Posted on Oct 20, 2009

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The panel pointed out something that we often forget, the indie film industry is still relatively young. Depending on how you define the “start” of it as an industry (and that term should be used loosely), perhaps the late 60s to mid 70s, it’s somewhere around 40 years old. And financing deals didn’t come to play in it considerably until the mid- to late-80s or so–about 20 years ago.

Initially, LLCs were the first way of funding these undertakings, then Wall Street financiers–flush from the heady S&L days of that time era. Not long after, hedge funds and in the 90s, some new media money.

That’s all to say that the space moves rapidly and there, still, is no iconoclastic model for financing.

But today, producers can’t afford to ignore international funds. As a model, the panel pointed out a production co-financed by Russian money and mentioned the deep pockets of overseas investors.

Mike Ryan pointed out that in virtually every other country than the US there is money available for production. Charlotte Mickie said that given the economic climate, many productions with a strong concept, good packaging, and international financing will do better with pre-sales (particularly if there is a strong broadcast component) than actual sales.

Dylan Leiner said that distributors are moving away from slate deals with a single producer, they’re trying to diversify and spread risk around. Distributors are also looking for a clear-cut marketing and outreach plan, often with a grassroots component, from the beginning.

Unlocking Global Financing Opportunites
Moderator:
Anthony Kaufman, Journalist

Panelists:
Dylan Leiner, Executive Vice President of Acquisitions & Production – Sony Pictures Classics
Charlotte Mickie, Executive Vice President – E1 Entertainment International
Michael Ryan, Producer/Journalist – Greyshack Films – Life During Wartime
Himesh Kar, Senior Executive – New Cinema Fund – UK Film Council

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