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Stage 32 Presents: The Art of the Deal – Innovative Financing for Indie Filmmakers

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Posted by Richard "RB" Botto

Happy Tuesday, Creative Army!

We’re keeping the momentum going this summer by continuing to bring Cannes to you, one powerhouse panel at a time.

As you know, Stage 32 proudly celebrated our 10th anniversary partnering with the Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival this May. Our programming featured some of the most influential and innovative minds in the business, sharing unfiltered knowledge on what it really takes to get your projects made in today’s ever-changing industry.

Today, I’m thrilled to share a panel that goes straight to the heart of what every indie filmmaker wants to know:

Where do I find the money, and how do I actually close the deal?

Stage 32 Presents: The Art of the Deal – Innovative Financing for Indie Filmmakers

Recorded live at the FilmUSA Pavilion on May 17th, 2025

This expert conversation dives deep into what it takes to finance your project from real industry professionals who do it every day. We’re talking international tax incentives, private equity strategies, packaging insights, and the real behind-the-scenes negotiations that move indie films forward.

This wasn’t theory. It was actionable, honest advice from panelists who’ve raised millions and gotten movies made:

Moderator:

  • David Zannoni – International Consultant, Stage 32

Panelists:

  • Grady Craig – Senior Vice President, BondIt Media Capital & President of Buffalo 8
  • Tiffany Boyle – President of Sales & Packaging at Ramo Law, Film Producer
  • Viviana Zarragoitia – Senior Vice President, Three Point Capital

If you’ve ever wondered how to craft a finance plan that works, what kinds of partners to approach, or how to align your pitch with investor priorities, this panel is an absolute must-watch. These insiders pulled back the curtain on how they evaluate projects, the mistakes filmmakers make when approaching capital, and how the smartest deals get done in today’s global landscape.

Watch the full panel recording below and join the conversation in the comments!

Let us know: What’s one part of the financing process you’d like more clarity or support on right now?

Stage 32 Presents The Art of the Deal Innovative Financing for Indie Filmmakers

And if you missed our last two panels, you can watch them by clicking on the links below:

Rebuilding the Pipeline – How Producers & Filmmakers Can Get Greenlit in Today’s Landscape

From Local Crews to Global Screens – Navigating the Filmmaking Boom

We’ve got even more Cannes panels coming your way over the next few weeks, so keep checking back. These conversations are here to empower you, demystify the process, and help you take your next steps with confidence.

Stay hungry, stay inspired—and keep creating.

Cheers,

RB

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