Outline the artistic vision for the production company. What type of television or movie projects do you wish to produce? Will your company specialize in cutting-edge films or family-friendly sitcoms? Write a company profile in a Word document. Include the ideal number of projects you wish to produce annually, how you plan on securing financing, positions within the company that need to be filled (along with job descriptions) and future goals. This initial outline will help when gathering information for the film proposal document intended for investors.
Gather partners for your production company. When interviewing potential partners, review the purpose of the production company to ensure all parties are on the same page. You may find partners by placing ads in trade papers or online classifieds; however, you may also partner with your friends or family members.
Review potential movie and television scripts. Find scripts by attending local screenwriting groups or organizations. You may also find potential scripts by posting ads within industry trade papers or contacting art universities and speaking with the head of the writing department. If you do contact a university ask permission to post flyers regarding your search for movie and television screenplays.
Select a script for your first production. If you found numerous scripts you wish to produce, file the scripts to be used at a later date. The first script you choose to produce is vital for the future success of your production company. If you produce a lackluster project, your production company may still find success; however, in order to help attract future investors and prominent talent, take time choosing and creating your first project.
Create a film proposal package to be sent to investors in order to secure financing. A film proposal package consists of:
Production Company Information: Include the vision of your production company, intended goals as a company and what makes this company unique from others.
Script Overview: Create an overview for the entire script. Describe the script storyline, lead characters (and select supporting characters), length of script, number of scenes and number of locations.
Marketing: Create a basic marketing plan for the project. Include information regarding the projects' target demographic, how you plan on reaching this demographic and types of advertising to be used (online, radio, print, TV, etc.).
Business Plan: Outline the budget for the production, project capital raised (if applicable), what equipment will be needed and why, distribution plan and investment return percentage.
Submit the film proposal package to film investors. To find investors that specialize in film, contact investment companies within your area. Ask if the company knows of any investors who are interested in the film industry. If available, the investment company will provide you with the names and contact information of film investors. Do not expect every investor to be interested in your project or to even read your film proposal package. This is the longest and sometimes most difficult stage in establishing a new production company; however, with persistence, you can find interested investors.
Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) with the Internal Revenue Service after you have secured financing for the project. In order to pay talent and crew you must have an EIN for tax purposes. You may apply for an EIN by visiting the IRS website or mailing in Form SS-4 to the IRS. After you have received your EIN you can begin hiring talent and crew.