Producing : Creative Financing by Tasha Lewis

Finance is only one part of successful movie-making. Production by committee has resulted in some of cinema's worst movies. The key decisions on cast and crew are best made by an experienced producer with a single vision. Just because a guy shows up in Air Jordans doesn't make him a successful basketball coach.

You can have several producers, but there must be a directing mind among the producers. A team of equals is a recipe for disaster. So an EIC, XP or Supervising Producer with ultimate authority and other producers who take their lead from that one. That's my advice after 25 years in the industry.

Thank you for your insights. Prior to asking my question, I reviewed several TV shows and found several with multiple producers. One in particular had as many as 10. I looked at it like this. If each producer put up $1 million, that provides a $10 million dollar budget plus Tax Credits and other funding options. I also use my resource ebook Funding for Internship and Scholarship Programs which opens up unlimited funding options. You'lls thoughts welcome.

My thoughts...maybe.

By creating focus groups for producers, we can learn their preferences. I wrote a book entitled "Outline for Retreats (Actors, Directors, Producers, and Screenwriters). That could be one of the topics that could be covered.

Tasha ~ Just watched some videos on Youtube by filmmaker Mark Harris (Black Coffee) in which he discusses offering producer titles to various name actors to get network/studio financing on projects. Thought it might interest you.

This is a good idea, in theory, Tasha Lewis, but in practice, it can invite loose commitments by all parties. In my experience what you require first is a champion - this is a producer who believes in your project, is committed from beginning to end, and, yes, may even put up some money to get it done. This person can, in turn, secure other financiers. Without at least one champion who will instill confidence in your other financiers, you are likely to take on a small pot with a lot of hand-holding to each investor because they are anxious to see an ROI. All that to be said, one main producer is what attracts the team.

Thank you for the your feedback. That's why I suggested a Producer Focus Group similar to a book that I wrote entitled "Outline for a Retreat" (Actors, Cast, Crew, Directors, Producers, and Screenwriters). It could be a workshop. It could explore the possibilities.

Anyway, you can get that cream, works for me!

A "producer" TV credit could mean almost anything (writer, actor, etc.) - EXCEPT - a financial stake. Those are EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS. Even then, that generally applies more to indies. EPs on a network/cable/streaming show are more likely showrunners or execs in charge of overseeing the show. None of them have a financial stake - that would be the studio/network.

Thank you for the details. Executive producer focus groups can offer valuable advice for other producers and uncover additional options for financing and additional support.

Include additional recommendations for making this process work with the new normal that can be used.

'Creative Financing' brought that little Savings and Loan industry issue to a head back in the '70s and it did it to the Banks again in 2008. It's starting to come home to the world's financial institutions. An' you personally want to go there?

My model would be using the resources of a collection of sources to insure a diverse stream of funds. Every industry has been impacted by Covid 19, Lockdown, and world impact. Previous sources have been strained. Screenwriters and producers willingness to be flexible with the budget will make a world of difference.

Being flexible with the budget funded by others will inevitably suck you down that same hole to bankruptcy. (Don't try to off-shoulder the risk to others.)

Let me provide an illustration of what I mean. Budget $10 million (Tax Credits $10 million while they are still available) The amounts will be invested in fixed and variable investments with no danger to the principle. This plus interest will be utilized to fund the project. Additionally, I would use my ebook Funding for Internship and Scholarship Programs as an additional source where most or more of the principle can be replaced or substituted. This would allow for modifications in the budget and allow us to stay on budget. (Examples Tax Credits, Tax Breaks , AmeriCorps and Federal Work Study Programs could be used for college students or Apprenticeship or Internship Programs) Sponsorships could also be utilized by including their products and services in the film or documentary. Many countries will offer incentives for shooting there.

Ya sure, you bettcha.

Tasha one thing that is clear about this business. Most people will work for your money and not for the real love of the project. With that being sad, who ever puts in the most money on paper will try to have a bigger influence on the film. And this is a buddy feed buddy business when big money is on the table.

Presentation of the original business model can make all the difference. If the investors and producers have a clear vision of the project details and how funding will be utilized and ROI is crystal clear, less confusion later. With each of my projects on my project page, the principal will not be jeopardized but invested throughout to ensure that all investors never lose their initial investment.

"ROI is crystal clear" Where can I find that crystal ball? My old crystal ball is getting a bit hazy when it comes to ROI, Y(sub e), NOI, PR and all those other little matters. I remain sceptical.

The additional items can be factored into the final agreement by substituting some expenses. (ex. sponsorships, reciprocal advertising, insurance on the production -source Stage 32 Blog article.).

Sorry but I'm old school. Sounds to me like you're using those new fangled millennial accounting procedures - I remain sceptical.

Has anyone produced a theatrical released Movie? (Say 100 screens globally). Show us a piechart breakdown on expenses & profits and timeline - how many years.

Doug Nelson I use resources from my book Funding for Internship and Scholarship Programs. (Fact Checked)