Film Financing and Funding Feb. 2016 | Page 20

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Writer's fees Research fees Reasonable overhead costs of the producer Payments to acquire and option rights to adapt works for the screen Producer's fees Producer's reasonable legal costs Script readings with cast Script editors Executive producer/mentor Other specific requirements, e.g. special effects/story-boarding A 'package' to present to potential partners Budget Schedule Casting duly available Training courses to aid project development Other legitimate development costs at the discretion of the fund In exchange for its investment the Film Council expects its money back on the first day of principal photography, with a 50% premium. 5. Private investment Occasionally you will find investors who love high risk, high potential investments, who are willing to finance you and/or your writer until the script is up and in production. These investors would be called angels in theatre, and if they finance a successful film, stand to earn many times their investment. Typically, they can command a producer or executive producer credit as well as the usual high interest repayments and a percentage of the producer's net profits in the film. 6. Talent Successful actors often fund development of projects with their eye on a potential starring role. Entertainers in other industries, such as music or sport, are also turning to development as a way to guarantee them the appropriate vehicle in which to launch a movie career. 19