About SonicAngel
The Questions
The Answers
Can you explain the concept of SonicAngel ?
SonicAngel is a brand new music platform for emerging talent.
On SonicAngel, the model is completely built around the Artists and their Funders (our name for Music Fans who invest in you). Funders invest in emerging talent, which enables them to release their first single or album.
But it doesn’t stop here: fans are called to participate in searching for the hottest talents, but also to be part of the entire artist experience.
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What is the difference between SonicAngel and a traditional label like EMI, Universal or Warner Music ?
SonicAngel has a comparable professional approach as a record label in terms of production, promotion, and distribution.
However, SonicAngel has a couple of advantages for their artists:
First of all, ‘if’ an artist gets signed by a traditional label, he usually earns about 10% of the royalties. – Secondly, in ‘the old model’ the artist only receives this money AFTER the costs for the production, promotion and distribution of the album is earned back by the traditional label (the so-called ‘recoup’).
With the SonicAngel concept, when the album is supported by his or her investing Funders, an artist receives between 30 and 40% of the net royalties! On top of that, the artist doesn’t have to pay anything back to SonicAngel!
In the SonicAngel team, we have team members that used to work for traditional labels, but also for innovative technology groups. Labels need to provide and develop the means and principles to let them grow, not to boss around.
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Can’t an artist just Do It Himself via MySpace, iTunes and YouTube ?
That’s one possibility. Our experience learns that most artists are just overwhelmed by the multitude of things to do in order to get the album out in a professional way. We believe that we can support talent in finding the necessary financing, organizing the contacts with producers, musicians, songwriters (if needed), mixers and other friends in the music industry.
On top of that, getting the artists out in physical and digital retail, getting the press and promo, looking at international press and performances. Etc. We believe in a partnership between the artist and SonicAngel. A true partnership, like equal parties.
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How can I become a SonicAngel supported artist ? How does the selection process work ?
Our selection is based on 3 criteria. They are all equally important.
Criteria n°1 is your talent as an artist. We have a team of A&R specialists (A&R stands for Artist & Repertoire, which are basically there to spot the next big talents). We judge this mainly on your submitted work, we always attend a rehearsal session or a concert and often even invite you to our SonicAngel music studios.
Criteria n°2 is the SonicAngel FanRank. This is basically a Social Media scorecard. We measure the feedback and engagement your are creating amongst your early fans. More specifically we measure 3 metrics on 5 networks: facebook, twitter, youtube, facebook and last.fm. Additionally, we can add a local network depending on it’s importance (Netlog, SkyRock, Bebo or Hyves). This allows us to see the reactions of fans, and gives us an idea if you can convert fans into Funders later on!
Criteria n°3 is your attitude. Yep, your attitude! The music biz is a tough industry, and you’ll have to work hard to get there. Our entire team stepped into SonicAngel with the intention to change the landscape for emerging talent, and we’re working like hell (no pun intended) to get it done. We expect the same from you, and in order to get signed at SonicAngel everyone will have a conversation with Maurice Engelen and Bart Becks, our founders. It’s also possible that you don’t want to get signed anymore after that talk ☺
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How can I really enroll? What do I have to do? Can I upload songs?
Our intention is to launch an amazing group of talents every 4 months.
To find these talents, we will proceed in 2 ways:
1. you can always create a profile by clicking on the artist submission link on our website. You can also send us your profile description and some work at label@sonicangel.com We are getting a lot of submissions, so please forgive us if it takes some time. We will certainly get back to you!
2. the second way is via our talent contests. We constantly organize on- and off-line ‘concours’, locally and globally accessible. You will see it clearly when you are on SonicAngel.com, so visit the site regularly!
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Once my profile is created and ready to find my Funders, what should I do then ?
Once you have your profile on the SonicAngel page, you have to start promoting your page, work on your FanRank (see earlier question about how we make our selection) and get the investments going.
The entire SonicAngel team is behind you to help, but it’s really up to you to connect to your fans, involve them along the way and give them a reason to become your Funder.
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What are Funders? How can someone support me as an artist?
SonicAngel uses 2 groups to get to your required amount.
First, you have the individual fans who love you and/or your work. Those fans can support the artist via FanShares (see next question for more information), or via exclusive Products. These exclusive products are developed together with the artist, and we never (NEVER!) oblige you to sell anything you don’t like. The moment a fan buys a FanShare or a product, he becomes an Angel. Because he is an Angel!
