Crowdfunding and Independence in Film and Music

Crowdfunding has become an important source of financing cultural activity,but its relationship to artistic independence is complex. This book explores how independent film and music artists and labels use crowdfunding and its impact on artistic freedom. It will interest scholars and students in media and cultural studies, digital humanities, fandom, sociology, economics, business studies, and law.

Format: Hardback
Length: 118 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Crowdfunding has emerged as a powerful tool for independent film and music artists and labels to finance their cultural activities. This book explores the multifaceted relationship between crowdfunding and artistic independence, examining how these two phenomena intersect and shape the contemporary system of cultural production.

The concept of artistic independence has long been a defining characteristic of the film and music industries. It refers to the ability of artists to control their creative process, make decisions about their work, and retain ownership and control over their intellectual property. However, in recent years, the notion of artistic independence has come under increasing scrutiny. Some argue that it is in crisis, as artists are increasingly reliant on major record labels and studios to finance and distribute their work.

Crowdfunding has emerged as a potential solution to this crisis. By allowing artists to raise funds directly from their fans and supporters, crowdfunding provides a means for artists to bypass the traditional gatekeepers of the industry and gain greater control over their creative output. This has led to a proliferation of crowdfunding platforms, such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Patreon, which have facilitated the funding of thousands of projects across a wide range of genres.

One of the key benefits of crowdfunding is that it allows artists to connect with their fans on a more personal level. Through crowdfunding, artists can engage with their audience directly, share updates about their work, and receive feedback and input in real-time. This can lead to a greater sense of community and loyalty among fans, as well as a more direct and meaningful relationship between artists and their audience.

However, crowdfunding also presents challenges for artists. One of the biggest challenges is the need to generate a large amount of funding to meet the goals of a project. Crowdfunding campaigns typically require a significant amount of capital to be successful, and artists may struggle to raise enough funds to produce their work or reach their target audience. Additionally, crowdfunding can be time-consuming and requires a significant amount of effort to manage and promote a campaign.

Another challenge is the risk associated with crowdfunding. While crowdfunding can provide a source of funding for artists, it can also be risky, as there is no guarantee that a project will be successful or that the funds raised will be used in a way that benefits the artist. There have been cases of crowdfunding campaigns being mismanaged or fraudulent, which can damage the reputation of artists and undermine the trust of their fans and supporters.

Despite these challenges, crowdfunding has become an increasingly popular tool for independent film and music artists and labels. Many artists have found success with crowdfunding, raising significant amounts of funding to produce their work and reach their target audience. In addition, crowdfunding has helped to democratize the film and music industries, allowing artists to bypass the traditional gatekeepers and gain greater control over their creative output.

In conclusion, crowdfunding has emerged as a powerful tool for independent film and music artists and labels to finance their cultural activities. While it presents challenges and risks, it also offers a means for artists to connect with their fans on a more personal level, gain greater control over their creative output, and bypass the traditional gatekeepers of the industry. As the use of crowdfunding continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how it continues to shape the contemporary system of cultural production and the relationships between artists and their audiences.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 145 x 222 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367714062