Implementation of agile approach in a reward-based crowdfunding project aimed at funding a film: An overview of the concept and challenges

Aim/purpose – The research aims to identify and evaluate factors impacting the implementation of an agile approach in a crowdfunding project with a goal to fund a film. Design/methodology/approach – The research was conducted in March-April 2018, and based on qualitative methods of gathering data from the Polish market. Findings – We point to the two groups of factors impacting whether or not a film team can implement the agile approach in a crowdfunding project: 1) the first group of factors refers to the iterative testing of ‘the work produced’ during the project, including testing of final film elements; 2) the second group of factors refers to team management such as team goal, team engagement and communication, and conflicts between team members. The findings indicate that a potential transition to the agile approach would require significant adjustments of the current methods of conducting film projects. Research implications/limitations – The managerial implications of this discussion may lead to raising the filmmakers’ familiarity with the agile approach as a new project management framework for the Polish filmmakers. The limitations of the presented study are mostly connected with the qualitative methods applied in the process of gathering data. Originality/value/contribution – This paper provides useful insights into the methods of project management in the film industry.