This month I’ve spent 8 hours taking various Film Finance webinars at different organizations to bring all of you the latest finance info!
Just yesterday, I attended a webinar hosted by a FEMALE VC (girl power). She encouraged the attendees to pitch to Angel Investor Groups to get practice and introductions. EVERY STATE has angel investor groups and venture capitalists who would be happy to look at your pitch deck and give you feedback.
They will also be able to introduce you to other angel investors and VC’s. It’s free and will help some of you become more comfortable TALKING ABOUT MONEY! Remember, Angels & VC’s are just regular people who LOVE MOVIES & have high net worths :)
You’ve got nothing to lose so reach out to your local investor groups today! You’ll gain some new connections in the financial world which will probably lead to a solid film investment down the road.
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Thanks for Sharing, Colette.
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J.D. Mason you’re welcome! Investor groups are eager to give feedback and you can make at least 1 valuable connection to legitimate investors. Also, there are Investor Groups for Women only and Black Women investor groups. Best of Luck to you!
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What "investor groups"?
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Hi Jon Shallit Investor Groups are literally groups of venture capitalists (VC’s) and angel investors who combine as an organization to provide investment education and actual investments to start-ups. I believe every state has at least one. They always have websites with the bios of the investors who are involved.
From a movie perspective, they can be great sources to practice pitching, review pitch decks, make very helpful connections and explain financial investments since filmmakers are often raising money.
Are they listed anywhere?
Jon Shallit I already noted where you need to look.
Often these groups say they do not invest in film
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It’s not so much about getting them to invest in a film. Its about developing relationships and getting free pitch practice from people who are extremely knowledgeable about the world of investing. Their websites will state exactly what they invest in-most put their money into tech. Making a positive impression can be very useful as it could lead to important introductions.. I think it takes the pressure off to be in an environment of investors without constantly worrying about if they’re going to cut a check.
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One last thing, your college/university has Investor clubs. That’s a good place to start. You probably went to school with someone who is now a banker/accountant, etc.
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This is very interesting! Do you happen to know if they're interested in, say, UK projects? Or is it US only?
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@LyndonBooth there are thousands of VC clubs all over the world, not to mention individual angel investors. Pick 10 and politely ask if anyone is willing to give you feedback on your film/tv pitch deck or verbal pitch. You may have to expand your search if you don’t get enough interested investors at first. Persistence pays! Good Luck!!
VC general do not invest in features unless the following elements in place 1) Cast with names that boxoffice track record ( domestic and international) and 2) Distribution deal.
@Racquel VC’s you are right. VCs typically tend to invest in start-ups since they are looking for guaranteed returns after a certain number of years BUT I think it’s important for people who generally need money (filmmakers) to get acquainted with people who have raised lot of money and can provide guidance.