Budget example
A typical cost split for a indie film dream wherever you live, shown in USD. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
Example goal
$25,000
- Cast and crew$8,750 · 35%
- Locations and equipment$7,500 · 30%
- Editing and sound$6,250 · 25%
- Screening and delivery$2,500 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $25,000
- Platform fee (15%)
- −$3,750
- You receive
- $21,250
- 01
Price from quotes, not hopes
Get at least two quotes for every large cost and note what is included. Backers rarely mind a high goal; they mind a goal that looks invented.
- 02
Plan for what you receive
The platform fee is deducted from each backing, so you receive 85% of what Backers give. Set the goal so that amount covers your real costs.
- 03
Add a small buffer
Prices move. A buffer of five to ten percent in your last milestone covers surprises without making the goal look padded. Say so openly in your story.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a indie film dream with a goal of $25,000. Backers fund the whole goal, but each milestone's money stays held until you post the proof and Backers release it.
Milestone 1
$3,750 · 15%
Lock the shooting plan
Post the dated script breakdown, location confirmations and shooting schedule, with private contact details removed.
Milestone 2
$10,000 · 40%
Complete principal photography
Share dated production stills, a shoot report and selected footage showing the planned scenes have been captured.
Milestone 3
$7,500 · 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
$3,750 · 15%
Prepare the screening master
Share the export specifications, caption sample and a private preview showing the finished film is ready to screen.
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.
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to release their share or ask for more. Money not released in time goes back to the Backer.
15% fee, deducted — never added
Backers pay exactly what they choose. The 15% fee comes out of each backing: $100 gives the Dreamer $85. The fee is kept if money is returned.
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.
Questions and answers
Should my goal include the platform fee?
Yes. The fee is taken from the backing, never added for the Backer. With a goal of $25,000, you receive $21,250 once everything is released.
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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