Doodle is a short film about a teenage girl who comes to understand how she can be true to herself within the framework of her Mother's expectations. The idea of someone appropriating their parents' values on their own terms resonates with me because of the experience I have had at a private high school. The boarding students there inspire me, as they choose to follow their own dreams without being overtaken by those of their parents. Ultimately, this is why I decided I wanted to pursue this project. It was only natural that I felt that I could best express these feeling through film.

This message of identity, growth, and nostalgia resonated with me. Charles Frank's success as a student filmmaker and crowfunding pioneer needed to be told. So I caught up with Charles to learn a little more.

This is my first attempt at crowdfunding, and it's been a great experience. It has been an extremely convenient way to reach people on a personal level through the page. I believe without a platform like RocketHub, my project would not be visible to a widespread audience like it is now. My supporters are enthusiastic about being a part of the film-making process because they know that they are integral into making my dreams, and this film, come alive.

We have received a great response to our video, and to the incentives that we offer. One of our supporters, when publicizing our project on Facebook, wrote, "Please help him out by giving just a little bit of cash. You'll feel good about it-- trust me." I am humbled by the level of support I have been receiving, and I can't wait to see what the future of crowdfunding holds for me.

That must be a good feeling. What are some best-practices that you can recommend for other crowdfunders?

First off, I would say the most important part of the process is to identify people that can be evangelists for you. Send out template letters for them to use to email their friends and to expand your circle of influence. You want people that want to promote you of their own accord. Getting the people attached to the project to do social media blasts has been very helpful in generating buzz as well. Also, be realistic as to just how much money you need and what portion of your project budget you hope to raise from crowd funding. This is what I have done so far to help my project get one step closer to being funded.

I will definitely be back on RocketHub for my next venture - thanks for operating such an awesome site. It definitely goes a long way to helping make independent films come to life.

Thank you Charles. Good luck with your film - anyone can get involved, here.

-Vlad