The Insider's Guide to Film Finance


Book Description

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.




Raindance Producers' Lab Lo-To-No Budget Filmmaking


Book Description

If you're looking for clear-cut information on how to make a film on a minimal budget that is based on tried and tested techniques - look no further. Elliot Grove has worked on hundreds of low-budget productions, teaches Lo-to-No Budget filmmaking courses and runs the Raindance Film Festival (the largest independent film festival in Europe.) His wealth of teaching and filmmaking experience combined with knowledge of the winning formulas that work is the basis of this book. Refreshingly clear, no-nonsense tricks of the trade. The free CD provides all the contracts and material you need to run a production company and make successful low budget movies; how to schedule, budget and break down a script and how to get it shot with what you have, not what you want. This is a must have read for filmmakers serious about making and selling films. Creative and technical expertise coupled with a behind the scenes look at the film industry makes this book an excellent starting point for beginners. For experienced filmmakers there are plenty of practical approaches in here for you to try, from developing CV's, showreels and business plans to information on pitching, raising finance, creating publicity and much much more. Use it as a point of departure or as an everyday reference tool. The accompanying CD-ROM contains sample budgets, publicity plans, trailers and interviews.




43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film


Book Description

Author Cones breaks financing options down into six main areas: gifts and grants, investor financing, domestic government subsidies and tax incentive programs, lender financing, international finance options, and studio or industry financing. Beginning with the forms of financing most likely to be accessible to independent feature film producers, Cones proceeds to other forms that become increasingly available as the producer's career matures. He provides specific, concise information regarding the many possible strategies and lists the distinct pros and cons of each strategy. Cones also counters much of the bad advice being provided by pseudoprofessional film finance consultants and points out scams that may separate unwary film producers from their money. Although the book focuses on financing feature films, much of its information is relevant to the financing of other kinds of projects, such as short films, documentaries, videos, and multimedia and theatrical endeavors.--From publisher description.




The Art of Investing in Film


Book Description

In this book, I provided a comprehensive guide to film investment, including the history of film investment in Europe and North America, the structure of the film industry, current trends, and the art of investing in film. I covered the various types of investments, such as equity investments, debt investments, gap financing, and tax incentives, and explained the risks and rewards of film investing along with case studies. I have also discussed building a film investment portfolio, due diligence, working with producers, agents, managers and talents, evaluating film projects, negotiating deals, legal considerations, distribution and marketing, and the international market. Additionally, I included case studies of successful and failed investments, as well as real estate and crowdfunding options for film investment. Finally, I concluded with a discussion of the future of the film industry and the role of investors in shaping up the movie industry. I wrote this book out of my deep passion for the film industry and a desire to share my knowledge and experience as a film investor and filmmaker with aspiring investors in this field. My ultimate goal is to inspire and motivate readers to pursue their passion and make a positive impact in the film industry. In addition, I aim to challenge prevalent myths and misconceptions that surround film investment and encourage critical thinking among my audience and readers. I also wrote this book with investors, filmmakers, and academics in mind, as there is currently a lack of practical literature on film investment for higher education. The existing books on the market are outdated and do not provide relevant information for today's industry.




Finding Funds for Your Film or TV Project


Book Description

Finding Funds for Your Film or TV Project includes a complete overview of the many different ways to get funds for your film – from preparing the materials you need, such as business plans, private placement memorandums, trailers, sizzle reels, and crowd-funding pitches – to how to make effective presentations to prospective funders, from as family members, friends, and business associates, to angels, private investors, established producers, and film financiers. Scott provides a comprehensive introduction to the many options for fund-raising, and includes information on how to prepare the materials necessary, from business plans and Private Place Memorandums to video and PowerPoint presentations to using crowd-funding techniques. Covered are these key topics: • The overall film industry and trends in film production • Deciding what to produce, preparing a script or treatment, determining your needed cast and crew, and coming up with a rough estimate of your budget • Putting together the needed documents, including creating a schedule and budget, preparing a producer package, business plan, and private placement memorandum • Creating a crowd-funding campaign • Developing a trailer and sizzle reel • Creating your marketing and promotional materials and getting a publicity buzz going • Developing and presenting your pitch to prospective investors • Closing the deal and getting your money




The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution


Book Description

Innovation in technology means that almost anyone can make an independent film these days. Although this may be good news for aspiring filmmakers, it also means that the oversupply of independent films on the market has caused acquisition prices to dramatically decrease. As a result, producers and investors rarely recover their initial investment in the films they make. But don't be discouraged! Use this book to learn the realities of the market in advance and map out a winning distribution plan. This comprehensive manual for filmmakers and producers dedicated to film distribution and the marketplace could mean the difference between getting your film out to the public and keeping it "in the can." Learn how to sell your movie to a studio, a cable network, a video distributor, or international buyers. Self-distribution and other alternatives to traditional distribution are also considered. As well, you'll hear some success stories from producers and hear directly from buyers what they are seeking. Stacey Parks has worked with dozens of hungry filmmakers to get their films a distribution deal and knows how frustrating the whole process can be. Let her tell you how you can take control of your filmmaking career and start getting your work seen by audiences with a few little-known distribution secrets. Features include: * Interviews and case studies with producers and distributors * Ten Ways to Market Your Film for Self-Distribution * Sales Projections per Territory * Distribution Resource Listings * Negotiation tips for distribution agreements * Sample distribution agreements




Shadow Economies of Cinema


Book Description

How do people access movies today? What are the most popular and powerful channels for media distribution on a global scale? How are film industries changing in the face of media convergence and digitisation? To answer questions such as these, argues Ramon Lobato, we must shift our gaze away from the legal film business and toward cinema's shadow economies. All around the world, films are bought from roadside stalls, local markets, and grocery stores; they are illegally downloaded and streamed; they are watched in makeshift video clubs, on street corners, and in restaurants, shops and bars. International film culture in its actually-existing forms is a messy affair, and it relies to a great extent on black and grey media markets. Examining the industrial dynamics of these subterranean film networks across a number of different sites – from Los Angeles to Lagos, Melbourne to Mexico City – this book shows how they constitute a central rather than marginal part of audiovisual culture and commerce. Combining film industry analysis with cultural theory, Shadow Economies of Cinema opens up a new area of inquiry for cinema studies, putting industry research into dialogue with wider debates about economic informality and commodity circulation. Written in an accessible style, this book offers an original 'bottom-up' perspective on the global cinema industry for researchers and students in film studies, cultural studies, and media and communications.







The Independent Film Producers Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook


Book Description

In this comprehensive guidebook, three experienced entertainment lawyers tell you everything you need to know to produce and market an independent film from the development process to deal making, financing, setting up the production, hiring directors and actors, securing location rights, acquiring music, calculating profits, digital moving making, distribution, and marketing your movie.




Music, Money and Success


Book Description

The Insider's Guide to Making Money in the Music Industry. Millions dream of attaining glamour and wealth through music. This book reveals the secrets of the music business that have made fortunes for the superstars. A must-have for every songwriter, performer and musician.