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

By John W. Cones

Book Overview

John W. Cones has updated his now classic 43 Ways toFinance Your Feature Film: A Comprehensive Analysis of Film Finance with a substantially reorganized and expanded third edition.

An essential reference guide for film professionals on every side of film financing, 43 Ways answers the question that every filmmaker and producer ultimately faces, the issue that can make or break any venture into the film industry: How do I finance my feature film? The third edition includes updated information and coverage of new options for financing.

In his clear and concise style and with expertise amassed over his nearly twenty years of experience in the film finance industry, Cones breaks financing options down into six main areas: gifts and grants, investor financing, domestic government subsidies and tax incentive programs, lender financing, international finance options, and studio or industry financing. Beginning with the forms of financing most likely to be accessible to independent feature film producers, Cones proceeds to other forms that become increasingly available as the producer's career matures.

As an objective adviser, Cones provides specific, concise information regarding the many possible financing strategies and lists the distinct pros and cons of each strategy. This guide covers the options for film financing in rich detail so that even first-time producers and filmmakers will be able to make educated and informed decisions about the best approaches to financing their films. An extensive bibliography contains additional information about each form of film finance. Cones also counters much of the bad advice being provided by pseudoprofessional film finance consultants and points out scams that may separate unwary film producers from their money.

Although the book focuses on financing feature films, much of its information is relevant to the financing of other kinds of projects, such as short films, documentaries, videos, and multimedia and theatrical endeavors. Anyone considering making or investing in a feature film will be well served by this practical and helpful guide.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809326930
• ISBN13: 9780809326938
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.2" x 9.1"

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.