Film Proposals Independent Financing Blog

Aug 06, 2020

[Review] Film Investor Package is Well Organized and Professional Looking

I've just spent 20 minutes going through the materials I purchased with Package #3 and I already know it is going to be a huge help in getting me to the next stage in my producing career. I can't wait to dive in and start creating my first business plan.

**Update***

I’ve now worked with it for a few weeks and thought I’d let you know what I think.

I liked it a lot. The format is well organized and professional looking and much of the text is worthwhile.

I also chatted with your rep on line before hand and they answered my questions very well which allowed me to move forward with the purchase with confidence.

It is a pity the the MPAA reports are not available until April.

Thanks for putting together what appears to be a very useful package, and the website has a ton of great info too. - Tim

Continue reading "[Review] Film Investor Package is Well Organized and Professional Looking"

Aug 04, 2020

How to Invest in Movies | Opportunities, Tax Deductions, Production Deals

If you're looking to invest in movies, and not quite sure how to get started, our film investor primer is here to teach a lot of what you need to know, how to access filmmakers and productions and how to gauge a film's potential success. Our guide covers Tax Deductions, ROI, asset classes, deal tips, how to find the right movies, how to become an accredited investor and an overview of how the film industry generates revenue. Our primer also showcases some of our best filmmakers' projects looking for investments right now.

Continue reading "How to Invest in Movies | Opportunities, Tax Deductions, Production Deals"

Jul 30, 2020

10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes

The 10 things you MUST do to attract film investors have been cultivated over 16 years in the film industry and being able to work with 1000's of filmmakers. Our experience allowed us to analyze and learn from those who have achieved success and mase their indie film vs. those we never hear from again. We lay out all the crucial steps to set you up to be the former - the successful indie filmmaker.

Continue reading "10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes"

Jul 30, 2020

10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes

The 10 things you MUST do to attract film investors have been cultivated over 16 years in the film industry and being able to work with 1000's of filmmakers. Our experience allowed us to analyze and learn from those who have achieved success and mase their indie film vs. those we never hear from again. We lay out all the crucial steps to set you up to be the former - the successful indie filmmaker.

Continue reading "10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes"

Jul 30, 2020

10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes

The 10 things you MUST do to attract film investors have been cultivated over 16 years in the film industry and being able to work with 1000's of filmmakers. Our experience allowed us to analyze and learn from those who have achieved success and mase their indie film vs. those we never hear from again. We lay out all the crucial steps to set you up to be the former - the successful indie filmmaker.

Continue reading "10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes"

Jul 30, 2020

10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes

The 10 things you MUST do to attract film investors have been cultivated over 16 years in the film industry and being able to work with 1000's of filmmakers. Our experience allowed us to analyze and learn from those who have achieved success and mase their indie film vs. those we never hear from again. We lay out all the crucial steps to set you up to be the former - the successful indie filmmaker.

Continue reading "10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes"

Jul 30, 2020

10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes

The 10 things you MUST do to attract film investors have been cultivated over 16 years in the film industry and being able to work with 1000's of filmmakers. Our experience allowed us to analyze and learn from those who have achieved success and mase their indie film vs. those we never hear from again. We lay out all the crucial steps to set you up to be the former - the successful indie filmmaker.

Continue reading "10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes"

Jul 30, 2020

10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes

The 10 things you MUST do to attract film investors have been cultivated over 16 years in the film industry and being able to work with 1000's of filmmakers. Our experience allowed us to analyze and learn from those who have achieved success and mase their indie film vs. those we never hear from again. We lay out all the crucial steps to set you up to be the former - the successful indie filmmaker.

Continue reading "10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes"

Jul 30, 2020

10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes

The 10 things you MUST do to attract film investors have been cultivated over 16 years in the film industry and being able to work with 1000's of filmmakers. Our experience allowed us to analyze and learn from those who have achieved success and mase their indie film vs. those we never hear from again. We lay out all the crucial steps to set you up to be the former - the successful indie filmmaker.

Continue reading "10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors | Avoid These Mistakes"

Jul 28, 2020

How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others

Learning how other independent films were funded is a part of the process many filmmakers miss when reading stories of other successful films. Finding funding for your independent movie is time-consuming, mentally exhausting, and overall a challenging task to accomplish. However, we take a look at some of the Best Independent Films and discover how they were funded.