Second, we have developed a series of partnerships with companies, from the smallest starters to some of the largest companies in the world. Here we again developed a series of interesting products, services and events for companies, but again you are never (NEVER!) obliged to do anything against your will. We believe that openness, mutual respect and creativity are key to develop new opportunities.
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What are FanShares ?
FanShares is a unique concept via which a fan can support his favorite artist. A FanShare is not a share like you can find on the stock market. Actually, it is more like pre-ordering your album, but with some exclusive extra’s and an opportunity to share in the success.
A FanShare gives someone a number of very special advantages.
1st someone who supports an artist (via FanShares or other products) becomes a Funder, and his name will be published on the site (if he or she wants that, you can also choose to remain anonymous)
2nd a FanShare gives the right for a full download of the album. This will happen via an MP3 format.
3rd a FanShare gives access to a lot of extra’s, such as Behind The Scenes content, special chat sessions with the artists, and special involvement and dialogue with the artist. In this way, you get a full view on what the evolution of the career, material and even concerts of the artist.
4th you will get a share of the revenue of the album. The payout is proportional to your investments in the artist. The calculation of such profits happens as follows:
Your total amount of money via FanShares divied by the total budget for the recording multiplied by the Net Recording profits.
The Net Recording profits = the total sales of the digital and physical sales of the album (including streaming) minus the sum of the total direct costs.
Direct costs are the variable costs linked to the distribution and sales of the album, such as: the manufacturing costs of the album (media and packaging), the mechanical rights, the sales and distribution costs for distribution the albums and the related taxes.
To give you an example. Imagine a record makes a net profit of 50.000 EUR. The production costs were 35.000 EUR, and you as an Angel invested 100 EUR. Your payout will be 100/35.000 x 50.000 or 142,8 EUR.
So, a FanShare is a really great way to support an artist. At least, you will receive the recording, so that’s already worth the money. Next, you will share in the success, and thus also earn well if the artist does well. Both most of all, we think of it as a unique way to be involved in the entire process, have a constant contact with the artist and his music, and do something great: support emerging talent!
FanShare are paid out twice a year via credits. You can exchange the credits into new investments of other young talents, or withdraw the money to your banc account. Up to you.
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Can everyone buy a FanShare?
In principle, everyone is entitled to buy FanShares. However, you can never buy more than 100 shares of 1 artist (and thus invest more than 1000 EUROS).
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Can I buy the FanShares whenever I want?
No, there is a limit in time. We will indicate the period in which you can still buy shares or products on the artist page and will mention the number of days before we close to possible investments. Potentially, we can prolounge the period or change the needed amount, but it will be clearly mentioned on the artist page on the SonicAngel site.
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What are credits?
Credits are the SonicAngel “currency” and allow you to support and fund artists without having to go through the whole transaction every time you buy. As long as you have enough credits you can fund or buy goodies without having to search for your credit card. The amount of credits due is simply distracted from the total. If your total is insufficient, we’ll offer you the opportunity to buy extra credits so you don’t have to miss any opportunity.
1 credit costs 1 euro, it’s that simple.
Whenever you share in the profits, this profit will be paid by adding Credits to your Credit-Account.
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How can I pay?
It goes without saying that you can buy credits in all safety. That's why we collaborate with Ogone (www.ogone.be). At the moment you can use the following payment options: Electronic deposits using the bank of your preference Creditcard payments using Visa, Mastercard and Maestro (Amex will be added soon). We're working hard to provide Paypal and SMS payments as well. Can't find your preferred payment option? Contact us at support@sonicangel.com so we can try to offer you a personalized solution.
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How do you deliver?
For each product you can buy at our website, information on delivery is included in both the package information and on the overview page you get just before you pay.
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Can the amount to be raised change?
That’s not the goal, but it can change, yes.
At the begin of the project we calculate the total sum needed. Hoewever, sometimes in the course of a project, a producer or director can do a gesture, and he can make his contribution at a lower price than initially budgeted. At that moment, we will deduct it from the total, and decrease the sum!
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What are the funding levels for an artist?
