My problem with this kind of filmmaking is it essentially passes the buck to the few people you rope into working for you. Having them do 3 different jobs on set is not conducive to getting top quality footage, it'll get you decent footage for cheap.

You set your own standards (part of the advice in this article).

Couldn't agree more! I loved Premiere, I work so fast with it, but ever since 2015.3 it's been hell. Might look into what DaVinci had to offer.

Having run a successful campaign for $20k, these are good tips. I do have a slight problem with #5, setting a high goal can (in some cases) make your campaign take off because a lofty goal is exciting to an audience (crowdfunding is all about psychology). But generally, yes, ask for what you need unless you already have a platform like NSF where people know you.

Also, don't use the lukewarm campaign sites like GoFundMe or IndieGoGo. Those campaigns, statistically, achieve their main goals far less frequently than Kickstarter where it's all or nothing (again, psychology). The exception being only if you don't truly need all the money, if you're okay getting 5% of your ask to offset costs, well, go ahead and use a site that will give you whatever amount you raise.

This is a great insight, and I love the use of American Beauty's score.