Continue reading "How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others"

Jul 28, 2020

How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others

Learning how other independent films were funded is a part of the process many filmmakers miss when reading stories of other successful films. Finding funding for your independent movie is time-consuming, mentally exhausting, and overall a challenging task to accomplish. However, we take a look at some of the Best Independent Films and discover how they were funded.

Continue reading "How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others"

Jul 28, 2020

How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others

Learning how other independent films were funded is a part of the process many filmmakers miss when reading stories of other successful films. Finding funding for your independent movie is time-consuming, mentally exhausting, and overall a challenging task to accomplish. However, we take a look at some of the Best Independent Films and discover how they were funded.

Continue reading "How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others"

Jul 28, 2020

How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others

Learning how other independent films were funded is a part of the process many filmmakers miss when reading stories of other successful films. Finding funding for your independent movie is time-consuming, mentally exhausting, and overall a challenging task to accomplish. However, we take a look at some of the Best Independent Films and discover how they were funded.

Continue reading "How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others"

Jul 28, 2020

How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others

Learning how other independent films were funded is a part of the process many filmmakers miss when reading stories of other successful films. Finding funding for your independent movie is time-consuming, mentally exhausting, and overall a challenging task to accomplish. However, we take a look at some of the Best Independent Films and discover how they were funded.

Continue reading "How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others"

Jul 28, 2020

How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others

Learning how other independent films were funded is a part of the process many filmmakers miss when reading stories of other successful films. Finding funding for your independent movie is time-consuming, mentally exhausting, and overall a challenging task to accomplish. However, we take a look at some of the Best Independent Films and discover how they were funded.

Continue reading "How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others"

Jul 28, 2020

How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others

Learning how other independent films were funded is a part of the process many filmmakers miss when reading stories of other successful films. Finding funding for your independent movie is time-consuming, mentally exhausting, and overall a challenging task to accomplish. However, we take a look at some of the Best Independent Films and discover how they were funded.

Continue reading "How the Best Independent Films Were Funded | Learn from Others"

Jul 23, 2020

What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line

What are ATL and BTL costs in filmmaking is a very common question to which all filmmakers need to know the answer, especially if they are involved at all with their film's financing. Learn more about about Above the Line (ATL) and Below the Line (BTL) costs and which line items fall into each category.

Continue reading "What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line"

Jul 23, 2020

What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line

What are ATL and BTL costs in filmmaking is a very common question to which all filmmakers need to know the answer, especially if they are involved at all with their film's financing. Learn more about about Above the Line (ATL) and Below the Line (BTL) costs and which line items fall into each category.

Continue reading "What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line"

Jul 23, 2020

What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line

What are ATL and BTL costs in filmmaking is a very common question to which all filmmakers need to know the answer, especially if they are involved at all with their film's financing. Learn more about about Above the Line (ATL) and Below the Line (BTL) costs and which line items fall into each category.

Continue reading "What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line"

Jul 23, 2020

What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line

What are ATL and BTL costs in filmmaking is a very common question to which all filmmakers need to know the answer, especially if they are involved at all with their film's financing. Learn more about about Above the Line (ATL) and Below the Line (BTL) costs and which line items fall into each category.

Continue reading "What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line"

Jul 23, 2020

What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line

What are ATL and BTL costs in filmmaking is a very common question to which all filmmakers need to know the answer, especially if they are involved at all with their film's financing. Learn more about about Above the Line (ATL) and Below the Line (BTL) costs and which line items fall into each category.

Continue reading "What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line"

Jul 23, 2020

What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line

What are ATL and BTL costs in filmmaking is a very common question to which all filmmakers need to know the answer, especially if they are involved at all with their film's financing. Learn more about about Above the Line (ATL) and Below the Line (BTL) costs and which line items fall into each category.

Continue reading "What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line"

Jul 23, 2020

What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line

What are ATL and BTL costs in filmmaking is a very common question to which all filmmakers need to know the answer, especially if they are involved at all with their film's financing. Learn more about about Above the Line (ATL) and Below the Line (BTL) costs and which line items fall into each category.

