Hi ,
As you know, we consistently get emails (some even as replies to these newsletters), with utterly ridiculous statements/requests like:
- I have an idea for xyz script, call me (123) 488-9876
- I need $3M for my film - can you help me?
- I
have bollywood movie project with all big star cast so need investor of producer
Recently, someone posted this on our FB wall: "Is this a group we can show scripts to and have investors interested?"
Of course we told them no such group exists. This person thought there should be such a group.
They think there should be a group where, at no cost to them, someone else teaches them all about the
movie business, does the work to turn their script (or idea for a script) into an investment vehicle and ALSO gives them the actual investment money so they can go make their indie film using someone else's time, money and risk?
Can you think of even ONE reason why this group should/would exist and who are these people with the time, expertise and financial resources to offer them globally to anyone who wants them?
Good luck with
that. I seriously don't know how or why anyone thinks this is even the remotest possibility. Has there even been a story or interview shared anywhere where a filmmaker got this type of hand holding and money outside of a grant or workshop? Of course not.
Here are some other signals a filmmaker is not ready to find investors, much less financing, and what you can do to prepare yourselves to stand out from these
folks:
1) You’re googling film investors and expecting to find a list somewhere (hint: it does not exist). You gotta do the work...full stop.
2) You are thinking about replying to this newsletter to ask for a film investment (hint: don't)
3) You’re at the idea phase – the furthest you’ve gone is write a script, if even that, and have no other thoughts on “paper” yet, like a budget, target
audience, distribution strategy, marketing strategy, social media following, proof of concept, comparable films, etc. That's like saying “I bought a box of mac and cheese for my dinner tonight and read the instructions. Will you give me money to open a gourmet Italian restaurant?”
4) You’re thinking more about your ASK than about your OFFER. An investment is an OFFER. Have you ever had a stock email you and ask you to give it
money?
5) You've done absolutely nothing to contribute to your film's bottom line - no state/location tax credits, crowdfunding, in-kind donations, product placement deals - basically
6) You have no film experience to show. No trailer, highlight reel, short film, some finished piece of film work you've created. The work does not have to be specifically the film you want investments for - but you do need proof that you
are, indeed, a filmmaker.
If you're ready to create a comprehensive investment OFFER, are willing to learn about financing - and want to follow the law - check out some of our best articles:
- 10 Things You MUST Do To Attract Film Investors
- Do you need a PPM?
- Film Funding Options
- Film Financing Stories from the Pros
Private Equity Investors come last in the process. If you come to the table with nothing, you have no offer.
