brand throughout, and I found it very clever how he demonstrated crowdsourcing... by writing a book on crowdsourcing. Clever girl, Clarice... clever girl. ;)
I would HIGHLY recommend this book not only to filmmakers, but to anyone with a product or project that they want eyes on. As a young, unknown composer who would like to invert that second adjective, this book has helped me figure out a lot of things very early in my career. It has helped me CLEARLY define who my music is for, which has automatically helped me come up with better ideas as to how I can engage my audience (and make them actually care).
Thank you so much, RB, for your incredible insights!
By Trigonis
Many filmmakers these days are familiar with crowdfunding and how to do it Right (thanks in part to my own book on that very subject, I like to think), but not enough of them truly understand its progenitor –– crowdsourcing. Well, Rich Botto here has you covered. He not only expertly demystifies the often misunderstood concept of sourcing things other than funding from the crowd, but also shows you how to actually do it, whether you're seeking feedback and ideas or looking to put together an award-winning film crew. If you think the crowd-realm ends with crowdfunding, then this book is a must read, because there's so much more our crowds can help us with than just a handful of Benjamins, folks!
By Arnold F.
Through the years, I have listened to Richard Botto on podcasts and followed his writings on Stage 32. As an independent filmmaker, I've always found his insights inspirational and very of the now. I was excited to have the opportunity to meet him at a book signing in Vermont at Itvfest and I immediately bought his book. I have to say the material exceeded my expectations. I'm someone who always concentrated on the content and believed that if done well, it would find an audience. Now I see that I have been missing a key component. I haven't been crowdsourcing. This book has completely changed my thinking. The case studies of various filmmakers and producers have shown me the path and the information Botto shares is priceless. And it's told in the most engaging of ways. I laughed a lot. If I could give this book 10 stars I would and I am glad to spread the word. Read it immediately.
By Andrea Kranitz
If you are a creative and trying to make it in today's entertainment world, read this book. RB is an excellent writer who engaged me from the first sentence. His personal and conversational tone kept me interested and learning throughout. Crowdsourcing is essential for the filmmaker and the history and case studies help illustrate the definition and application.
By Jess
As a Stage 32 member and educational trainer I've always been fascinated by how RB crowdsourced the community but to see those strategies and practices applied to me as a filmmaker was something else entirely. I enjoyed reading this book! It was a quick read and knowing how important it is to network and create relationships in order to gain the trust and support for my projects, this book gave great tools to do so. Bravo RB!
By Amazon Customer
As a filmmaker who is starting out in the business, I found Richard Botto's "Crowdsourcing for Filmmakers" to be an invaluable book! Not only is it incredibly insightful and informative as to what choices to make as you jump start or continue to grow your career, but it also does it in a manner that is so refreshing, smart, passionate and captivatingly honest, that you never want to put the book down, or for it to end. What a great resource to have by my side as I move ahead with my career!