Continue reading "What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking? | Above and Below the Line"

Jul 21, 2020

Women Make Movies Production Grant | Production, Documentary, Narrative

Women Make Movies (WMM) offers a production assistance program for female filmmakers actively fundraising or about to begin fundraising. Filmmakers can only apply if they are not currently fiscally sponsored by another organization. One of the most important criteria for the Women Make Movies Production Grant is that you must be able to clearly communicate your fundraising or distribution strategies for the film.

Continue reading "Women Make Movies Production Grant | Production, Documentary, Narrative"

Jul 16, 2020

How to Write a Film Business Plan | FREE Movie Business Plan Template E-Course

How to Write a Film Business Plan is the Number One goal of most of our filmmaking site visitors, so we wrote a FREE How to Write a Movie Business Plan E-Course (sign up FREE right here and start immediately). Our goal is that no matter where you in the process of making your film, we help you to succeed with really understanding the entire business side of the film industry. Each week you'll receive your homework assignments, and if you follow along and stick to the plan, it will be 10 short weeks until you have a complete film business plan and are totally ready to approach the film investors we teach you to find.

Continue reading "How to Write a Film Business Plan | FREE Movie Business Plan Template E-Course"

Jul 14, 2020

10 Keys to Film Financing | Filmmaker Must Read

Read what film financing pros have to say! These 10 Keys to Film Finance will help you secure film production financing and avoid common indie film Financing mistakes. Whether you are working with film funding companies or private film financiers, these indie film financing strategies are sure to give you an edge over your competition.

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Jul 09, 2020

[Review] Film Investor Package - GREAT STUFF VERY USEFUL

This package is very useful. Very educational and saves tons of time researching and building plans and projections from scratch. I would highly recommend this to anyone trying to raise money for an independent film. - Tony

Thank you, Tony, for taking the time to leave us feedback!!! Check out more Film Investor Package Reviews and see how others have successfully raised their film financing!

Continue reading "[Review] Film Investor Package - GREAT STUFF VERY USEFUL"

Jul 07, 2020

Film Production Budget Best Practices & Tips

How to structure your feature or short film budget is a must-learn for any aspiring or experienced filmmaker. We know many of you are great at the creative side of filmmaking, but might have questions on how to best finance movies efficiently. You'll want to focus your budget on your talent, equipment, post production and be able to explain to investors and anyone else with a stake in your project your low, breakeven and high scenarios when it comes to ROI, which is dependent on your budget. Learn More: Film Production Budget Template Best Practices

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Jul 02, 2020

[Review] Film Business Plan Template | Great Jumping Off Point and Confidence Builder

I found the business plan template and film financial comparison table a great starting point. Reading through the Film Financing Manual I gained a lot of confidence that reinforced my own ideas.

I ended up taking the bits I wanted and customizing other sections to create a condensed and concise 11 page business plan, backed up by a whole lot of figures and data. In the US economic slump I found investors were looking for alternate investments with high yield - my Film Investor Brief was perfect!

Thanks you, Andrew, for taking the time to leave us feedback!!! Check out more Film Investor Package Reviews.

Continue reading "[Review] Film Business Plan Template | Great Jumping Off Point and Confidence Builder"

Jun 29, 2020

Producers Don't Need to Beg for Money - Just Have a Good Plan

"I don’t believe that there is lack of money for producers to make movies. I just think that if you can show from the business plan that you can bring the money back, banks are willing to give you the money." - Kene Mkparu, Managing Director/CEO of Film House Cinemas. Read this great article full of inspiration to show you can be a successful filmmaker anywhere.

No Good Producer Should Beg For Money To Shoot Movies

Jun 26, 2020

Shockfest Film Festival

Shockfest Film Festival is seeking Short and Feature Genre Films & Screenplays! Now in its 12th edition, Shockfest specializes in showcasing the most

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Jun 25, 2020

[Review] Incredibly Helpful Templates | Best $99 I Have Spent

An amazing set of incredibly helpful templates, guide books, advice. The best money I have spent in a very long time. Congrats FilmProposals!!

