Business Plans for a Film How to give an Investor what he wants to see!
Business Plan Contents Executive Summary
Business Plan Contents Executive Summary Company Information
Business Plan Contents Executive Summary Company Information Film Synopsis
Business Plan Contents Executive Summary Company Information Film Synopsis Industry Information
Business Plan Contents Executive Summary Company Information Film Synopsis Industry Information Market Information
Business Plan Contents Executive Summary Company Information Film Synopsis Industry Information Market Information Distribution Plans
Business Plan Contents Executive Summary Company Information Film Synopsis Industry Information Market Information Distribution Plans Risk Factors
Business Plan Contents Executive Summary Company Information Film Synopsis Industry Information Market Information Distribution Plans Risk Factors Financing Plan
Business Plan Contents Executive Summary Company Information Film Synopsis Industry Information Market Information Distribution Plans Risk Factors Financing Plan Accompanying Material
The Executive Summary Contains a short summary of all of the main sections. It’s the first section in your plan, it’s the last section you write. Must be supported by the rest of your plan. Contains a Section called “Strategic Opportunity” which works as an introduction to you plan.
Strategic Opportunity This is the introduction to your business plan It describes: Who You are What you are doing Why you are doing it Most information will be repeated later
Company Information Who – What kind of entity is your company, who are the people involved? What – What is your company going to do? When – When are you planning to begin? Where – What is the market for your product How – How is your company managed and organized to function?
Film Synopsis A brief description of your film: Target audience Genre Expected rating (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) Short Treatment (2-3 pages max) Pro Forma Budget (Budget Summary)
Industry Information Answers the following questions: How does the industry work? Studio vs Indie production The Distribution process What does the future look like? Theatrical Home video Non-traditional distribution How does your project fit into the industry?
The Markets What kind of film are you making? Who wants to see your film? Demographics Psychographics How have similar films performed? What is your marketing strategy?
Distribution What is a “Distributor” Studio vs. Indie Distribution Domestic Vs. Foreign Distribution Distribution Deals: Negative Pickup Production Financing Minimum Guarantees & Advances Distribution & Marketing Expenses Distributor Strategies
Risk Factors MUST be included!!!! Usually a separate section Don’t minimize the risk – optimize the potential!
Financing Plan Must be grounded in reality. Do NOT promise anything that you cannot personally deliver. Watch out for Investors who promise more than they can deliver
Financing Plan (cont.) List the projected budget for your film (including marketing and development costs) List the amount of money you are trying to raise Detail exactly how proceeds are going to be distributed to all parties List any other sources of funding
Financing Plan (cont.) Comparative Data Cash Flow Statements Box office of other comparable films Theatrical Domestic Foreign DVD TV Internet Ancillary Costs of other comparable films Cash Flow Statements
Appendix Full Script or Treatment Complete Resumes for all Principle Parties Complete budget Detailed Industry Data