Currently we have 3 types of models:
1. the SINGLE: 1 song +1 video: 5000-7500 EUR
2. the EP: 4-6 songs + 1 video: 10.000-15.000 EUR
3. the album: 10-12 songs, 1-2 videos: 20.000 – 50.000 EUR
The artist and SonicAngel decide together on the budget at the begin of the project. The allocation can differ on production, promotion or other elements, depending on the artist and the genre of music.
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How long will it take to find all the budget ?
It depends. It can take less than a week (which happened to Tom Dice), but it may also take several months. We currently limit it to 100 days, because our experience is that if it takes more time, it probably won’t happen anymore.
That doesn’t mean you’re not a great artist. It just means that there are not enough Funders to support your project.
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What do you use the raised sums for?
The entire sum of collected funds will be invested completely for the production, release and promotion of your album. SonicAngel takes ZERO commission on your launch budget. The entire budget is used for studio hire and recording equipment, fees for artists, musicians, music producer, management, music video filming, payment for PR/Promotion teams, buying advertising space, etc.
The raised funds allow to manage all of this effectively and to give the artist a powerful base from which to launch their career.
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This looks less than some of your competitors ? Why is this ?
It is true.
First of all, we made a lot of agreements with other people in the music scene. Many of the professionals are very happy with new initiatives since it is boosting the opportunities for emerging talent, and many of them are doing an effort to give those talents a chance. We notice that a lot of people in the music scene are willing to support young talent or artists they have ‘a feeling’ about. They often make an effort to give young talents the break they deserve. Yes, a lot of people are passionate about music, and we work all together to make a difference!
Second, we are not just a financing platform that takes a commission. Even more, SonicAngel takes NO (zero) commission on the fanfunding! We combine the new techniques with a lot of professionals to find the best talents, and to bring them to the market. We will earn money when you do, because all the money we raise is used to kickstart the career of the artist !
But we do need these amounts, because we really want to make a difference and rise above the noise, so we invest a lot in the marketing, promotion and distribution of your music, besides the production and release of the recording !
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Are the budgets identically for each band or artist ?
No. It depends on the type of music you're making as well as your expectations, beliefs and choices as an artist. So we'll invest in the production, promotion and distribution of your album accordingly. We’ll discuss and decide the spending together. Every project is unique !
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If I achieve the collection of the needed funds, is SonicAngel then still involved in the production, release and promotion of my recording? How are the decisions taken ?
The moment you achieve your needed funds, we start working together on your production. Since the Funders decided to invest in you based on your showcase, it would be a pitty to completely change the direction of your music. Your Funders may become heavy and important fans for you, but we encourage continuing the dialogue with them. Involving them in your creative ideas and direction, rehearsals and recording and even live gigs will only strengthen your relation.
The entire SonicAngel team is there to support you. In our team you’ll find producers, photographers, developers, designers, bookers, management, promotors – name it: it’s probably here. Together we start this journey, along with the fans. But again: our believe is that a label is there to bring artists and their fans (especially if they are Funders) together, and to provide the platform and context to do so. On top of that, we have develop a large network of partners to give you a maximum change to achieve your goals and support your career as an artist.
We believe that strong partnerships are the future!
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How is the production process organized ?
By teaming up with SonicAngel, you are guaranteed to have a professional production. Every recording, mix or mastering is done according to top standards, and the artist is involved in every step and decision. We’re in this together! We have an enormous network of local and international producers, engineers, mixers and musicians to make the best choices for your recording.
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How will the recording be promoted ?
SonicAngel artists are released and promoted in what is named the music2.0 way. For a part, this means that the best ‘traditional’ major record label methods are withheld and implemented. We gather a team around you that reflects on marketing, promotion (getting it to the radios, tv and internet) and other media. Additionally, we have develop a strong experience in innovative marketing, using the internet and mobile devices.
We believe a lot in the combination of both traditional and innovative marketing.
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How will my recording be released? Only digital or also via retail shops?
SonicAngel believe in bridging the traditional and new methods.
So on the one hand we will distribute your recordings on the internet, via digital retailers such as iTunes, amazon, spotify and about 30 other shops.
But we also make sure that your recording can be found at physical retailers such as Free Record Shop, FNAC, Mediamarkt and small specialized shops. For singles, we notice a decreasing interest from the retail market, so it is often decided to only launch the single via digital shops (iTunes is the largest at the moment). However, albums are ensured to be released via physical distribution.