Continue reading "[Review] Incredibly Helpful Templates | Best $99 I Have Spent"

Jun 23, 2020

Do You Need a Film Private Placement Memorandum?

Our NEW complete Film Private Placement Memorandum was used by successful independent producers several times to raise money for full-length feature films at budgets ranging from $350K -$8M. Our Film PPM Template uses real-world current samples from a production raising money right now in 2020 for Capture The Flag, with actor attachments Dick Van Dyke, Louis Gossett Jr and Barry Corbin. 

If you want to follow SEC rules for offering investments in your film publicly, use non-accredited investors and are raising funding over $100K, then you want to look into using a PPM.

Continue reading "Do You Need a Film Private Placement Memorandum?"

Jun 18, 2020

Top Film Grant Tips from a Grant Evaluator

Check out our top Film Grant Tips for How to Write and Win a Grant, written by a film grant application evaluator. There is a great deal of film grant competition, as thousands of applicants apply for the same grant. Although it is a competitive process, use our advice to help you stay ahead of the game and your competition at Top Film Grant Tips for Writing and Winning a Grant.

Continue reading "Top Film Grant Tips from a Grant Evaluator"

Jun 16, 2020

Film in Singapore Film Grant | Development, Production, Talent, Short, Doc

The Singapore Film Commission (SFC) nurtures, supports promotes Singapore talent in filmmaking and the production of films. Call-for-proposals for Production Assistance (Film) and the New Talent Feature Grant (NTFG) are twice a year, while the Southeast Asia Co-Production Grant (SCPG) and the Short Film Grant (SFG) are once a year. The Overseas Participation Grant is open for application all year-round.

Continue reading "Film in Singapore Film Grant | Development, Production, Talent, Short, Doc"

Jun 11, 2020

[Review] Best Investment We've Done for Our Company

Hello Melissa: We recently purchased your film proposal program and we have found it to be one of the best investments we've done for our company. We want to proceed with the business plan review and gather your feed back!

Continue reading "[Review] Best Investment We've Done for Our Company"

Jun 09, 2020

Six Things You Absolutely MUST Know Before Approaching Film Investors

Gordon P. Firemark, Entertainment Attorney, states, "Too many filmmakers jump the fundraising gun and post notices on facebook, twitter, or their websites saying “we’re now looking for $1 Million” to produce this film/show.” Guess what… game over!

Before going out to film investors, it’s important to have your ducks in a row. Six Things You Absolutely MUST Know before you start raising money will dramatically streamline the process, and get you closer to funding, faster.

Continue reading "Six Things You Absolutely MUST Know Before Approaching Film Investors"

Jun 04, 2020

How to Make a Movie FREE Mini Course | Film Producing 101, Financing

Check out our FREE Movie Making Mini Course. Part I of the How to Make a Movie Mini Course covers Starting in the film business, First time Producer, Know Your Movie Market, How to Build a Film Team, Setting up your Movie Company and how ot create a Business Plan. Read More: How to Make a Movie Mini Course

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Jun 02, 2020

[Review] I could not have raised the $1.5 million or made this film without the materials you provided!

Just want to thank you for your materials and help over the past year. Just finished post on our $1.5 million picture "Coming Through the Rye" with Alex Wolff and Chris Cooper. I could not have raised this money or made this film without the materials you provided -- and for $99? The bargain of my career! - James Sadwith, Producer, Writer, Director "Coming Through the Rye"

Continue reading "[Review] I could not have raised the $1.5 million or made this film without the materials you provided!"

May 28, 2020

Film Investor Financing Documents -The Definitive Guide

If terms like Business Plan, Private Placement Memorandum, Finance Agreement, Investor Agreement, Producer's Package, Active and Passive Investors have your head spinning, check out our definitive guide to film finance documentation.

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May 26, 2020

[Review] Both FilmProposals Site and Business Tools Are Extremely Helpful

I am still in the midst of writing our business plan, and keep referring back to FilmProposals after purchasing the Film Financial Projects template and Film Business Plan template. Not only do both continue to be the right tools (after researching A LOT and seeing others out there), but the website resources are extremely helpful as well.

