Kevin Geiger on indie film business plans

Excerpt 2 of 4 from Kevin Geiger's informal presentation on independent film business planning, delivered at the Griffith University Film School in Brisbane, May 2008. Kevin discusses indie film development funding and business plans, with specific attention to development & advisory teams, and investor presentations.

Kevin Geiger on indie film business plans

Excerpt 1 of 4 from Kevin Geiger's informal presentation on independent film business planning, delivered at the Griffith University Film School in Brisbane, May 2008. Kevin discusses the distinctions and relationships between production companies, development companies and producing companies.

Things Investors want to know before investing

Investors don’t give a damn about your screenplay. They also do not care if you are talented or if you have written the Great American Novel.

They do want to see your Business Plan and learn about their Return on Investment (ROI). They are interested in learning how you plan distribution of your completed film and they also want to know who’s running your company. And ultimately, the largest concern is how long will it take and when can they expect to see profits.

Filmmaking is a business and if you're in this business you have to speak their language.

© 2008 Stanley Lozowski, All Rights Reserved.

A Standard Business Plan Outline

If you are trying to raise money for your film production, the first thing you will need is a good business plan.

Once you have the main components, the order doesn’t matter that much, but this is what you should include:

1.) An Executive Summary: This can come first, but write this last. It’s just a page or two of the highlights of your plan.
2.) Your Company Description: Legal establishment, history, start-up plans, etc.
3.) Your Product or Service: Describe what you’re selling. If you're making a film, describe why it will be profitable. Focus on customer benefits.
4.) Market Analysis: You need to know your market, customer needs, where they are, how you will reach them, etc.
5.) Strategy and Implementation: Be specific. Include management responsibilities with dates and budgets. Make sure you can track and verify results.
6.) Web Plan Summary: For e-commerce, include discussion of website, development costs, operations, sales, distribution and marketing strategies.
7.) Your Management Team: Describe the organization and the key management team members with their CV and relevant accomplishments.
8.) Financial Analysis: Make sure to include your complete budget with a top sheet and at the very least your projected Profit and Loss and Cash Flow tables.

READ MORE by Tim Berry - http://articles.bplans.com/index.php/business-articles/writing-a-business-plan/A-Standard-Business-Plan-Outline

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