Film Business Plans
Making your film vision a reality requires a solid plan
A film business plan is crucial for securing funding for your movie. This document outlines your strategy for producing and marketing your film, serving as a confidential information summary that you’ll provide to potential investors after your pitch. It needs to be thorough and well-constructed to ensure the financial viability and success of your project.
Key Sections of a Film
Business Plan
- Executive Summary
A brief overview of your film and the team behind it.
- Project Synopsis
More info about your company, its goals and mission, & why you started it in the first place.
- Hypothetical Investment Return
An estimate of potential financial returns, demonstrating profitability.
- Distribution Fees Example
A breakdown of how revenue might be shared among stakeholders.
- Timeline/Production Plan
Important milestones in the production process, detailing the journey from pre-production to post-production.
- Bios/Resumes
& tools that are needed to run your business in the background.
- Budget Top Sheet
A summary of the financial plan, breaking down costs and expenses.
- Risk Management Details
A summary of the financial plan, breaking down costs and expenses.
- Contact Information
A summary of the financial plan, breaking down costs and expenses.
Movie Pitch Deck vs.
Movie Business Plan
When researching how to create a movie business plan, you might come across movie pitch decks. However, they serve different purposes.
A movie pitch deck is a visual presentation aimed at providing directors and actors with a feel for the film’s story and style but is not intended for investors.
In contrast, a movie business plan is all about the specifics-finance, timelines, and marketing strategies—information that matters most to investors. It demonstrates professionalism and shows how your film can succeed financially.
While the movie business plan is comprehensive, it is not a binding contract but a tool to present your project’s potential to investors.
Legal Aspects of Film Business
Planning
Drafting a film business plan is essential, but securing funding also involves navigating legal requirements. In the U.S., the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates investments to protect against fraud. You’ll need to determine the legal structure of your film’s business, whether it’s a corporation, LLC, or another entity, each with specific rules and advantages.
Engaging a knowledgeable entertainment lawyer is crucial to ensure compliance, which also enhances your project’s credibility with potential investors. Compliance, transparency, and trust are key to attracting investment.
Private Placement Memorandum
(PPM)
In some cases, your attorney may prepare a Private Placement Memorandum (PPM), which, like a business plan, outlines the objectives of your film. However, unlike a business plan, the PPM also clearly states the risks involved, ensuring that investors understand exactly what they’re committing to.
