Probably the hardest part of filmmaking is getting the funds together to make the film.
In the "old" days you could create a mock up poster and show an investor and their checkbooks would come out.
That time is long gone.
In today's market you need a package to get the attentions of high net worth individuals or HNI's.
What's in this package? A great script, properly formatted, a budget, any info on cast or key crew, and most important, your game plan.
The investors may like your film but his main concern is how much will I make and when do I get my money back.
For the new filmmaker the questions above may be a bit daunting.
If you have never made a deal with a financier before what do you offer? Start out with offering ten percent on this money plus his original investment back.
I usually tell them you get 110% of you money back.
Although its ten percent still it just sounds more attractive.
Next offer them some sort of profit participation.
A standard deal for Hollywood is a fifty/fifty split between investors and the producers unit.
Tell them they get profits after the original budget is paid back.
The original investment is always paid back first.
The goal here is to make your film and get that investment paid back.
Why? So you can make another film.
If you deliver what you say to your investor I promise you he will want to make more films with you.
One last tip, send the investor info on how the shoot is going.
Invite him to the set.
Make him an extra.
Everyone wants to be in a movie! He will see how hard his money is working and will be very open to future investments.