Private film investors are playing a critical role in the dawn of a new golden age of independent cinema. This book is intended to help filmmakers better understand these investors, or "money people." Follow the writer's journey deep inside his own search for investment opportunities with first-hand accounts and real experiences. If you've ever struggled with finding real investors, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. If you've ever struggled with knowing how to effectively present yourself and your project, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. If you've ever struggled to secure financing for your film productions, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. Don't face the volatile world of film financing without reading this book.
This book is about the practical realities of the film market today and how to make a film while minimizing financial risk. Film is a risky investment and securing that investment is a huge challenge. The best way to get investors is to do everything possible to make the film without losing money. Featuring interviews with film industry veterans - sales agents, producers, distributors, directors, film investors, film authors and accountants - Daniel Harlow explores some of the biggest obstacles to making a commercially successful film and offers best practice advice on making a good film, that will also be a commercial success. The book explores key topics such as smart financing, casting to add value, understanding the film supply chain, the importance of genre, picking the right producer, negotiating pre-sales and much more. By learning how to break even, this book provides invaluable insight into the film industry that will help filmmakers build a real, continuing career. A vital resource for filmmakers serious about sustaining a career in the 21st century film industry.
Film Finance For Beginners provides a first-time film maker with the tools necessary to secure financing for their project. The book provides guidance in a wide variety of areas, including Getting the Public to See Your Movie, Managing Investor Attitudes, Preparing Budgets, Understanding Hollywood Accounting, Isolating Investment Risk, What Makes a Great Business Plan?, Financing Alternatives, Film Distribution, Film Tax Incentives and "The Internet Threat"
The success of low-budget independent films like The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity have clearly demonstrated that successful movies can be made with very small budgets. Still, working on a tight budget requires both skill and ingenuity, and is an inevitable and continuous learning experience for the filmmaker. Join two dozen truly independent filmmakers--those used to working, and delivering, within extreme limitations--as they bluntly chronicle their experiences creating features "from the trenches." They cover the major stages of the filmmaking process, from financing, technical decisions, and handling actors and crew to music, production, and distribution. With loads of practical advice, actual case studies, and many behind-the-scenes photographs, this collection of war stories from the micro-budget front lines will benefit aspiring and experienced independent filmmakers alike.
This is the comprehensive nuts-and-bolts guide to setting up an independent production project. Starting with the basic organisation of the company and the preparation of production, collaboration, and screenplay agreements, it covers in detail everything from raising money via loans, presales, and investors through finding, contracting with, and policing the finished project's distributors. A companion to Litwak's popular books on entertainment industry deal-making and contracts, RISKY BUSINESS is an authoritative blueprint for successfully producing any independent film or video. Included among its many topics: partnerships; corporations; limited liability companies; equity investments; attracting investors; evaluating a film's economic value; working the film festivals; distribution territories; distributors' accounting practices; and much more. In addition to its primary text, it includes many essential contracts, sample statements and certificates, checklists, and extensive lists of useful resources.
Financing an independent feature film production is a highly complex process. This book demystifies the legal and commercial implications of a film from start to finish. It provides a detailed survey of each of the processes and players involved, and analyses of the legal and commercial issues faced by all of the participants in a film financing transaction. Packed with legal advice and straight forward explanations this is an essential reference for filmmakers worldwide. With contributions from leading professionals around the world, and an up-to-date international approach, this is an invaluable tool for producers, and others involved in the film industry. Includes: Case studies, Sample Recoupment Schedules, Alternative Financing Models, Glossary of Film Financing and Banking Terms Philip Alberstat is a media finance and production lawyer specialising in film, television and broadcasting. He has worked on films such as The 51st State, Goodbye Mr Steadman, Tooth and numerous television programmes and series. He is on the editorial board of Entertainment Law Review and is the author of The Independent Producers Guide to Film and TV Contracts (2000), and Law and the Media (2002). Philip is involved in raising finance for film and television productions and negotiating and structuring film and television deals. He undertakes corporate and commercial work and handles the intellectual property aspects of broadcasting and finance transactions. He has also executive produced numerous film and television productions. He won an Emmy Award in 2004 as an Executive Producer of the Film, "The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie". Philip joined Osborne Clarke as a partner in February 2002. Prior to that he was Head of Legal and Business Affairs with one of the largest independent TV production companies in the UK. He was previously Head of Media at Baker & McKenzie and began his career at Olswang. He was winner of the Lawyer/Hifal Award for Solicitor of the year in 1997 and is listed in Legal Experts in the area of Film Finance/Media.