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What are the artist's rights and obligations when signing with SonicAngel?
As said earlier, we base a decision on 3 factors: your talent (judged by our A&R team), your FanRank and your motivation. When we team up, a contract will be negotiated and signed with the artist and SonicAngel. This usually involved the recording and the publishing agreement. The contract stipulates the terms of use of our collaboration, which is desgined as a full partnership. We’re in this together!
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How can I protect and copyright my songs?
We will assist you to protect your songs once your funding is reached and we start together via a signed contract. However, all other demos and other works you upload on SonicAngel.com or other sites (such as YouTube, Facebook or MySpace) need to be protected by yourself. Please contact the local rights organizations of your country for assistance.
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Do I (as an artist) owe something to my Funders, to the fans that invested in me? Do Funders owe any rights of my music ?
Legally, the artist & SonicAngel owe the fans everything they paid for: their (exclusive) product and/or a version of your recording. Additionally, there is always some extra content or Behind The Scenes content. And ofcourse we owe them the share of the profit once the record is successfully released. We do encourage asking Funders, or the fans in general, for feedback on your ideas, but there is no legal obligation The Funders have no rights to your work whatsoever.
However, Funders that acquired a FanShare also have made an investment in the single, EP or album campaign, so they are entitled to a share of the revenue generated from its sales.
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What kind of rights does an artist give to SonicAngel ?
The contract that you sign with SonicAngel is a 'Full Rights Contract'. This means that we will sign a contract for a specific period, including the recording, management and publishing rights.
The SonicAngel contracts are comparable to a contract that you would sign with a traditional major record label, only much shorter in time, you owe no upfronts, and your share in the revenues of the music recording sales is 3 to 4 times higher!
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How much do I earn from my record sales as an artist ?
The artist and SonicAngel share the profits of the revenues! Yes, that’s huge and well above the industry standard.
From the total net sales, first we share the part with the Angel. Usually, this means 25% to 30%, In other words, 70-75% of the Net Sales will be shared between SonicAngel and the artist.
This is a great return for a developing artist, well above what any traditional major label would agree to!
In contrast to the vast majority of major record label contracts, the launch budget is not recoupable by SonicAngel. In Other words, you are earning money from the very first record sold!!!
Once the launch budget has been spent, and we (The artist and SonicAngel, always together!) to invest further in the marketing and promotion of your album, this investment will be recoupable. This means that if we decide together to spend more than we budgeted, and if there is no more budget left, we can decide together to increase and spend more than we collected. That part will however be deducted from the income.
You can completely count on the SonicAngel team, and often your Funders and fans!, to do everything we can to promote and guide your release!
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Can I (as an artist) lose money with SonicAngel ? What happens if I don’t arrive at convincing enough Funders, do I have to pay SonicAngel back for creating a showcase, for studio time and photoshoots?
Let's be clear. You can never (NEVER) loose money as an artist with SonicAngel. The risk is completely for SonicAngel. It's our role to find the most amazing talents, and to convince them to go on this journey together.
The success we will achieve depends on a lot of factors, not in the least our mutual ability to engage with fans, to create amazing music and work hard. Very hard. Every day again. But we also believe that this way of working can be the turnaround and oxygene the music industry needs!
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Do I have to be a Belgian artist?
Hell no!
Even if we started in Belgium, our goal is to become a global platform where iartists can connect with fans around the planet to become SonicAngel artists. Ofcourse, we believe that, the local market is crucially important, especially for emerging and developing artists. In a first phase, SonicAngel will focus on Europe and US, but we believe a lot in the potential of the South-American and Asia-Pacific markets for our model.
For the record: our very first released artist is Tom Dice, who immediately broke through with a #1 and gold-awarded single, a #1 album and a great live reputation in Belgium and the surrounding countries (France, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland and some other). I
In a way, Tom Dice’s success convinced a lot of Funders, partners and others that this new way of finding, funding, producing and releasing artist is a viable alternative! In that perspective, Tom Dice can be credited for opening up the route and concept for a lot of upcoming talented artists!
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Does SonicAngel encourage downloadings?
SonicAngel promotes Legal downloads!
Artists do depend for a living on the profits made from selling music, be it in a physical or virtual way, or via live concerts or other initiatives.
