Crowdfund Your Dream: Saturday's Tyee Master Class

Five years ago, when Kickstarter.com and Indiegogo.com launched, skeptics scoffed that anyone might raise significant money for their projects just by asking strangers in cyberspace to help out.

Ian MacKenzie is one who proved the skeptics wrong. The filmmaker and media activist tapped crowdfunding to back initiatives including Velcrow Ripper's acclaimed documentary Occupy Love, which MacKenzie produced, and his own viral short film Sacred Economics. By now he has helped raise over $450,000 with more than 30 crowdfunding projects.

On Saturday, MacKenzie will conduct a day-long Tyee Master Class telling you all you need to know to get the most out of today's burgeoning crowdfunding opportunities. Lunch and a splash of B.C. grape are included with the stimulating experience, so you are guaranteed to profit in more ways than one.

New creative economy emerging

MacKenzie tells The Tyee that crowdfunding, in its short existence, has blown past most expectations. "In less than five years," he says, "Kickstarter has raised almost a billion dollars for more than 50,000 campaigns. That's a huge leap for this concept, as many people have been saying for years that no one would pay for anything online unless forced. Crowdfunding shows otherwise."

When he isn't putting together his next media creation, MacKenzie is in demand for his hard-won advice on how to successfully seek crowdfunding. The biggest misunderstanding he encounters is "that crowdfunding is the same as charity."

"There's a general sense that the project creator is unable to raise their funds through traditional sources, therefore, you're 'helping' them out," he continues, adding that "crowdfunding actually is much more akin to the 'gift' -- you are fostering a relationship between the contributor and the creator that extends beyond the completion of the project. You are taking an active role in supporting projects that you want to see in the world, just as you may ask for the same support in the future."

MacKenzie stresses that crowdfunding is not going to replace other ways of funding creative projects and campaigns, but understanding its power is vital for today's social entrepreneurs.

"Crowdfunding has proven itself an incredibly successful platform," he notes. "Splinter sites have already emerged to cater to different audiences, from scientific research, to journalism, and beyond. I see this trend continuing as more people become normalized to the idea of crowdfunding. Yet it's important not to abandon traditional sources of funding that remain crucial for services and projects not suited for the crowdfunding model."

Your crowd on Saturday?

What will you learn if you attend MacKenzie's Tyee Master Class on Nov. 9? As the Master Class website explains:

"After exploring numerous real-world examples..., by the end of the day, you will have the concrete structure of your campaign and the confidence to launch. Woven between the strategy is Ian's signature insight and heart -- we promise to leave you inspired and ready to launch your campaign.

"Bonus: Every participant will get a video download of Ian's previous two-hour workshop 'Crowdfunding 101,' which covers specific campaign management strategy and tips."

Still wondering if you're a good fit for this class?

"This workshop is for anyone who wants to understand the world of crowdfunding, and how to run a successful campaign: filmmakers, musicians, artists, activists, non-profits, inventors, designers, lovers and anyone who wants to make their idea, dream or vision a reality through crowdfunding. If you've already dabbled in crowdfunding, you will gain valuable insight for future campaigns, but by no means is previous experience with crowdfunding or filmmaking necessary."

Come and spend an enriching day in The Tyee's offices in the company of the guy Indiegogo's Kate Drane called "a crowdfunding master."

"From his experience Ian MacKenzie knows what it takes to be successful," Drane attests. "And, even more importantly, he is adept at coaching others to find success in crowdfunding as well."

There are still a few spots left for Saturday's "The Art of Crowdfunding: Creating Your Campaign Narrative." To find out more about the class and/or register, click here.

To find out about the other three Tyee Master Classes being offered in November, click here.