Secure financing for your company. One website that can lead you to many potential financing resources is the Angel Entertainment Film Company Investors database at Gobignetwork.com (see Resources).
Use an online database of screenplays for sale. One example is VirtualPitchFest.com. Screenwriters subscribe to the service and pitch their scripts. You can sign your film company on, list the types of property you're looking for and wait for pitches. Place advertisements for screenplays in trade journals such as Variety, which is an entertainment magazine slanted toward the movie industry, or post a free ad on NewEnglandFilm.com.
Option properties. A property in the movie business is a screenplay or even a novel that can be adapted into a screenplay. It's a good idea, if possible, to have at least a couple of screenplay properties to show investors. Having tangible property beforehand makes it easier to convince investors to invest in your film company. If you can't afford two options ahead of time, consider writing your own script. You might also consider contacting authors with books you feel would make entertaining movies. You might be able to option a book from a relatively unknown author at a price you can afford, or even work a deal that will get you the movie rights to the book for a nominal fee, and a bigger percentage of the film gets produced. Contact an author by calling the publisher and asking for the name of the writer's agent.
Rent office space, telephone equipment, and buy office supplies. You'll also need camera equipment, lighting and other film-related equipment. The number and type of cameras, lighting, and other equipment you'll purchase will depend on the project you're filming. Pro-Source (see Resources) is one option.
Hire a lawyer that specializes in entertainment law and is familiar with the relevant contracts and forms. You can view a list of lawyers specializing in the entertainment industry at AVVO (see Resources). Another good resource is the "Hollywood Representation Directory," which provides contact information for directors, talent and management agencies and entertainment attorneys. Visit FilmContracts.net to examine contracts and other legal documents.
Create a website for your film company that promotes your film before you begin shooting. The website should display a teaser trailer for your film, as well as a listing of upcoming projects you have in the works. You also should include contact information for anyone wishing to invest in your production as well as solicitation for new scripts if you intend to get the material from outside writers.
Insure your company with a firm that specializes in insuring film companies. Allen Financial Insurance Group (www.eqgroup.com) is one such company. ProductionInsurance.com is another resource.
Hire an effective accounting firm that specializes in film production companies and the entertainment industry. Amper, Politziner, and Mattia (see Resources) is one such company. You can advertise for production accountants on MediaMatch.com.