For aspiring producers and directors who need to learn film finance from the ground up, this book teaches the fundamentals through the voices of more than 60 independent producers. Using a research and data-based approach, David Offenberg combines the wisdom of well-known and successful producers into one fun, easy-to-follow guide.
This is the ideal book for those looking to peek behind the curtain of how films are actually financed and therefore completed. A must read for independent producers and filmmakers. - Josh Ellis, Professor at Miami Dade College
David Offenberg is an Associate Professor of Finance in the College of Business Administration at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and is amongst the world's leading academic experts in entertainment finance. Dr. Offenberg won the most prestigious teaching award for finance professors in 2018 and the Financial Management Association's Innovation in Teaching Award. He is frequently quoted in the press, with mentions by CNBC, The Hollywood Reporter, NPR, Vanity Fair, Wall St. Journal, and The Wrap.
Part 1: Business and Finance Basics 1. The Wisdom of the Crowd 2. The (Movie) Business 3. The Language of Business 4. Debt Financing 5. Participation and Deferred Compensation 6. Tax Incentives and Soft Money 7. Budgets 8. Four Paths to Funding Your Budget Part 2: Financing Your Film 9. First Law of Film Finance 10. The Market Value of Your Film 11. A Financing Plan 12. Equity in Independent Film Part 3: Beyond the Basics 13. Experience Matters 14. People Matter 15. Pipelines Matter 16. Luck Matters 17. Many Other Things Matter Too 18. Action Plan