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.




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 an international buyer. Self-distribution and other alternatives to traditional distribution are also considered. In addition, you'll hear some success stories from producers and hear exactly what buyers are seeking. Stacey Parks has worked with hundreds of hungry filmmakers to get their films a distribution deal and knows how frustrating the whole process can be. Let her show 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 resources listings . Negotiation tips for distribution agreements . Sample distribution agreements . What you must know to get your independent film distributed . Written by a distributor who knows the process inside and out . Interviews with buyers and acquisitions executives from every sector of the business on what kinds of films they look for, what they're sick of seeing, and how their acquisitions processes work . Website features sample distribution agreements, budgets, and more! New to this edition: . Completely updated for modern distribution practices (broadcast, DVD, VOD, and other kinds of distribution deals) . New coverage on crowd-funding, social media, film marketing, and deal memos . Get the best inside distribution secrets from brand new interviews with an international cast of directors, producers, and distribution experts who share their experiences . Companion website features helpful downloadable forms and templates, sample distribution memos, and a great resource section




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.




Handbook of State Aid for Film


Book Description

This book is an analysis of the specificities of public film funding on an international scale. It shows how public funding schemes add value to film-making and other audio-visual productions and provides a comprehensive analysis of today’s global challenges in the film industry such as industry change, digital transformation, and shifting audience tastes. Based on insights from fields such as cultural economics, media economics, media management and media governance studies, the authors illustrate how public spending shapes the financial fitness of national and international film industries. This highly informative book will help both scholars and practitioners in the film industry to understand the complexity of issues and the requirements necessary to preserve the social benefits of film as an important cultural good.




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




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.




Handbook of Media and Communication Economics


Book Description

This handbook maps the media economy in its entirety against the background of the advancing digitalization of communication, media production, media distribution and the adaptation of regulatory framework conditions from different disciplinary approaches. It provides an integrated view on digitally induced economic transformations of the European media sector, and gives an explicitly European perspective on media economics – challenging the dominant US-American view. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: Theoretical approaches to media economics; media technologies and data management in media economics; building blocks of the media industry; media types and core distribution markets; system aspects and communication culture; media systems and regulatory policy; as well as methods of media economics. The handbook is a must-read for students, teachers and researchers in media and communication economics and science,as well as practicioners and policy-makers at the nexus of media, business and politics.




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.




Film Marketing


Book Description

The role of the film marketer is both vital and challenging. Promotion is one of the industry’s biggest costs, with the campaign of a large film costing up to half its production budget. Box office results, however, are wildly unpredictable: relatively few films a year make a profit. These market conditions make this a unique industry and film marketing a specific and demanding skill set that requires attention early in the career of any marketing student looking to progress in the industry. This new edition of Film Marketing is a thorough update of the first textbook in film promotion. Like in the first edition, Kerrigan takes a socio-cultural, as well as a business view of film marketing and its impact, covering different approaches to promotion according to different aims and audiences internally and externally, and across the world. This book addresses all areas of film marketing from the rigorous perspective of someone with first-hand knowledge of the trade. This new edition also includes: Additional pedagogy and visual examples to reinforce key points A more international range of cases and coverage of non-Western markets to give a global overview of film marketing across the world New and expanded sections on social media, digital promotion, transmedia and crowdfunding This is the original film marketing text which no engaged film or marketing student should be without.




Digital Media Worlds


Book Description

Digital Media Worlds tracks the evolution of the media sector on its way toward a digital world. It focuses on core economic and management issues (cost structures, value network chain, business models) in industries such as book publishing, broadcasting, film, music, newspaper and video game.