Funding and the reality of film
Making Films Is Expensive — But Worth Every Penny
Anyone in film will tell you — whether they’re on a blockbuster set with a hundred crew or making a short in their spare bedroom — filmmaking is expensive. The kit alone costs a fortune and that’s not including crew, cast, locations — even film school. If you’re in it for quick profit, you’re in the wrong game. Filmmaking is a constant exercise in seeing how far you can stretch a few quid.
So why do it?
Because it’s the best job in the world.
The arts are too often treated as “just a hobby” or “not a real career.” But creativity matters. Films can change you. They can lift you when you’re low, inspire you when you’re stuck, and connect you to something bigger than yourself. That’s why we’re here at Shushka Productions — to make stories that make you feel something.
One day, we’ll be self-sufficient. We’ll have the big funding deals and the freedom to make exactly what we want, how we want. Right now? We have the second part nailed — we make exactly what we want — but the rest takes time. Big industry contacts don’t appear overnight, and film funding is rare.
That’s where you come in.
For our next short film, Present Company Excluded, we’re launching a Kickstarter campaign. We’ve got some brilliant rewards lined up for backers, because if you’re willing to put your hard-earned money into our dream, we want to make sure you feel how much it means to us. On top of that, our producer, Claire Ward, organised an auction over on our Facebook page to help raise even more which I’m happy to say went surprisingly well.
These are the funding routes we’ve chosen because they give us the best chance of making this project the best it can be — and because they give us a chance to give back to you as a thank you.
I want to be crystal clear: we are serious about film, and serious about where Shushka Productions is heading. Asking for money is never easy (especially if you’re British), but it matters. Every pledge, no matter the size, is a huge step towards making something incredible.
If you have any questions, drop us a message on Facebook or Instagram — I’ll be more than happy to chat.
Thank you for being here, for believing in what we do, and for helping us bring this story to life.
— Ash
Owner of Shushka Productions
Present Company Excluded Kickstarter Campaign
