How to Create an Investor Package for Film Financing

Turning a film dream into a sensible investment is a skill that even some of the most talented filmmakers may actually lack. This process of learning how to create an investor package for film financing, aka “film packaging,” is definitely an art and it’s an art that is potentially worth millions if it’s done right. Done wrong…Well you can guess what happens if you get it wrong.

Independent filmmakers often struggle with this process. There’s just so much to consider including the budget, the production schedule, the pitch deck, and sales estimates. But all of this must also be presented in such a way that an investor can’t help but to say “Yes.” 

So how does a filmmaker, one with a creative eye and a need for all things artistic, get an investor, one with a numbers brain and a knack for logical risk taking, to say, “YES?”

It’s all in the film packaging

An experienced film packager can create an investor package that delivers all of the pertinent information that a reward seeking, risk taking investor is looking for.

While equally fulfilling the necessary combination of irresistible cast, renowned director, and industry-leading technology that’s likely to draw audiences from near and far. Here’s what it’s going to take to knock the socks off those investors and secure the film financing you need.

Step 1: Build Value

It’s really all about the value that you can create for the underlying project. This is your chance to show the investors that they can’t go wrong with a decision to invest in your production because the value can’t be beat.

Learning how to create an investor package for film financing is all about conveying the concept in your synopsis in such a way that it stands out to investors and delivers value that they will connect with, and remember.

Step 2: Prepare the Pitch Deck

The investor package is going to include your pitch to investors and it better be good! You want your pitch deck to deliver a visual appeal that connects with the film’s aesthetic style and uses similar colors, fonts, and features from the film.

Presentation is incredibly important as this is your opportunity to show investors that you care about how your film is going to look.

The color palette, photos, and supporting references used in your pitch should help the investor feel the underlying aesthetics of your film. This is VERY IMPORTANT!

Step 3: Preparing the Budget & Sales Estimates

While aesthetics are important, for investors the numbers say it all! Your investors want to know that their investment is safe. They want to see the value in the risk vs. reward scenario and they want to figure the potential return on their investment – NOW.

As you learn how to create an investor package for film financing, you should be focusing much of your time on projections and figures. First, you’re going to need to plan the production budget.

This means you need to have established where you want to produce the film, who you will cast, and what kind of special effects or other expenses will be involved.

This is incredibly important at this stage. If you don’t have these figures, don’t even think about packaging your film for investment!

Detailed Sales Estimates

In addition to the budget, you’re going to need to have sales estimates. Detailed sales estimates for both the domestic markets and international markets that you intend to distribute within will help investors see value.

DO NOT create these sales estimates without background proof of how they were established and absolutely DO NOT over exaggerate your estimates! These investors are going to see right through tactics like this, and you’ll lose their trust!

Step 4: The Production Schedule 

Investors don’t need to know the entire schedule day-by-day but they are going to want to know the important details. When will the script be prepared? When will all pre-production steps be finalized?

And when will production begin? When will production wrap? Also, when will post-production begin? When will the film be finalized and ready for distribution?

Showing investors how close you are to production and how prepared you are with the entire plan scheduled out creates a sense of completion and reduces anxiety from investors.

Who may otherwise wonder if they might invest in a project that won’t get finished. Reassurance will help your investor to feel more inclined to open the checkbook.

Step 5: Draft the Financial Plan

With budget, sales estimates, and potential investor financing in order, you can draft the financial plan for your project with ease. If you’ve already acquired some investments, include these in your pitch!

This will warm future investors to the idea as they see that others also have interest in the project. Drafting a preliminary financial plan for the project shows your investors that you are responsible.

But more importantly, it proves to investors that you’re thinking about how you will repay their investment when your film is a success. 

Step 6: Preparing the Film Package

You’ve got all of the details in order, now it’s time to begin the process of packaging the film. Learning how to create an investor package for film financing at this point is all about how you put the details of the deal together. So that you can present the pertinent information to investors.

Start with:

• The synopsis that adds value.
• Include director’s notes and producer’s notes.
• Use aesthetic elements from the actual film including color schemes, mood boards, fonts and features that connect with your film.
• Provide details on cast and crew that have a reputation in the industry and can add value.
• Deliver the budget and anticipated financial plan.
• Offer any technical details that will make the film particularly noteworthy. 
• Include a calendar that outlines the proposed production work schedule.
• Create the pitch deck that includes all of these important details in a presentation.

The Takeaway

Figuring out how to create an investor package for film financing that’s going to grasp the attention of your investor. And prove to them that this is more than just a dream.

This is a worthwhile investment that is likely to draw a significant ROI for them is certainly a process that some filmmakers do struggle with. In fact, you might find it’s better to hire a professional to assist with this process and that’s okay!

When you’re talking about a pitch that is potentially worth millions, you definitely want to get it right!