Can International Sales Agents Be Blamed for Low Performing Film Sales?
International and Domestic sales of independent film is a volatile undertaking, even under the best of circumstances. Therefore, International Sales companies must be careful, and filmmakers must be realistic regarding expectations for revenue generation.
ABC’s of International Pre-Sales
A common financing vehicle for independent films is “Pre-Sales.” The phrase is often thrown around among producers and distributors in every day conversation. However, as more and more content creators are getting involved in bringing script to screen, everyone is trying to understand how this prominent financing tool actually functions.
How To Make Indie Filmmaking Profitable In The Age of Tentpole Franchises
To some, indie filmmaking is an art form, to others a dream of of seeing their story come to life on the big screen, however, it is meant to be a profitable business. Investors put money into a film, and expect to get their money back and receive a decent return on their investment. I sat down with Cindy Nelson-Mullen, Co-CEO of MonteCristo International, an international sales agent/production company, and discussed with her the elements it takes to make a profitable film in this changing economic landscape
The Basics of Film Financing
Financing of film projects often requires an elaborate patchwork of investors, banks, soft money tax credits and in-kind services. One of the overall themes of the industry that can at times make obtaining financing hard is the risks involved in making films, many of which may have very little tangible value at the end of the process.