Producing : Financial Projections by Deb Havener

Try to Google "foreign sales estimates" for a very general idea. Ideally, you would consult with a foreign sales agent or hire a consultant. There's really no easy way to approximate without knowing genre, elements, budget range, etc. This is not my area of expertise, but I could try to help connect you with a consultant if you are ready to commit some funds to learning more.

Hi Regina, thanks for taking the time to reply to my post -- and also for the tips and offer. I have an acquaintance at the Gillen Group who gave me some projections I can study. If that doesn't pan out I'd like to find out more about your connections and what they charge, etc. I also recall a handful of overseas companies at the AFM who had offices or kiosks and they all had their incentives and similar info. I may also have to do a little old-fashioned cross-reference work and just check out their sites/contact them. I didn't realize how many components there are to building a projection. It's a little boggling and eye-opening at the same time. I really do appreciate your reply, Regina.

To be clear, pre-sales are not incentives. I fear you might be lumping a few different elements together. You should be able to learn more simply by Googling "foreign sales" and "foreign sales agent." To get a real estimate for a pre-sale, you need your major elements in place. For example, an indie action movie starring Ben Affleck will have a different foreign sales estimate than one starring John Doe.

Good guidance is always welcome! Thanks for offering more clarity, Regina. Every bit truly helps.

For the past few months there has been an increasing trend away from presales and towards equity instead. Needless to say, sales companies or more attracted to films where the producer has skin in the game and is at risk on his own project as well. However, there are definitely a higher number of sales companies now getting directly involved in the financing of independent films simply to stay competitive. But you'll need to get your ducks in a row first: a great script, biz plan, director, and talent attachments plus a good track record of your own or someone on your core team with one.

Thanks for the good insight, Erik -- I'll definitely look into the sales companies. I also came across a great book called The Business of Media Distribution that's very detailed. The author worked for Lucasfilm in distribution (largely, Star Wars and Indiana Jones) and oversaw the overseas video distribution venture for Paramount and Universal. Only on chapter 3 but it's so insightful ... and mind-blowing! We do have several components in place; a Nicholl semi-finalist script, shooting schedule, budget and a few LOIs. (If you liked the wardrobe on HBO's Boardwalk Empire we have their key wardrobe on board our project. www.midnightswingmovie.com.) We still have a ton of work ahead of us. Sometimes I feel like an ant trying to get the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro - but it's a journey worth taking. Thanks again for your reply and insight!