Only legal downloads allow them to earn money from selling online. Even the Beatles are available on iTunes now! :-)
SonicAngel acknowledges the evolution and the impact of the Internet and accepts that it will be hard to stop illegal downloads totally. The internet created a totally new industry, and it is unfortunate that illegal downloading wasn’t fully transferred into legal acquisition of music.
However, the internet also created numerous opportunities to connect with fans and give them a reason to buy music, a concert ticket, merchandising or FanShares. By involving fans much earlier and deeper in the process, we think we can create a new model. So no, we don’t just sit and watch. We're working very hard to offer the best possible ways for fans to connect with artists because we do believe this is the natural alliance after all.
That’s why we often speak in ‘Giving the music back to the artists and their fans’. We believe that fans ultimately want to engage with the artists, and actually really are ready to invest in young talent. SonicAngel therefore focuses on the unique mix of music and technology, by bridging the traditional and new ways to find, fund, produce and release artists. We believe in bridging the best of the internet with the best of the traditional industry standards, and thus leverage on all the tools available to develop a new music ecosystem.
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Who is behind SonicAngel?
SonicAngel was founded by Maurice Engelen and Bart Becks in 2009, and the platform was launched in May 2010.
Maurice Engelen earned his ‘Wings’ in the music industry, but has always fascinated by the possibilities of innovation and technology. Maurice was one of the founders of the notorious Antler Subway. He also started 2 legendary bands, named Praga Khan and Lords of Acid. Praga Khan had huge successes in Japan, but also became the very first Belgian band to headline the Rock Werchter festival.
Bart Becks earned his wings in the tech and media sectors, but has since young been obsessed by the music industry. He became early the CEO of Belgacom Skynet, Belgium’s leading internet & digital media group. Skynet became an early pioneer in music streaming and downloads. Next he lead the innovation and new media activities of SBS Europe, which got acquired by ProSiebenSat1.
The first ones to join SonicAngel were Glenn, Femke, Erhan, Thomas, Willem, Leisbeth and Cindy.
We are the proud SonicAngel team!
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Do you have a helpdesk?
Yes we do.
You can reach us by sending an email to support@sonicangel.com
Of course you can also get in touch with us on twitter (@sonicangel) and via facebook.
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What about the SonicAngel privacy policy ?
Privacy is a major concern at SonicAngel. Under no circumstances shall we distribute your personal information, to any person or any party without your explicit approval. You can find more information about this in the Privacy policy, included in the Terms & Conditions.
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Can you explain the concept of FilmAngel.TV?
FilmAngel.TV is a brand new platform for emerging audiovisual talent. On FilmAngel, the model is completely built around the Filmmakers and their Funders (our name for Fans who invest in you). Funders invest in emerging talent, which enables them to produce their movie or film. But it doesn't stop there: Fans are called to participate in searching for the hottest talents, but also to be part of the entire film producing experience. Not only the investments matter to make the project into a great movie, but also the community build around the Filmproject and the Filmmaker.
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What are Funders? How can someone support me as a Filmmaker?
Fans can invest by making Donations, and/ or by purchasing Rewards and/or other products or services. However, these investment possibilities do not offer a return on investment; they only give you an extra as a Fan. It's up to the Filmmaker to decide which extra's he wants to give to his Fans and which extra's will convince the Fans to invest in their project.
A Fan who invests in a Filmmaker, becomes a Funder. His name will be published on the website, if he would want this. As soon as a Fan has invested and became a Funder, he gets access to the promised extras. Besides this, the Funder is involved in the entire production process. He is part of the community surrounding the Filmproject, and helps the project get of his feet.
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What is a Reward?
A Reward is a unique concept via which a Fan can support his favorite Filmmaker. The acquisition of a Reward gives the Fan the following rights:
(1) Free download of the Filmproject of the Filmmaker that was produced thanks to the support of the Reward;
(2) Membership in the Fan club of the Filmmaker being supported;
(3) Access to exclusive "behind the scene" content about the Filmmaker;
(4) Free experience, extra, or any other product or service related to the Filmproject of the Filmmaker to which the Reward relates.
A Reward doesn't give you any right on return on investment, it is not a share like on the stock market. However, it gives you a ray of extra's and advantages that can differ from Filmproject to Filmproject. These Rewards will be described with every project. Rewards are different for every project, because every project is unique. It's up to the Filmmaker to decide which Rewards will convince the Fans to invest and which Rewards will involve the Fans in the whole production process.
