How to Finance Your Independent Film

How to Finance Your Independent Film

How to Finance Your Independent Film. (n.d.). Retrieved December 17, 2014, from http://www.newenglandfilm.com/news/archives/98july/funding.htm

There are multiple ways to fund an independent film, it all depends on the results that you want to get. Studio developed films are not as ‘independent’ as a person may want, if you don’t mind getting most of the rights to your film taken away, then the funding provided could be worth it. It is important to realize that a studio is trying to make money, too, so they will be looking out for their best interest in the long run. If you want to stay true to the independent aspect of this filmmaking, there is always independent distributor financing. These distributors usually don’t work with big studios and don’t have the resources to actually develop a film. However, they are able to distribute films on a smaller ratio and there is a higher chance for personal profit. Another option is End user financing, this is based off theater or cable stations putting in money in exchange for equity percentage in the films revenue stream. The last option is a completion fund, these are funds created to provide partial production financing. This option may be a bit more difficult because you must qualify and meet certain requirements. Overall, there are multiple options for financing a film, it is simply up to the filmmaker to decide which is best.

“Therefore, you have to be careful with whom you share your ideas and to remember that scripts and treatments are copyrightable, but ideas are not copyrightable.”

“For your information, Florida recently adopted a P&A (prints and advertising) Fund. Essentially, it is an incentive for filmmakers, such as yourself, to produce films in Florida.”

This article is vital to independent filmmakers because it gives information on different ways to fund an independent production. It’s important for filmmakers to be fully aware of what they are getting themselves into and what they might be getting in return. I think this article describes different options in a clear way that is easily understood. Making an independent production is a project that relies heavily on money, financial situations can make or break a project. This article is able to outline the advantages and disadvantages of each option.