I like having the template to follow, but also know that film business plans are different than regular business plans. That makes the task seem very daunting, especially gathering the financial data needed to plead your case to investors. By far that is the toughest part, so having the financial template makes it a lot less scary to tackle.

Thanks to Frances for taking the time to leave us feedback!!!

Continue reading "[Review] Both FilmProposals Site and Business Tools Are Extremely Helpful"

May 21, 2020

Filmmaker FAQs Answered | Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

We get asked the same questions quite often as many filmmakers start in the same place. Here's a round up of the top inquiries at FilmProposals Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions.

• What is a Producer's Package?
• What are ATL and BTL costs in Filmmaking?
• Can you help me with a TV Pilot Business Plan Template?
• The Film Financial Projections Template is locked and I'd like to change some of the Formulas
• Do You Do Business Plans for Films?
• Can you help me secure financing, introduce me or help find investors?
• How Do I Edit My Film Pitch or Movie Trailer?

More Info at Filmmakers Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions.

Continue reading "Filmmaker FAQs Answered | Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions"

May 19, 2020

Film Financing for Producers | Tax Credits, Distribution, Soft Money

Learn how securing just one type of film financing can start a snowball effect, where many of the other types of film financing then become available. Film Financing for independent filmmakers comes in dozens of forms and is spread across the entire production cycle of a film. Film financing methods include tax credits, pre sales, distribution deals, profit participation, product placement, soft and hard money, film grants, private film investors, studio financing, location incentives, debt financing, gap financing, bridge loans, donations, crowdfunding, slate financing and multiple other film financing sources.

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May 14, 2020

Finding Investors For Your Movie Project | Get Film Investors Attention

Probably the most common question concerning financing is; how do you go about finding investors? Answer: You find the people who have the money and you do this by the networking of contacts. First off, who has the money?

Find out the ONE thing you absolutely need to get in touch with potential movie investors. Learn the ONLY way to get highly paid professionals to pay attention and respond.

Answers to these questions and more at Finding Investors For Your Movie Project.

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May 12, 2020

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) Good Through 2020

Great news for Indie Filmmakers and your Investors!!!! The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2018 (TCJA), reinstated a policy with similar tax effects to Section 181 Film Tax Deduction. The new law is retroactive to 2017 and extended through 2020. Telling an investor their investment is 100% tax deductible in the same year...PRICELESS!

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May 07, 2020

Business Plan Writing Tips & Examples | Real Pitches (That Worked)

Often film makers are unaware of practical tips that should be adhered to when writing your film business plan. When a film project comes together nicely, after months, if not years of hard work, it is very easy to let the excitement skew your speculative figures. Here we look at a few of the common pitfalls, some practical advice on how to avoid them and put you in the stakeholder’s shoes with some pitches.

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May 05, 2020

Documentary Funding | Top 10 Tips for Grants from the Pros

No doubt, Documentary Funding is tough work. But here's the good news...You CAN raise documentary funds and it may not be as hard as you think.

Many first time filmmakers have the fantasy their documentary money will come in one big check, from one big donor or foundation. The reality is, funding often comes from many different sources.

Get the best Fundraising Tips at Documentary Funding and check out the industry's best fundraising tools.

Continue reading "Documentary Funding | Top 10 Tips for Grants from the Pros"

Apr 30, 2020

Film Financing Lessons | Spielberg, Scorsese, Smith, Linklater

Read Film Financing Lessons from famous producers, such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Lee Daniels, Kevin Smith, Ralph Fiennes, Richard Linklater and how they got their first film financing. Film financing is a never-ending process...no matter how famous and successful and they are, successful filmmakers see film financing as an innate part of film production throughout their careers.

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Apr 28, 2020

How to Attract Film Investors | 10 Things Independent Film Makers Can Do Right Now

What can independent filmmakers do to attract film investors, enhance their bottom line, and actually MAKE MONEY from their indie films? Read this amazing article from Independent Film Maker and guest writer, Angelo Bell, to find out Ten Things Independent Film Makers Can Do Right Now to get film financing, secure film distribution that makes money and attract film investors, larger than typical crowd funding initiatives deliver.

Continue reading "How to Attract Film Investors | 10 Things Independent Film Makers Can Do Right Now"