Why We Built GATEFUND: Fueling Independent Worlds from the Ground Up

Independent universes don’t rise overnight—they’re built from belief, discipline, and community. GATEFUND was created as the financial engine of the StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU), a system designed to fuel bold storytelling without losing creative control to outside hands.

We built GATEFUND to support every layer of the SGCU ecosystem—from worldbuilding and production to animation, sound, casting, marketing, and technology. Each campaign under it, starting with Becoming Hank Luciano: StoneGate City, will help build lasting creative infrastructure for the universe.

The vision is simple: create a funding pipeline that empowers independent creators, not corporations. Through crowdfunding, private investment, brand partnerships, and creative sponsorships, GATEFUND will open doors for artists, developers, filmmakers, and storytellers ready to build something larger than themselves.

This universe isn’t just entertainment—it’s opportunity. Writers, animators, designers, voice actors, and musicians will have the chance to shape projects that fuse cinematic realism, culture, and innovation.

Where GATEFUND Resources Go

Funding from GATEFUND will go toward:

• Expanding SGCU production in Unreal Engine (previs, layout, lighting, render pipeline)
• Developing graphic novels, animation, and film (scripts, storyboards, illustration, VO, post)
• Partnering with independent creatives and studios (artists, animators, composers, editors)
• Company formation & compliance (incorporating, registered agent, annual filings, tax prep)
• IP protection (trademarks, copyrights, contracts/work-for-hire, licensing frameworks)
• Legal & counsel (entertainment attorney for contracts, IP, work-for-hire, option/participation deals, compliance; outside counsel as needed)
• Insurance (production/E&O, cyber protection)
• Tech & infrastructure (storage, render resources, version control, security)
• Marketing & distribution (trailers, key art, PR, platform deliverables, localization)
• Community & CRM (newsletter tools, Substack, crowdfunding updates)
• Contingency reserve (buffers for overages and scheduling risk)

A Real Look at the Industry

The film and transmedia industry is one of the most resource-intensive creative landscapes in the world. Every stage—development, production, marketing, and distribution—demands capital, foresight, and time. SGCU approaches funding with transparency and long-term strategy: leveraging crowdfunding for accessibility, private investment for scalability, and brand partnerships for sustainability.

This isn’t about chasing quick profit—it’s about ownership, longevity, and building systems that protect creative independence. The real return is cultural impact and community growth: creators, partners, and supporters contributing to something built to last.

We’re not chasing validation. We’re building legacy. GATEFUND exists to prove that independence and quality can coexist—that universes can be built from the ground up, powered by purpose and people who believe.

This is how we bring worlds to life. One vision. One project. One story at a time.

Stay Connected

For deeper looks behind the creation of SGCU, creative process, and production insights, subscribe to our official Substack journal — stonegateuniverse.substack.com

ThinkwithAD: PULSE

Written and developed by ThinkwithAD, the creative journal and strategy arm behind SGCU—exploring entrepreneurship, digital storytelling, and execution from the ground up.

Disclaimers:

All names, logos, and creative properties mentioned under StoneGate Cinematic Universe (SGCU) are part of its fictional and transmedia development. Information provided about future projects, funding plans, and partnerships reflects conceptual and pre-production intent.