Comments on: Film Funds: It’s Not You, It’s Them

By: Jeffrey Allen

Jeffrey Allen — Sat, 12 May 2012 22:04:44 +0000

Thanks Jeff for stating the obvious that so many are in denial.
100% funding for those with no skin in game is fantasy land.
Further more that average film even when it has equity is actually debt-equity combos. An Avatar at 60% was one of the few with such a high ratio of equity. the norm is closer to 70-30% debt-equity to leverage funding.

By: Rudy Luna

Rudy Luna — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:29:39 +0000

Hey Andy,
Awhile back you posted something about a European Co-production to be shot in Mexico…did you ever get that off the ground? I ask because I have a script set in Mexico that I’ll be producing shortly. I have a pretty established director attached now, and a budget. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

By: Nick Olivas

Nick Olivas — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:08:41 +0000

Hey Jeff,

I hate to break it to you but there are some stuff in your blog that is inaccurate. The part where you say ” Funds are not in the script development or talent attachment business – that’s the producer’s job.” is inaccurate.

You can always get development funds, studios do all the time and also independent film makers, its called Investment group A and they issue funds for the sole person of talent acquistion.

I found this out through experience with a lawyer. In fact the only reason a producer would use their own funds would be to secure a lawyer to draft some of the necessary documents especially for a PPM.

By: Joe Orlandino

Joe Orlandino — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:07:28 +0000

Good stuff Jeff!
(here kitty, kitty)

By: SinCityFinancier

SinCityFinancier — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:40:31 +0000

Thank again Jeff for mentioning “skin in game” Your absolutely right and we beat that issue to death on our blogfeed.

By: Kent Probst

Kent Probst — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:25:57 +0000

I have a Regulation D investment offering that was professionally prepared, as well as a business plan (cash flow schedule, finance plan and sales estimates) production schedule, budget, shooting script, casting director, publicist, and an LLC formed for the film. I wrote the script myself.

Can you clarify what you mean an investment package? I’m assuming that’s my Regulation D private placement memorandum.

By: Michael Walker

Michael Walker — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 03:12:17 +0000

That money can come back out of the budget.

By: scott hillman

scott hillman — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 03:40:10 +0000

good anwser to your question David: The States themselves. The reps from states film offices do business with a lot of people, and since there job is to pimp there states they can be suprisingly good at passing business along to people. since they don’t make any money from films, they can do a pretty good job at telling you who to contact, by who contacts them-this can be stuff like studios, but i have found good money, and financing leads from state officers.

Actually in general just talk to as many people as you can-studios, unions, editors, Insurance agents-people know people and you can be suprised at what they offer you.

By: David Weinberg

David Weinberg — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:55:14 +0000

Curious as to how you can find the new players on the scene and what they require. I’ve seen a lot of 20/80 deals…bring me 20% equity, a great attached cast, at least sales estimates, and prefereably presales/u.s. distribution, and then we will consider doing the rest, as long as it is in a tax credit state.

As you mention, there are the few fund survivors from 2008. But I’m missing the new guys. Any idea on how to find them?

By: Jan Van Tassell

Jan Van Tassell — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 21:48:41 +0000

Nice to see Andy still plugging away, how you been? What a crime you didn’t get the channel on air. We would have had a blast pitching programs to you, Andy. How’s “100 Naked Girls” doing? Has it sold? Any hits? Next time I win the mega lotto we have to produce it! If you still own it. Best jvt