Companies providing financial services for film production.
Purchasing Resources for Film Production Financing
Film Production Company Financing Solutions with GE Capital.
Learn to Write, Direct & Edit Films at an Art Institutes School. Apply!
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Film Production Financing Key Terms
Understanding the lingo used by film financing companiesBy Nate Waymire, Freelance Writer When your production company intends to finance movies, you will need to be aware of several key terms that are part of the film financing vocabulary. Terms such as "active investor" (a person or company that gives money with the expectation of having an active part in the production process), "attachment" (an actor or actress who is already signed on, or attached to the project) and "WGA" (the Writers Guild of America) will be commonly used, and you must know what they mean.
After you learn the terms that are involved in the independent financing process, you will be ready to seek out film funding for your company's projects. There are a few things you will need to do at this point:
1. Hire a lawyer who understands film production financing.
2. Learn what the Securities and Exchange Commission is and how it can affect your business.
3. Create contracts for the investors who will be financing film production activities on your behalf.
Get help from an entertainment securities lawyer when financing films
An entertainment lawyer will help your production company when you are looking for start-up financing film production funding. One important thing they will do for you is "exemption filing," which is the process of filing for an exemption from the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) federal registration policy to save your company a large sum of money. When this process is successful, it becomes known as an "exempt offering." Another important service a lawyer will provide is an "initial public offering." This involves obtaining the rights to offer the final film to for public consumption. Entertainment lawyers also work with the SEC to provide legal investment contracts to private film investors, which is known as a "registered offering." Only a certified entertainment lawyer is qualified to carry out these essential duties.
Try:
Retain the services of Blake & Wang P.A., Entertainment Lawyer or The Law Office of Bonnie J. Chermak.
Hire a registered agent when your company is ready to obtain movie production financing
A film production company will be an established corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC). LLCs are nothing more than businesses registered within any state. Every LLC is required to have a registered agent. This individual provides compliance services to the business owner to make sure the business is up to date on any rules and regulations for the state they are filming in.
Try:
Hire a registered agent from Incorporators USA or Northwest Registered Agent.
Sign a private placement memorandum contract with independent film financing investors
A private placement memorandum (PPM) is a contract signed by an investor that will have nothing to do with the production of the film. The PPM is also referred to by other film production financing key terms such as "small securities offering," "limited offering" or "exempt securities offering." Regardless of the name used, the PPM is a legally binding contract that stipulates the investor will offer film finance capital and have no other involvement unless the movie makes a profit.
Try:
Find companies that provide PPMs such as Regulation D Resources Enterprises or PPMPro.
- Learn the important film production financing key terms before attempting to talk to industry professionals so that they will be assured you know what you are doing.
- Understand the expectations from active film financiers who intend to be involved in the production of your film before accepting any money or signing contracts.
Film Production Company Financing Solutions with GE Capital.
Learn to Write, Direct & Edit Films at an Art Institutes School. Apply!
film productionsFilm Productions Sign-up Today for special RENT
I raised $200,000 with this plan. Now you can own it for $59.97
Entertainment company that produces and invests in independent feature films and made-for-television movies.
Australian Film Finance Corp. (FFC)
The Commonwealth Government's principal agency for providing investment to the Australian film and television production industry.
Based in Los Angeles, provides consulting services, finds financing for independent films, and much more.
California based bank providing: personal banking services, production financing services, cash management services, and investment management services.
Credit institution specializing in financing the production and distribution of audiovisual programs, cinema, multimedia and technical industries.
http://www.tvfi.com/asp/english/company.asp
The international website for partnership, ventures and coproductions for the film industry.
http://www.coproductions.com/cinee.htm
Bulletin Board that allows one to: contact directors/producers, post project announcements, and seek financing for a movie.
http://directorsnet.com/bul.html
Performs Completion Guarantee services, supplying Completion Bonds to Film, Television, and CD-ROM Productions. FFI was founded in London and has staff in the US, Canada, Italy, France, Denmark and Australia.
http://www.ffi.com/index3.html
Unites film producers with prospective investors for projects in need of financing.
Flashpoint Entertainment Financing
Based in the UK with representatives in the US, Canada, and Russia. Flashpoint concentrates on film and television production financing, as well as other entertainment financing.
Full-service finance company focused on providing complete financial solutions and advisory services to media and entertainment clients including film, television, music and new media.
Subscription-based film financing company created by Hollywood Stock Exchange.
Irish Film Board - Bord Scannán Na hÉireann
Board provides loans and equity investment to independent Irish filmmakers to assist in the development and production of Irish films.
California firm offering insurance backed financing, state loan guarantees and legal counsel.
Access over 30 lenders online, comparison shop, apply for and secure financing from leading financial institutions. Applications are available at this web site for business loans. Product portfolio includes term and SBA loans, lines of credit, equipment
A consultant, facilitator and writer who has spent over 25 years specializing in the nonprofit arts sector. Online Bibliography representing highlights from research on fundraising and fundraising related topics.
http://www.warshawski.com/bibliography.html
The company supplies finishing funds to exceptional low budget features from the US and abroad; assists filmmakers during post-production and then helps them implement festival and press strategies; serves as a producer's rep for their films, helping secu
Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation (NSFDC)
Specializes in promoting the development of the private-sector film and video industry in Nova Scotia.
Specializes in assisting independent producers in finding film finance for movie, television and film productions.
Veronis Schuler & Associates (VS&A)
Media merchant bank located in New York. They provide research publications on the media and communications industry as well as links to related industry resources. Publisher of VS&A Communications Industry Forecast and the VS&A Communications Industry Re
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Film Production Financing
Getting financing to produce your film may just be the most difficult part of making a film. While there are many possible sources and potential investors, obtaining film production financing is not simply a manner of asking for some money. In order to convince people to invest in your film project, you will need to assure them that your film will be a money-maker.
Film investors do not want to give money to a losing proposition. And most will not want to provide cash out of the goodness of their hearts simply because you are dedicated to the project. Investors want a return on their money–and, hopefully, to make a profit.
Most potential investors will understand ... more
Getting financing to produce your film may just be the most difficult part of making a film. While there are many possible sources and potential investors, obtaining film production financing is not simply a manner of asking for some money. In order to convince people to invest in your film project, you will need to assure them that your film will be a money-maker.
Film investors do not want to give money to a losing proposition. And most will not want to provide cash out of the goodness of their hearts simply because you are dedicated to the project. Investors want a return on their money–and, hopefully, to make a profit.
Most potential investors will understand that there are risks involved in any proposition; however, it is best to include a statement of risk in your business plan. This statement will prevent investors from claiming that they were not aware of any risks involved in investing.
Before looking for investors for your film production, make sure you have a clear understanding of your financial plans for the movie. Determine your total costs, distributor fees, marketing costs, and more. You must know how much money you need prior to asking for money.
To learn more about film production financing, click on the links on the left, which were compiled by Business.com. These links will provide you with valuable information concerning film financing.
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