- 01
Lead with the outcome
Your headline should name the result, not the struggle. Say what you will finish and when. A strong headline fits on one line and makes a stranger curious enough to open the story.
- 02
Tell it in three short parts
Who you are, what you are making and why now. A few plain sentences each. Never promise what you cannot prove later; Backers give to a person, so let your own voice come through.
- 03
Show, then ask
Add real photos of you and your work. Link each milestone to the proof you will post. End with a clear ask: what the first milestone needs and what Backers will see when it is done.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Lost shooting days
Weather or unavailable locations can leave scenes unfinished. Group exterior scenes early, name backup spaces and include a small reshoot allowance in the production milestone.
- R2
Post-production expands
A rough cut may reveal missing shots or difficult sound repairs. Set a clear edit scope and reserve time and budget for pickups before approving the final picture milestone.
- R3
Music changes late
A planned track may not be available for the film. Identify usable music options during pre-production and budget for original sound or replacement tracks before the sound mix.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a indie film dream with a goal of €22,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
€3,300 · 15%
Lock the shooting plan
Post the dated script breakdown, location confirmations and shooting schedule, with private contact details removed.
Milestone 2
€8,800 · 40%
Complete principal photography
Share dated production stills, a shoot report and selected footage showing the planned scenes have been captured.
Milestone 3
€6,600 · 30%
Finish picture and sound
Post an edited sequence, sound mix samples and a post-production checklist showing completed editing and audio work.
Milestone 4
€3,300 · 15%
Prepare the screening master
Share the export specifications, caption sample and a private preview showing the finished film is ready to screen.
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to review the proof, ask for more info, and decide whether to keep supporting your next milestone.
0% commission — direct gifts, nothing taken
Backers pay exactly what they choose directly through your payment methods. cohero takes 0% commission on backings, so you keep what is sent. Any refunds or disputes are handled directly between you, the Backer and your payment provider.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a indie film dream in Brussels, shown in EUR. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
€22,000
- Cast and crew€7,700 · 35%
- Locations and equipment€6,600 · 30%
- Editing and sound€5,500 · 25%
- Screening and delivery€2,200 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- €22,000
- 0% platform commission
- −€3,300
- You receive
- €18,700
Questions and answers
What makes a indie film pitch convincing?
Specific numbers, real photos and a first milestone small enough to reach soon. Backers trust Dreamers who show where every amount goes and who have already started on their own.
Can I fund a short film rather than a feature?
Yes. Frame the dream around a length and script you can realistically shoot. Show Backers the scene count, production schedule and final delivery format so the goal reflects a complete short rather than part of a larger film.
What can I show without spoiling the story?
Use script breakdowns, behind-the-scenes stills and short scenes that avoid major plot turns. Explain which production work each item demonstrates, then offer a spoiler-light preview when the final master is complete.
Ready when you are
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