How to Make a Movie
You could spend months reading all the information about How to Make a Movie. We recommend you learn as much as time allows, but in the interest of condensing the nuts and bolts for you, we've reviewed what we think is some of the best material on how to make your first film. This is Part 4 of How to Make a Movie. If you missed Part 3, please review it now.
Finding Investors & Raising Money for a Film:
The Reality of Paying Back Investors for Film Investment
- Most short films don't make their initial investment back
- Try not to accept investor money for a short film, especially if it's your first short film.
- Scott highly recommends Dov Simens Film School.
- The Film Financial Projections Template walks you through analyzing your film, movie production costs and easily allows you to add financials directly into your Independent Film Business Plan.
- The 23-page Business Plan Template includes pre-written and formatted Film Investment Risks, Example Financial Notes and Descriptions, along with valuable information on the financial aspects of how to make a movie.
How to Find Investors & Raise Money for a Film:
What Is the Budget for a First Time Film?
- In learning how to make a movie, understand there are two types of low-budget films.
- The first budget is aggressive and is capped at $200,000. This is because the Screen Actors Guild allows low budget producers (up to $200,000) to hire SAG (union) actors for $100 per day. You may also then negotiate any payment amount to the remainder of the talent or crew.
- The second budget, with small digital cameras and light kits (Final Cut Pro and Sony Vegas), can be produced for less than $10,000 to $20,000. Team up with local people, local film schools and work some deals - possibly points in your film.
- Again, Scott highly recommends Dov Simens Film School.
Finding Investors & Raising Money for a Film: How to Open Up Two Bank Accounts For Film Productions
- Open both an Operating and Escrow account.
- Your investor agreements should outline that a certain percent of the money they invest is set aside in the escrow account
- This escrow money is not to be touched until production begins, usually 2 weeks before the cameras roll.
Continue on to Part 5 of How to Make a Movie.
Back to How to Make a Movie from How to Make a Movie 4
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Free Film Downloads and Samples
Many free film tools and samples exist across the internet and here is a great starter list for the Independent Filmmaker.
Indie Film Distributors
Indie film distributors look for one thing only when they evaluate Indie Films - "Will this film be profitable for us?"
Independent Film Discussion Forum
Welcome to the Independent Film Discussion Forum for your Film Making questions, Movie Making Tips, Film Investors, Film Grants, Equipment Discussions, Financing Questions and Film Services.
Online Film School
Online Film School is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to learn the basics of film making. As a film maker, you have numerous education options. Make sure to get the Online Film School facts.
Independent Film Proposal and Financing Manual
Learn how to write a business plan, the definition of a business plan and creative ways to finance your film. Pair this Manual with our Financial Template and Business Plan Template for the ultimate Movie Making package.
Film Financial Projections Template
Show film investors why they should fund your movie with our Financial Template. Analyze your film, movie production costs and add financials directly into your Business Plan for Independent Film.
Business Plan Template for Independent Film
Our Business Plan Template is fully formatted with eight chapters and twenty three pages of sample text. Easily use this business plan example and customize it to your project.
Film Grants
The huge advantage to film grants is you do not have to reimburse the funds, unlike investors, who require their money back, plus a return on their investment.
Showcase Your Free Movie Trailer
Join our Independent Film Showcase and develop an online presence for your film in a few minutes - for FREE!!! Show the world your Independent Film and impress potential investors with more than just your logline.
Recommended Film Financing and Business Plan Guides
See FilmProposals top picks for Business Plan Books for Film. Film Funding and Financing, Low Budget, Business Plans and Budgets. See the best books on the market today, written by leading experts.
Best Independent Film Websites
FilmProposals top picks for the best Film Websites and Resources to help you find Investors for your Independent Movie, Film Financing Companies and Independent Film Funding.
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