After reading the book "Film Business Plan and Investor Guide", I bought the Silver package from Film Proposals. Going through the package demystifies the whole Business Proposal. Between the Business Plan Template, Film Financial Template, Financing Manual, Film Pitch Deck and Film Investor Agreement Outline, a substantial chunk of the Business Proposal is covered and is a great start for independent producers who have never created a proposal before.

The most important money that will go into producing your film is the first money in. The very first money that can be used towards your budget (negative pick up) costs. Far too many potential filmmakers think the very first thing they should do reach out to film investors, but that money is, in fact, the last money you should raise.

Once you have a portion of your budget covered, let's say 25-50%, by doing the work - in kind donations, tax incentives, product placement, grants, talent back end agreements, etc etc, it will be far easier to raise the rest of your budget. Your investment is so much more appealing when it isn't all risk and cash. Asking someone else for money before you've even thought about what you can do on your own is a surefire way to turn off investors. Learn about all the work you need to do before ever contacting a film investor - and surprise yourself with how much less money you need to raise from them!