Sure, Braff could have gotten funding elsewhere but then he’d have to sign over many of his rights as a filmmaker to the studio backing him in return. It’s really not as simple as being able to get the money. Where the money comes from is just as — if not more — important to the final product.
Maybe that’s what the point is to you, but that’s not what it is. It isn’t as simple as “do I have enough money: yes or no”.
Where the money comes from changes the entire story. All funding methods come with compromises, and for traditional ones that compromise is giving up creative control to people who’s bottom line is a monetary return on their investment.
Do you know why Nicolas Cage keeps getting cast, despite people not liking him? It isn’t because the writers and directors love him, it’s because he makes money overseas so the people who fund movies demand he be cast in them. It assures that they’ll make money, at the expense of the films integrity.
Also, just because someone is a famous actor don’t assume that they “clearly” can fund an entire movie on their own. Movies cost a LOT of money to produce and there are very few individuals that can cover that cost on their own.
