We believe the joy of filmmaking goes beyond the finished product; it’s a process of intense collaboration and shared artistry. It’ s special—and we want you with us every step of the way.
We believe in being transparent: every startup investment carries risk, and feature films carry even more. There is no guarantee you will recoup your investment. That is why I want to greenlight my own projects—and not wait for Hollywood to send a carrier pigeon with a check. Director Taylor Hackford spent about 15 years trying to secure studio financing for Ray, as major studios were reluctant to back a music biopic. He eventually found an angel investor and made the film independently. Even then, almost all major studios passed before Universal agreed to distribute it. One reason Universal said yes was that a senior executive was a devoted Ray Charles fan who had hitchhiked to his concerts as a young man. Ray went on to win Academy Awards, yet most major studios had passed on it. So, we cannot sit around waiting for that carrier pigeon to land in the Cool Oz Productions window.
To raise capital for our projects, Cool Oz Productions will use equity crowdfunding to finance its feature films. What is equity crowdfunding? The next three paragraphs explain how it works. Then we will show why we see our investors as more than financial backers—they are part of the team.
Equity Crowdfunding
Equity crowdfunding lets startups raise money online from many people in exchange for ownership or future financial returns. Platforms like WeFunder allow everyday people to invest small amounts in early-stage companies. Investors can make money if the company grows, gets acquired, or goes public, but startup investing is risky and investors can lose their money.
In the U.S., startups raise money through different legal structures. Reg CF (Regulation Crowdfunding) allows both accredited and everyday investors to invest through SEC-approved platforms. Companies must share information about their business, finances, and risks, and there are limits on how much they can raise. Reg D is mainly for accredited investors with higher income or net worth and allows companies to raise unlimited money with fewer reporting requirements. Reg A+ is a larger fundraising option, sometimes called a “mini-IPO,” that lets companies raise more money from the public but requires more SEC review and reporting.
To invest on WeFunder, create an account, verify your identity, and browse startup campaigns. Before investing, review the company’s business plan, financials, risks, and investment terms. Choose how much to invest, sign the legal documents, and submit payment. Investments often start around $100. After investing, you can track company updates through the platform. Startup investments are long-term and hard to sell quickly, so investors usually spread money across multiple companies and wait several years for possible returns.
Join us for an inside look at how a feature film comes to life. As an investor, you’ll be more than a financial supporter, you’ll be a valued part of our team.
From the start, you’ll be included in the process, with access to design materials and visualizations, cast and crew interviews, and virtual production meetings.
All of this—and more—will be available through our exclusive CINEMA PORTAL, accessible on desktop, laptop, and mobile devices. It will feature updates, behind-the-scenes footage, and opportunities to connect with the cast and crew.
Once filming begins, we’ll offer virtual opportunities to visit the set. On select shooting days, you can join us in video village through livestreams.
The portal will be updated biweekly during preproduction and weekly during principal photography, with continued news throughout post-production and the festival submission period.
We believe the excitement of filmmaking extends beyond the finished film; it’s built through collaboration and shared creativity. It’s a special journey, and we want you with us every step of the way.