Seed&Spark, the first end-to-end solution for independent films to fund, produce, and distribute their films using the power of the crowd, closed its Seed Round of financing. Investors include Manitou Ventures, SourceN and a set of angel investors.

"Manitou Ventures believes in grassroots innovation. We support companies that make a difference. Seed&Spark is breaking new grounds for the film industry. By opening up the film production process early on, filmmakers can build and expand their audience during the entire production process, from pitch to distribution," says Chris Wadsworth, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Manitou Ventures, the lead investor in the seed round of financing.

Unveiled on December 1, 2012, Seed&Spark features projects by what the company calls its "Founding Filmmakers," a group of narrative, doc, and series makers whose work reflects the broad spectrum of what's possible in independent filmmaking.

Seed&Spark Cinema offers a slate of 'ready-to-view' films available for streaming, including award-winners from Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, and more. Shorts stream for $0.99 and features for $2.99. Filmmakers keep 80% of the revenue.

Seed&Spark Studio features a selection of fundraising campaigns for independent movie productions. Filmmakers can raise money using the Seed&Spark WishList; recruit for cast and crew; blog to keep the community updated; and gather all the supporters and followers together on one Community page.

The central element of each fundraising campaign page is the Seed&Spark WishList, a crowdfunding tool that works like a wedding registry. Filmmakers can list exactly what they need to make, market and distribute the film. In addition to cash donations, supporters can donate or loan equipment, services, locations, accommodations and catering, among others. This allows the audience to contribute to the movie in their own way, become part of the production process and get rewards.

By funding, following, recommending and sharing productions, Seed&Spark site users earn bonus points, called "Sparks". The Sparks can be redeemed to watch Seed&Spark Cinema movies.

"Seed&Spark offers film enthusiasts the opportunity to support new film projects and be rewarded with watching more independent movies. We are building a new ecosystem that restores independence to independent film, fueled by both filmmakers and film lovers," said Emily Best, Founder and CEO, Seed&Spark.

Seed&Spark Studio and Cinema projects span all genres, from narrative features, comedies, documentaries and animations to experimental shorts.

About Seed&Spark
Seed&Spark is building a truly independent filmmaking community where filmmakers and audiences come together for crowd-funding, production, and streaming distribution. Every time an audience member supports the making of a moving picture project (funding, following, sharing) they earn "Sparks" which can be redeemed to watch movies on the streaming platform.
Supporting films lets you watch more films: It's the new ecosystem for filmmakers & audiences, and…that's it! For more information, go to http://www.seedandspark.com and http://www.facebook.com/seedandspark, or follow us on Twitter at @seedandspark.