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How do I redeem my Rewards?
It is the sole responsibility of the Filmmaker to describe and deliver the Rewards. It is the sole responsibility of the Fan to be informed about the Rewards.
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What is a Donation?
A Donation is a unique concept via which a Fan can support his favorite Filmmaker. Supporting by making a Donation, gives the Fan the following rights:
(1) Free download of the Filmproject of the Filmmaker that was produced thanks to the support of the Donation;
(2) Membership in the Fan club of the Filmmaker being supported;
(3) Acknowledgment of the support;
(4) Access to exclusive "behind the scene" content about the Filmmaker.
A Donation does not give you the right on return on investment, but does give you the acknowledgment that you supported an emerging talent. The conditions of Donations will be described with every project.
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Can the amount to be raised change?
That's not the goal, but it can change, yes. At the beginning of the project we calculate the total sum needed. However, sometimes in the course of a project, a producer or director can do a gesture, and he can make his contribution at a lower price than initially budgeted. At that moment, we will deduct it from the total, and decrease the sum!
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How long will it take to find the total budget?
It depends. It can take less than a week, but it may also take several months. We currently limit it to 100 days, because our experience is that if it takes more time, it probably won't happen anymore. That doesn't mean you're not a great Filmmaker. It just means that there are not enough Funders to support your project.
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Can I buy Rewards or Donations whenever I want?
No, there is a limit in time. We will indicate the period in which you can still buy Rewards, Donations and/or products on the page of each project and will mention the number of days before we close to possible investments. Potentially, we can prolong the period or change the needed amount, but it will be clearly mentioned on the project page on the FilmAngel site. If after the expiration date of this period, the total Funding budget has been raised, the Filmmaker can start rolling.
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Do you have a helpdesk?
Yes, you can reach us by sending an email to info@filmangel.com. Of course you can also get in touch with us on twitter (@filmangel) and via facebook (filmangel.tv groep). You can also use the feedback button that you can find in the margins of every page.
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What are Credits?
Credits are the FilmAngel 'currency' and allow you to support and fund Filmmakers without having to go through the whole transaction every time you buy. As long as you have enough Credits you can fund or buy goodies without having to search for your Credit card. The amount of Credits due is simply distracted from the total. If your total is insufficient, we'll offer you the opportunity to buy extra Credits so you don't have to miss any opportunity. 1 Credit costs 1 euro, it's that simple. After purchasing Credits, your Credits are transferred to your 'virtual Fan account'.
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How can I pay?
It goes without saying that you can buy Credits in all safety. That's why we collaborate with Ogone (www.ogone.be). At the moment you can use the following payment options: Electronic deposits using the bank of your preference Credit card payments using Visa, MasterCard and Maestro (Amex will be added soon). We're working hard to provide PayPal and SMS payments as well. Can't find your preferred payment option? Contact us at support@filmangel.com so we can try to offer you a personalized solution.
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How do you deliver?
For each product you can buy at our website, information on delivery is included in both the package information and on the overview page you get just before you pay.
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Who is behind FilmAngel?
FilmAngel was launched by the same founders and team that are behind SonicAngel. SonicAngel was founded by Maurice Engelen and Bart Becks in 2009, and the platform was launched in May 2010. Maurice Engelen earned his "Wings" in the music industry, but has always fascinated by the possibilities of innovation and technology. Maurice was one of the founders of the notorious Antler Subway. He also started 2 legendary bands, named Praga Khan and Lords of Acid. Praga Khan had huge successes in Japan, but also became the very first Belgian band to headline the Rock Werchter festival. Bart Becks earned his wings in the tech and media sectors, but has since young been obsessed by the music industry. He became early the CEO of Belgacom Skynet, Belgium's leading internet & digital media group. Skynet became an early pioneer in music streaming and downloads. Next he led the innovation and new media activities of SBS Europe, which got acquired by ProSiebenSat1. The first ones to join SonicAngel were Glenn, Femke, Erhan, Thomas, Willem, Liesbeth and Cindy. We are the proud SonicAngel team!
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What about the FilmAngel privacy policy?
Privacy is a major concern at FilmAngel. Under no circumstances shall we distribute your personal information, to any person or any party without your explicit approval. You can find more information about this in the Privacy policy, included in the Terms & Conditions.
