43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film, Updated Edition: A Comprehensive Analysis of Film Finance

by John W. Cones

Book Overview

This updated edition of John W. Cones's now classic guide to independent film financing includes a discussion of new federal laws. Focusing on feature films, the comprehensive guide is also relevant to projects such as short films, documentaries, videos, multimedia presentations, and theatrical endeavors.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809322021
• ISBN13: 9780809322022
• Release Date: September 1998
• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film

Concise, to the point and very interesting. I knew quite a bit of it, but the author pulls no punches and gives great suggestions and warnings. Worth the price of admission.

Every Independent Filmmaker should have this book!

I've gone through this book from cover to cover and find it invaluable. Mr. Cones is very thorough in has coverage and assessment of the different ways to finance a film. He explains securities, as well as non-securities financing on a level that is appealing to both the beginner, as well as established film makers. In addition, he explains the popular business structures and how they can benefit your film. Most important, Mr. Cones writes with ethical candor. He tells you about some of the schemes that go on in Hollywood and gives you advice on what to avoid. Do yourself a favor, go out and buy this book!

A resource for producers new and old

How helpful this book is depends on how "green" you are about the film industry. Those with little to no knowledge about film production will find the book resourceful, informative and very "to-the-point" about the different types of financing available. The advantage/disadvantage sections are especially concise--it's always good to see both sides when it comes to deals potentially worth millions. The "further reading" sections at the end of chapter are also handy, if you want to do extra research on your own.For those who are experienced film producers (or even those who have finished rigorous film producing and/or entertainment business academic programs, such as myself), the information may repeat many things you already know. Many of the strategies in this book I've learned about in producing classes and film financing seminars--and I'm just starting my career. So I'm sure that some seasoned producers may think this book is reinventing the wheel. However, I did think that the sections dealing with the different securities and corporation options were very informative as far as how they impact your tax status, the difference between active and passive investors, how your autonomy as a filmmaker/producer may be affected, etc. It breaks down a lot of tax legalese into layman's terms.Overall, I recommend the book--as a primer for new producers and students, and as a great reference guide to those with experience.