Talking Business: Key Agreements in Film Financing Part 1

Welcome back to TALKING BUSINESS: Insights from the Independent Film Industry, hosted by Stage 32 Certification International Liaison, Thought Leader, and Business Consultant David Zannoni, of Freeway Entertainment and Zannoni Media.

In TALKING BUSINESS, I sit down with top professionals from across the entertainment industry to uncover the business behind the art—from film financing and deal structuring to distribution strategy and international co-productions. Whether you’re a producer, investor, or filmmaker wearing many hats, this series is your window into the conversations happening in professional boardrooms, not just writer’s rooms.

This Week: Part 1 of an Essential Indie Film Financing Discussion with Gregg Ramer

In today’s eighth episode, I’m joined by Gregg Ramer, the principal of Ramer Entertainment Law. Gregg is a seasoned entertainment attorney and trusted business advisor who has worked across every corner of the film industry, representing financiers, producers, talent, and guilds. His expertise spans all stages of production and distribution, and his legal acumen is matched by a deep understanding of independent film deal-making.

In Part 1 of our two-part conversation, Gregg and I dive into:

• The primary sources of indie film financing today: production loans, equity investments, tax incentives, and pre-sales

• How financing packages are structured, and what key legal documents are required

• The importance of loan agreements, security agreements, and interparty negotiations

• Why the Collection Account Management Agreement (CAMA) and the recoupment schedule (aka “the waterfall”) are critical in protecting your financiers and partners

• The red flags that can derail a financing plan before you even start production

Whether you’re early in your producing journey or you’re looking to sharpen your understanding of the financial framework behind indie filmmaking, this episode offers an unmissable download of practical and legal knowledge that can set your next project up for success.

Watch Part 1 now and drop your biggest takeaway or question in the comments!

Don’t forget to stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue the conversation!

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