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How will I receive the download I ordered?
We will make sure you can always safely download from FilmAngel.TV. After you have made your purchase, you will get an e-mail with clear instructions about how and when you will receive your downloads.
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What do you use the raised sums for?
The entire sum of collected funds will be invested in the future of the Filmmaker and will be invested to launch the career of the Filmmaker.
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What happens with my money if the project does not reach full Funding before its time expires?
We work based on the 'all-or-nothing' principle. If a project does not reach full Funding before time runs out, the project does not get any Funding at all. Owners of Rewards and Donations will be noticed by e-mail. If a project does not reach full Funding, the money will not be transferred to the Filmmaker. The full amount will be refunded back to the Fans. There are no hidden percentages: FilmAngel will take all bank and transfer costs at its expense.
The Funding for the Credits related to the project, can happen in two ways, which depends on the choice of the Funder: the investment can be either refunded to the Fans bank account, without any interests being due; or Credits can be refunded to the 'virtual Fan account'. Those Credits can be reused to fund other Filmprojects of the Fans choice, regardless the project the Fan invested in before.
Your money will be blocked on an escrow account until the project reaches 100 % Funding.
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Can I (as a Filmmaker) lose money with FilmAngel? What happens if I don?t arrive at convincing enough Funders, do I have to pay FilmAngel back?
You can never lose money as a Filmmaker with FilmAngel. The risk is completely for FilmAngel. It's our role to find the most amazing talents, and to convince them to go on this journey together. The success we will achieve depends on a lot of factors, not in the least our mutual ability to engage with Fans, to create amazing movies and work hard. Very hard, every day again. But we also believe that this way of working can be the turnaround and oxygen the film industry needs!
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Does the VAF support the Filmprojects via FilmAngel.TV?
Every 3 months, FilmAngel and VAF will select a project that will get 5000 EUR extra Funding. For the selection of this project, the VAF will be inspired by the professional jury and will decide which project deserves extra support. This support is independent from other support the Filmmaker has applied for and might have received.
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When I post my project to the audition platform, do I have to inform which Funding amount I want to reach?
You are not obliged to mention this budget, but it can be an additional indication why Fans would vote for your project. The more information you give, the better your Fans will be able to judge. You also have to take in account that the Funding budget you want to raise has to be realistic in the eyes of your Fans. However, you are not obliged to raise your total needed budget through FilmAngel. You can choose to raise just part of your needed budget through crowdfunding. Just keep in mind to be as transparent as possible towards your Fans, to be able to build your relation on trust and credibility.
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How do you decide which projects get Funding?
This decision is based on 2 criteria: first of all, we have a professional jury who judges the content of the projects. Second, we rate what the Fans think of your project, through your social score. This can indicate whether you will be able to get Funders in a later stage. However, this social score is not decisive. The jury decides which projects can get Funding, based on various criteria (motivation, content & project, Fanrank). In the end, it is up to the Filmmaker to create his own opportunities and convince his Fans.
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How can I become a FilmAngel supported Filmmaker? How does the selection process work?
Our selection is based on 3 criteria. They are all equally important. Criteria n1 is your talent as a Filmmaker. We judge this mainly on your submitted work. Criteria n2 is the FilmAngel FanRank. This is basically a Social Media scorecard. We measure the feedback and engagement you are creating amongst your early Fans. More specifically we measure 3 metrics on 4 networks: facebook, twitter, linkedin and youtube. Additionally, we can add a local network depending on its importance (Netlog, SkyRock, Bebo or Hyves). This allows us to see the reactions of Fans, and gives us an idea if you can convert Fans into Funders later on! Criteria n3 is your attitude. The film scene is a tough industry, and you'll have to work hard to get there.
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Is it possible to fund feature films through crowdfunding via FilmAngel?
If the needed budget is within the allowed boundaries, this is not a problem. However, if you cannot deliver a qualitatively high project, we suggest you only raise part of your budget through crowdfunding.
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Is there a limit in which budget I can raise for a project?
Yes, the limit for crowdfunding through this platform is set at 99.999 EUR.
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Do I have to be a Belgian Filmmaker?
Even if we started in Belgium, our goal is to become a global platform where Filmmakers can connect with Fans around the planet. First of all we launch in Belgium, but our ambition is much bigger. We strive to launch this unique concept in other countries too. The platform is accessible for everybody, so also for non-residents of Belgium.
