THE STAGE 32 BLOG Subscribe

Welcome to the Stage 32 Blog. Browse the archive, browse by tags, or search to get started...

Hybrid Film Funding Strategy For Independent Films

Having been in film for decades, producing and distributing many films and documentaries, I am very aware of the difficulties in trying to fund independent films. After some deliberation, my approach to project funding has changed. New technologies and changes in funding legislation have created innovative funding sources that should be incorporated into an updated "hybrid film funding strategy". New funding sources have become available, but it is also important to identify the inv…

Using Blockchain to Finance and Distribute Your Film

The landscape of the film industry is changing and at its forefront is the innovative, Blockchain technology and Web 3.0. In the last decade or so, we have witnessed a major shift in all sectors of film including the studios, streaming companies, and the independent film industry. Back in 2009, I was teaching at a major university and researching the causes and events of the recent housing financial collapse. It was also around that time; I became aware of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. Bl…

Blockchain and The Entertainment Industry

For decades, the film industry has been dominated by studios, large distribution channels, lawyer firms and big agencies. The traditional Hollywood power structure has created many issues. This includes many legal, agent and financial intermediaries; a lack of transparency; piracy; inadequate protection against violation of intellectual property rights; cumbersome and lengthy processes for financial payment of funds and a general lack of transparency in financial and legal information.…

Film Funding: The Independent Producer And the PPM/LLC

In the late 1990’s, I was asked to be involved with a film that was to be funded via a Private Placement Memorandum/an LLC. My company was to be the worldwide sales agent for the film, which was budgeted at about $1.2 million. I read the script and also reviewed the film package (writer/director/actors/producers etc) and the production budget. I did my due diligence on the film project. I liked the project, the genre and pace of the script etc., so I was happy to provide revenue …

Is Blockchain Film Business 2.0? Part 3

From the inception of the film industry in Los Angeles, it has been dominated by major power brokers namely, studios, distributors lawyers and or agencies. This traditional film business model has created an environment that is far from perfect. Many issues are clear and obvious including the many numerous legal, agent and financial middlemen; lack of transparency and trust; piracy; violations of intellectual property rights; inefficient and lengthy procedures for payment of funds and a …

5 Steps to a Successful Film Marketing Strategy

Independent filmmakers: the most important rules of marketing are to start early and keep focused on your target audience and how to monetize those consumers. What is the point of making a movie and no one knowing about it? – Marketing is the key. Marketing is a very important element in the world of film. In fact, studios are marketing machines and focus a great deal of time on marketing. Independent filmmakers should learn from the majors as they truly understand marketing. Alt…

Is Blockchain Film Business 2.0? Part 2

This is my second blog in a series concerning blockchain and the film industry, if you missed part one you can check it out here.  TRANSPARENCY/SECURITY/DECENTRALIZATION Blockchain is a decentralized ledger in which all the transactions are verified and recorded within an encrypted and fully secure platform. Transparency, security and decentralization are a number of its most important elements.     DECENTRALIZATION The major component of blockchain is through its …

Is Blockchain Film Business 2.0?

Will blockchain technology create a paradigm shift in the business practices of the film industry? The film industry on many occasions been fundamentally changed by technology over the years.………. from film; to video; to broadcast; to cable; VHS; DVD; broadband, streaming etc. Will blockchain and the distributed ledger technology be that next force for significant change? Is blockchain is a total paradigm shift? Blockchain technology can provide innovative opport…

From Cradle To Grave: Advice On Marketing Your Film

Independent filmmakers, the most important rules of marketing are start early and keep focused on your target audience and how to monetize those consumers. What is the point of making a movie and no one knowing about it? – Marketing is the key. Marketing is a very important element in the world of film. In fact, studios are marketing machines and focus a great deal of time on marketing. Independent filmmakers should learn from the majors as they truly understand marketing. Altho…

Film Funding: The Independent Producer And the PPM/LLC

  In the late 1990’s, I was asked to be involved with a film that was to be funded via a Private Placement Memorandum/an LLC. My company was to be the worldwide sales agent for the film, which was budgeted at about $1.2m. I read the script and also reviewed the film package (writer/director/actors/producers etc) and the production budget. I did my due diligence on the film project. I liked the project, the genre and pace of the script etc., so I was happy to provide revenu…

7 Elements For A Successful Film Business Plan

In the film industry, you'll need a solid business plan for the projects you take on. A business plan is a document which clearly identifies your understanding of where your project fits into the film industry and the market it is targeted to. It should state the financial requirements of the venture; what is required from the investors; how they are to be repaid; what compensation they will receive and when and from where. Other areas within the document will include the experience of t…

register for stage 32 Register / Log In