What are the rules of film financing?
There are no universal rules in the film industry. Film productions, by their very nature, are constructed by very small teams which means decisions by a very small number of people are required to make some very big decisions. There are films that have been funded based on nothing more than a few lines on a napkin. There are other films made by proven filmmakers than never got funded for reasons no one ever quite understood. (see: Orson Wells).
In fact, what people find disturbing about the film industry is that there are no rules that apply equally to everyone. They find it so disturbing they start making up rules like “every film needs A-list talent” and “all films need a distributor prior to funding”. What they should say is “I think . . . “.
I think that if you create an attractive/high quality film package following the strategy outlined in this document and then submit it to 200 potential funders over the course of six months you are likely to receive multiple offers of full and partial funding (unless your film is Redacted or is rated NC-17 or X).
Why? Because this package builds a film from the bottom up with the help of seasoned pros. It is hard to go wrong with that strategy. Seasoned funders know what it takes to actually produce and distribute a film and this methodology gives them what they need to see.
Anyone who tells getting your film funded is “impossible” is someone stating their opinion. If you are willing to build a rational, market-worthy, business plan and find the right investors, you’ll find funding for your project. It will just take time and effort.
