Investor Financing Of Independent Film

This book explains how to comply with the federal and states securities regulations when seeking to raise money from private investors for the development, production and/or distribution of a feature or documentary film. Drawing from the experience and expertise of a securities and entertainment attorney who has worked with independent filmmakers for 30 plus years, this resource explores securities law compliance in order to help readers comply with the law and avoid criminal and civil liability, while successfully raising investor funds for their film projects. Readers will gain an understanding of why the securities laws apply to most investor financing transactions, what choices need to be made by the filmmaker, what information needs to be disclosed to prospective investors, how to comply with the SEC’s policy regarding financial projections, what is the appropriate investment vehicle for various forms of investor financing, what limitations are imposed on the use of finders and how to handle the required federal and state notice filings. It is an essential resource for any film student taking a film finance course (or a production course with a film finance component), as well as any independent film producers, entertainment/securities attorneys and film school instructors, who want to be informed about the legal and practical aspects of investor financing of independent films.

This updated ninth edition of Louise Levison’s ultimate filmmaker’s guide provides easy-to-follow steps for writing an investor-winning business plan for independent films. This new edition includes information on current distribution models and the evolving digital streaming service landscape. Updated examples and references solidify this edition as the go-to source for creating a successful film business plan. Complete with comprehensive explanations on how to write each of the eight sections of a business plan; a complete sample plan for reference; and a companion website with additional information and financial tables, this book gives readers the tools needed to secure financing for a film. Essential reading for students and professionals alike, this book is ideal for anyone looking to further their understanding of film financing and how to create a successful business plan.

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.

This dictionary is an aid to anyone involved in seeking to finance a feature film project, especially independents. It covers terms used in film production and distribution, marketing, accounting, insurance, securities, corporate structures and general financial arenas. All of the principal forms of feature film finance are covered, including studio/distributors, production companies, lending institutions, co-financing, pre-sales, grants, foreign and passive investor financing involving the sale of a security.

Reviews:"A unique and insightful book! Producers will benefit from it just as much as investors will, as it helps to unlock the secrets of making smart film investments, and profitable financial structures."Clark PetersonProducer of the Academy Award-winning Monster and numerous other films "This book captures the essence of independent film financing like nothing else I've read before. I've produced and executive produced over 25 features films and 2 TV series in my 30 year career. I was also a Sales Agent and Development and Acquisitions executive for many years. I wish I had that book when I started; It reveals many best practices that investors should absolutely be aware of."Paco Alvarez, Film & TV executive, Forward Motion Entertainment "René's book is a must-read for anyone that wants to understand better where the value lies in producing film whether you are an investor, producer or academic. And unlike most "must read" books this one is as readable as it is rewarding"Michael, Hennessy, President and CEO of the Canadian Media Production Association (CMPA) "Even though originally intended for investment professionals, the book "INVESTING IN FILMS" is a useful guide even for a filmmaker and "indie-producer" like me. I read the book last summer, during the initial phase of the production of a film that will soon be released. It has extended my understanding of the flow of creativity/production/distribution that constitutes the making of a film, allowing me to escape from my territorial and limited dimension while helping me to reach a more professional level, even though my project is self-managed and self-financed. Precision, effectiveness, conciseness, clarity and rhythm: these are the qualities that allow you to finish this book in an afternoon and to keep it as a useful and easy to access reminder in the months to come. I realized that rigorous investors can improve the chances of a film project to find its audience successfully with more sharpness, strength and clarity. Just like René Bourdages style."Christine Reinhold, Artistic Director - Founder, Teatro Primo Studio - Film Beyond "Rene gives the reader a complete panoramic view on investing in the film industry. He helps make the investment process understandable and friendly. This book allows people to enter the film business universe, including people who manage investment funds and make entertainment investments an attractive addition to their portfolio. René Bourdages has written a book that is a "must read" for any investor interested in the film industry."Fabio Cesnik, Partner at Cesnik, Quintino & Salinas Law Firm.President of the Media and Entertainment Committee at the Lawyers' Institute of São Paulo "René Bourdages is a brilliant entertainment expert. In this new book called INVESTING IN FILMS, René does an impressive job at highlighting key information to quickly become Hollywood business savvy. This is a generous regroupment of best kept secrets, shared with everyone who is passionate about the business side of showbusiness."Evelyne Ouellet, CEO, SAFIRA Entertainment"René's book is a succinct, accessible guide to the practical do"s and don'ts of investing in film. I recommend it to anyone considering to invest in this risky but sometimes highly profitable industry."Jeremy Spry, Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs, Muse EntertainmentThis book has intentionally been crafted for busy business investment professionals. It focuses on what the best investors have been secretly doing in recent times. It will help any serious investors whether, High Net Worth Individual, Hedge Fund and Private Equity Fund Manager, Family Office Chief Investor Officers to avoid costly mistakes and improve their ROI by knowing what to look for in filmed entertainment financing.

In this second edition of Investing in Movies, industry veteran Joseph N. Cohen provides investors and producers with an analytical framework to assess the opportunities and pitfalls of film investments. The book traces macroeconomic trends and the globalization of the business, including the rise of streamers, as well as the impact these have on potential returns. It offers a broad range of guidelines on how to source interesting projects and advice on what kinds of projects to avoid, as well as numerous ways to maximize risk-adjusted returns. While focusing primarily on investments in independent films, Cohen also provides valuable insights into the studio and independent slate deals that have been marketed to the institutional investment community. As well, this new edition has been updated to fully optimize the current film industry climate including brand new chapters on the Chinese film market, new media/streaming services, and the effects of COVID-19 on the global film market. Written in a detailed and approachable manner, this book is essential for students and aspiring professionals looking to gain an insider perspective against the minefield of film investing.

The practical and legal aspects of writing a business plan for a film venture can be daunting to navigate without a firm grasp of know-how. With this in mind, John W. Cones's Business Plans for Filmmakers arms independent movie-makers and students with everything they need to successfully tackle the confusing intersection of law, business, and art when creating a business plan for a movie. This pragmatic volume offers plenty of examples and strategies for success, sharing straightforward insight into some of the toughest challenges independent filmmakers face when encountering these documents. With simple yet thorough detail and clarity, Cones outlines the legal requirements affecting movie proposals, including ways to evaluate the necessity for a business plan or a securities disclosure document, as well as the legal definition of "an active investor." Also addressed are the numerous subjects filmmakers and students must consider before a film offering, including the efficacy of a business plan to fund the development, production, and distribution phases of a film; common elements of fraud of which fledgling filmmakers should beware; the intricacies of revenue sharing; and how to render financial projections. Cones also imparts useful distinctions between such industry terms as "company financing" versus "project financing," along with many others. This bookalso includes in-depth guidance through the murky paths of investor analysis and key strategies to find and attract parties interested in financing film. Drawing upon his many years as a securities and entertainment attorney, and his experiences advising independent film producers, Cones offers the tools necessary not only to understand investors' motivations but also to use that knowledge to the filmmaker's advantage. Also provided are perceptive studies of the investment vehicles commonly used in business plans seeking investors, with analysis of each method's pros and cons. Throughout the volume, Cones uses sample plans to offer a real-world grasp of the intricacies of the business. In the business of this art, knowledge is power. Business Plans for Filmmakers dispels the myths and misinformation circulating among filmmakers to provide accurate and useful advice.!--?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /--