The process of financing Indie films and distribution reminds us of what it feels like to dance naked at a live stage (much respect to the exotic dancers of Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club!).movie tavern exton You arrive to present your film idea and you need to be in a position to dance to the music of a film investment investor. It’s their stage , you’re not an independent filmmaker in search of film financing. They’re asking you to create an attractive and marketable film that will appeal to distributors of films so that your production will earn money.
The majority of investors I’ve spoken to do not want to invest cash into indie art house films since they are difficult to sell to film distributors and international film buyers don’t tend to be keen to see these films. Dialog and the scenes in certain types of art house films do not translate well for foreign buyers or movie fans. Action or horror films do require subtitles to follow the narrative is the message I’ve heard from distributors. Talking head films not be understood by viewers who don’t comprehend subtle phrases that are spoken in a different language.
The financing of independent films
is changing as distribution of independent films becomes more uncertain financially. The area where it’s hitting independent film producers the most is in the middle – film financing. Film investors aren’t excited about investing money into films which don’t feature names that are bankable. It’s not the case with independent films with stars of the highest caliber or are made with million dollars. These are the kind of indie film passion projects are ones you can create after you’ve mastered the entertainment industry at the studio level.
Investors in Indie Films and distributors don’t require the best actor on the block, but they do expect producers with the actors (B-list or C-list or D list) who have some fame or acclaim. The first thing that film distributors and investors inquire about is who the main actors are.
The good news is that enjoyable indie films
I spoke to a movie distributor who focuses on the release of independent films. They informed me that they receive every day new films for submissions.
They were sincere about the fact that they make very successful films and films that aren’t attractive, but with the many films out there, they are no longer able to offer the majority of producers an advance against film royalties, or the filmmakers a lump sum “buy-out” to secure distribution rights. Their perspective from a business standpoint is that most indie filmmakers just love to see their film made. The phrase they employed was “glorified showreel” for an indie filmmaker to showcase that their ability to make the film of their dreams. Therefore, they purchase a large portion of their films without a payment in advance or an “buy-out” agreement.
Making a profit on the production of a film
is not sense financially for investors in film who are hoping to see profit made. When film investors put money up to create a film, they are hoping to earn a profit on their investment. If not, it’s not an investment in a film. It’s now the film’s donation of money that they’re giving away without expectations. It’s been my experience traveling the “dog and pony show” circuit with film investors, and learning valuable lessons.
I’m in the habit of speaking with indie film distributors prior to making a screenplay, to find out what kind of films are popular and which celebrities or actors that could be associated with the project will appeal to them. It’s not as if I’m chasing the latest trends but provides producers a better understanding of the market conditions for independent films. Sometimes, distributors provide me with the names of stars or other celebrities to think about who would be suitable for the budget of an independent film. Film sales outside of those in the U.S. are where a large portion of the revenue is created for indie filmmakers.
Film sales and distributors of films agents can inform you of how the talents of actors and celebrities are making their way into movie sales abroad at an indie level. These aren’t superstar names however having someone with a certain kind of name is an excellent marketing tool to make your film stand out from the crowd. A few brief appearances by actors or famous people were a great method to keep the cost of talent lower and also give a name that is bankable to your film’s cast.
My Conversations with Distributors.
This has changed recently after my conversations with distributors. Movie distributors expect every name actor to be a significant part in the film instead of having a short part in a cameo. Cameo scenes are still effective when there’s an appealing visual that catches the audience’s attention in a specific way. But having someone with name recognition to utter a couple of lines without a hook isn’t going to work any longer.
Another method to make an indie movie seeking funding appealing investors is to add actors who have appeared in an upcoming TV show or movie notable. Their role as an actor might not be as famous yet, but rising stars who have been in a renowned film or television show could increase the appeal of your film. If you choose to cast the actors in a role that is not their own, make sure you keep the working hours on set to a minimum in order to reduce your budget. Write their scenes in a way that they could be shot in one and a half days.
If you’re pitching serious investors in film, they’ll require an exact budget for the film and distribution plans for making money from your film’s release. The Catch-22 that occurs frequently is that the majority of distributors who specialize in Indie films will not commit to any contract until they’ve seen the film.
There is no an integrated distribution system
like in film productions with a budget of studios.They don’t comprehend the Catch-22 of filmmaking indie and distribution. This is why a film producer must have an effective pitch that clearly describes the financial implications of distribution for indie films.
The majority of film investors won’t take at an indie movie’s finance pitch that has self-distribution. From a film investor’s commercial standpoint, it is far longer for an independent film to make money by taking the self-distribution method. It’s the same as the traditional method of selling your film from the trunk of your vehicle in various places, but today it’s online with direct sales and digital distribution through a blog. This is a long-term process that investors won’t be keen on waiting for. One unit of a film at each time is way too slow of a trickle for investors.
the ways to avoid Catch-22 is to approach film distributors
One way to avoid one of the ways to avoid Catch-22 is to approach film distributors when you pitch your investors in the film industry. With a specific budget and possibly a cast attached, you can assess whether there is any interest from a distributor in the film. There’s a chance that the distributor will inform you they’ll offer the option of an advance deal or a “buy-out” deal. They will usually not give you an exact amount but even a rough estimate of what they could offer will tell you the amount that makes sense to reach out to movie investors.
I know an experienced indie movie producer who makes about 4 to 6 films per year with extremely reasonable budgets, and is aware that they’re already making money by generating advance funds alone. Film royalty payments are an added benefit. The producer makes budgets accessible and efficient at each stage of production. When you have the track record of an agency for distribution, you will are aware of the amount you can expect to receive. You can then give film investors a percentage on the amount they invest in the film that is reasonable.
Social media interaction with other independent
filmmakers lets you learn about what’s happening in the world of distribution of movies from people’s actual experiences. They are not film festivals that are art house festivals. The ones that are specific to a particular genre, such as action or horror films. Like Screamfest Horror Film Festival or Action on Film (AOF).
Film financing for independent filmmakers and film distribution are two aspects of the entertainment industry that all filmmakers have to contend with and gain knowledge from each encounter. I was on the spotlight today, in front of an investor in film. I’ve cut the budget as best I can, without causing the plot to lose steam read more
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