The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to Writing a Business Plan for Investors

The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to Writing a Business Plan for Investors
Author: Gabriel Campisi
Publisher: McFarland Publishing
Total Pages: 216
Release: 2004
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9780786416820

Independent filmmakers by nature are creative individuals whose primary tools are their imaginations and ingenuity. They are cinematic storytellers. While some independent films take the film festivals by storm--distribution deals, sales to video outlets and cable television--others fall short. Luck and timing play roles in most success stories, but many independent filmmakers have taken the next step: They have carved out a clear-cut plan of action--a business plan--for their projects and careers, analyzing them for what they truly are: businesses. This work helps to connect the creative process and the business side of independent filmmaking by providing a practical guide for assembling a business plan that filmmakers can present to producers and potential investors. A sample business plan and interviews with independent filmmakers and industry executives are included.

The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to Writing a Business Plan for Investors, 2d ed.

The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to Writing a Business Plan for Investors, 2d ed.
Author: Gabriel Campisi
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 281
Release: 2012-04-09
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 078646285X

Filmmakers need more than heart, talent and desire to realize their dreams: they need production capital. Finding willing investors can be the most difficult step in an aspiring filmmaker's pursuit of higher-budget, entertaining motion pictures. This practical guide provides detailed instructions on preparing the most important tool for recruiting investors, a persuasive business plan. Included in this new edition are suggested ways to approach potential investors; lists of various financial sources available to Hollywood productions, and tips on spotting unscrupulous financiers. Interviews with key Hollywood producers offer real-world insight.

Indie Film Producing

Indie Film Producing
Author: Suzanne Lyons
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 261
Release: 2012
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 024081763X

First Published in 2012. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to the New Hollywood

The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to the New Hollywood
Author: Gabriel Campisi
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 222
Release: 2020-09-14
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1476673012

Netflix and its competitors like Disney+, Amazon Prime and Hulu have brought unprecedented levels of entertainment to consumers everywhere, providing the richest, most abundant aggregate of motion pictures and cinematic television the world has ever seen. Behind the facade, however, things are not as pleasant. A very costly paradigm shift is underway, altering not only conventional business and finance models, but also threatening long-established avenues of entertainment such as movie theaters, traditional television, and home video, and wreaking havoc on independent filmmakers and veteran producers alike. This book attempts to make sense of ongoing economic and creative shifts of infrastructure and intellectual property, to understand where the industry is headed, and to distinguish which business models should be maintained and which ones should be left behind. Featuring exclusive interviews with some of the industry's most prolific filmmakers and executives, it dives into the trenches of Hollywood to provide readers with the knowledge necessary to rethink the business, see past the turmoil, recognize the new opportunities, and take advantage of exciting new possibilities. Change sparks innovation, and innovation brings about great opportunity--but only for the well-informed and prepared.

How to Make Movies

How to Make Movies
Author: Kevin J. Lindenmuth
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 268
Release: 2013-02-07
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0786493011

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.

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

The Independent Film Producers Survival Guide: A Business and Legal Sourcebook
Author: Gunnar Erickson
Publisher: Schirmer Trade Books
Total Pages: 419
Release: 2011-08-01
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0857124986

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.

The Art of Investing in Film

The Art of Investing in Film
Author: Maria Johnsen
Publisher: Maria Johnsen
Total Pages: 280
Release: 2023-04-26
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

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.

The Insider's Guide to Film Finance

The Insider's Guide to Film Finance
Author: Philip Alberstat
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 274
Release: 2012-11-12
Genre: Art
ISBN: 1136041303

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 Independent Filmmaker's Law and Business Guide

The Independent Filmmaker's Law and Business Guide
Author: Jon M. Garon
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Total Pages: 397
Release: 2021-08-03
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1641604271

Today's independent and digital filmmaking demands a clear guide to the business and legal aspects of the art. What fundraising options are available to a filmmaker? When should a filmmaker establish a corporation or limited liability company? How do screenwriters protect their work? What are a director's legal obligations to the producer, cast, and crew--and what are their obligations in return? This indispensable resource addresses the legal, financial, and organizational questions that an independent or guerrilla filmmaker must face, and the problems that will doom a project if left unanswered. It demystifies issues such as founding a film company, obtaining financing, preparing a budget, securing locations, shooting, granting screen credits, and distributing, exhibiting, and marketing a film. Newly updated and expanded, this third edition explores concepts such as integrating social media; crowd funding and nonprofit status funding; diversity, inclusion, and compensation equity; and distribution via streaming services. Appendixes provide sample contracts and riders, copyright circulars, Documentary Filmmakers' Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use, and more.

The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution

The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution
Author: Stacey Parks
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 216
Release: 2012-10-02
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1136066373

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