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How many Filmprojects will FilmAngel.TV launch?
This depends on the earlier described selection procedure. It depends from the quality of the submitted projects. For Flanders, we aim to put 10 projects in Funding every year. However, it can be more than 10 depending on the projects that are submitted. The projects will be able to raise Funding after they are selected by FilmAngel. You can always put your project on the audition platform, from which we will always choose new projects to be put in Funding.
However, we limit the submission to one project a person. This will create a focus and dedication.
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Does FilmAngel encourages downloading?
FilmAngel promotes Legal downloads! Filmmakers do depend for a living on the profits made from selling videos, be it in a physical or virtual way. FilmAngel acknowledges the evolution and the impact of the Internet and accepts that it will be hard to stop illegal downloads totally. We're working very hard to offer the best possible ways for Fans to connect with Filmmakers because we do believe this is the natural alliance after all. We believe that Fans ultimately want to engage with the Filmmakers, and actually really are ready to invest in young talent. FilmAngel therefore focuses on the unique mix of film and technology, by bridging the traditional and new ways to find, fund, produce and release Filmmakers. We believe in bridging the best of the internet with the best of the traditional industry standards, and thus leverage on all the tools available to develop a new film ecosystem.
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Does FilmAngel has a saying in who gets Funding, or can everyone post his project?
Everybody can post his project on FilmAngel. All posted projects are subject to voting and get a certain social score. After voting, projects and Filmmakers will be screened. Once your project has been selected, you can start to raise Funding. At this stage, the FilmAngel team can take contact with the person who submitted the project to guide them and build a stronger project. However, it is the sole responsibility of the Filmmaker to convince interested parties to support him.
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What happens when Funding reaches a 100 %? Do I have to stay involved with FilmAngel or my Fans?
It is the sole responsibility of the Filmmaker to fulfill the promised obligations towards the Fans who supported him. It is the sole responsibility of the Filmmaker to deliver Rewards and keep in contact with his Fans.
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When I reach full Funding, and I decide not to proceed with my project, what happens?
Your money is completely related to the project. If you decide to cancel or substantially change your project, money will be refunded to the Fans. In the event that you decide to substantially change your project, we advise you to cancel your first submitted project and to submit a new project based on the changes you made.
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If I change my mind for my investment, what can I do?
It is the sole responsibility of the Fan to choose his investment wisely. Once you have made an investment, it will be difficult to change your mind. In the event of a mistake, you can send us an e-mail within 14 days, as indicated after you made your purchase. We want to urge people to think twice before making an investment. However, when a project does not reach 100 % Funding within the targeted period, your money will be transferred back to your account.
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How many projects can I submit as a Filmmaker?
We limit this to one project a person. This will create a focus and dedication of the person who submits the project.
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How do I determine my Funding goal and what is the maximum Funding goal for a project?
The limit for your Funding budget is set at 99.999 EUR. However, when setting your Funding goal, keep in mind that FilmAngel applies a success fee of 5 %. Also keep in mind following costs when setting your Funding goal: 21 % VAT, 3,4 % online payment costs, costs for buying and shipping your Rewards.
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Can my project be edited after launch?
Information regarding your project can be completed and additional information can be given when the project is already online. However, if you decide to substantially change your project, money will be refunded to your investors. In the event that you decide to substantially change your project, we advise you to cancel your first submitted project and to submit a new project based on the changes you made.
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How do I get my money back?
Your money is transferred back to you as Credits on your 'virtual Fan account'. We cannot directly refund your money on your bank account due to legal restrictions. However, once your money has been refunded as Credits to your virtual account, your money can be transferred to your bank account. There are no hidden percentages: FilmAngel will take all bank and transfer costs at its expense.
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How can I really enroll? What do I have to do?
You can always create a profile by clicking on the Filmmaker submission link on our website. Here you can submit all useful information on your project and try to convince your Fans.
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Once my profile is created and ready to find my Funders, what should I do then?
Once you have your profile on the FilmAngel page, you have to start promoting your page, work on your FanRank (see earlier question about how we make our selection) and get the investments going. The entire FilmAngel team is behind you to help, but it's really up to you to connect to your Fans, involve them along the way and give them a reason to become your Funder.
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