Greetings Stage 32 Warriors,
So I climbed the magic mountain and talked to the Magnificent Maurice as to the content of a post I wanted to post without any post movement to another lounge As always, Maurice was prompt, polite and positive. He suggested to seek the advice of the community so I'm reaching out for your opinions and insights.
What do you really need to say to investors to give you a chance to state your case? We went from business plans to Pitch Decks which are basically a 4th grade picture book that has the bare minimum of information. I've seen some impressive ones, but I'm often left with more questions than answers.
Most of us creatives have to go through producer with connections to studios or investors but by the time, our project finally gets to the money people, if we're lucky, maybe 35% of our original work is intact. So I created this post and was wondering how it strikes you.
"Seeking investors for THE CURMUDGEON. Budget is $1.5M for 150% return on initial investment. Don Most (Happy Days) is extremely interested in playing the title role. Here are some comments from recently acquired coverage of THE CURMUDGEON:
1. Strong character development for Grady - he's a compelling, cynical antihero with a distinct voice and worldview. His curmudgeonly personality and dark humor create an engaging protagonist.
2. Good action sequences - the fight scenes are well-choreographed and the cat-and-mouse game between Grady and the assassins builds tension effectively.
3. Interesting dynamics between characters - particularly the complex relationships between the assassins and Grady's reluctant mentorship of Ava.
4. Sharp dialogue - especially Grady's politically incorrect rants and cynical observations which add humor and social commentary.
All signs are pointing to a winner. Contact me to find out more about this exciting project."
Too much? Too Little? Personally, I think while it's not giving too much away, the context clues in the coverage notes give the reader an idea of the nature and genre of the piece.
I would really love you feedback.
Thank you in advance.
Philip
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Hi, Philip David Lee. From what I've learned on here and what I've heard over the years, you need a business plan when you approach investors. Letters of Intent, a pitch deck, sizzle reel/proof-of-concept, and poster can help.
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Maurice Vaughan I hear that all the time. All of the same components but no one ever addresses the question of why? The problem with "over the years" is that what has happened over the years has proven detrimental to investors. Letters of Intent are hard to get a unless the budget is secured. 9 out of 10 times if your budget is in, you'll sign your significant targeted talent. Proof of concept isn't really proof at all since it's just a reel that, for the most part doesn't use your dream cast unless you grew up with the talent. Where's the proof? Pitch decks and Posters are more promises than practicality. Literally everything you compile to present to an investor , except for the business plan, where you literally have to plot out your plan of attack almost to the dollar/minute, is a lie.
I'm not saying you're wrong, but why would any investor or investment group want to have 85% of a presentation based on lies or baseless projections calculated by formulas where the values are literally fiction? Yet some films are funded without a completed screenplay. You don't attempt to build a skyscraper without a blueprint. It's baffling, I tell you! Baffling!
This is why we are seeing a lot of films losing money for their investors. Granted, the ability of the cast and crew to pull off a professional production to captivate the audience is key and I have seen films that just look extremely unprofessional. That right there doesn't help an audience forget their woes and get lost in entertainment. Theater outings are getting so expensive that you have to make sure you fire off on all cylinders for the most near perfect presentation of your movie. Distribution companies know exactly what they're looking at and you'll rarely get a fair deal that will give you and your investors a profit. Times are changing and no one in the industry is. They still want overpriced actors, nonprofitable distribution deals and a circus sideshow that promises everything based on no concrete data. You know as well as I do that savvy investors know all of this and yet they can't seem to break away from a failing formula to better their chances to make a profit.
You got to love the world of filmmaking.