| I believe there is an art and science to dealing with | | | | any other information you want people to know about |
| independent film financing. The art is being able to find | | | | your movie. |
| money to make a movie and the science is being able | | | | Prepare an investor pitch package and save it on PDF |
| to use that money wisely. | | | | to email out. I like to include a mock movie poster |
| It's a tragicomedy of sorts when a filmmaker is able to | | | | (always smart to have artwork), a killer tagline (snappy |
| secure money to make their movie only to burn | | | | slogan used to hype a movie), a brief concise synopsis |
| through it before they can finish their movie. Running | | | | (summary of the plot), and any letters of attachment |
| out of money can happen during filming or post | | | | from key cast and crew. When people get serious |
| production. | | | | you can send them a full version of the screenplay, |
| The art of film financing can be difficult for some | | | | rough budget and what compensation you are offering |
| filmmakers because they are looking at their potential | | | | (potential return on investment stuff). |
| movie from a creative perspective. Making movies is a | | | | The science of independent film financing is how to |
| business. Filmmakers need to package their movie with | | | | budget money once you get it. It's a lot harder then it |
| investors in mind. Unless you're totally self-funding a | | | | might sound. Sadly, many indie movies go unfinished |
| movie you're going to need to apply standard business | | | | because the filmmaker runs out of money. Sure, there |
| principals to attract other people's money (OPM). | | | | are times a "Force Majeure" (superior force) comes |
| Movie investors by nature are risk takers because it's | | | | into play stopping a movie from ever getting finished. |
| not like they are putting money into a blue chip stock. | | | | Most of the time it simply boils down to poor budgeting. |
| They are investing in a screenplay, director, cast, and | | | | A film budget in my opinion is as important as the |
| film crew. What motivates movie investors to put hard | | | | screenplay. |
| earned cash into financing a film vary. Most common | | | | Film financing is much more detailed then I can share in |
| motivations I've experienced are they want to make a | | | | this short post. I recommend you get Take Action! Film |
| profit, they just flat out want to be involved with the | | | | Financing by Producer Jason Brubaker to help you find |
| making of a movie, or they believe in you as a | | | | money to make your movie.. I also recommend reading |
| filmmaker (that's the best in my view). Or all three! | | | | The First Movie Is The Toughest: A Filmmaker's Story |
| Before you begin approaching investors do a few | | | | Of How It Was Done cover to cover (shameless plug |
| things first. Get a website or blog up about your | | | | for my own book). You would be amazed that |
| upcoming movie. Post what the movie is about, who is | | | | budgeting begins before you type one word of your |
| involved, and how movie investors can contact you. It | | | | screenplay. Budget first, screenplay second. This is |
| does not have to be flashy. Basics are good. A movie | | | | indie filmmaker Sid Kali typing FADE OUT. |
| poster, full synopsis of what the movie is about and | | | | |