Assemble your film package. Include your screenplay, budget and actor and director attachments.
Write a business plan. Include worldwide revenue and budget for produced films similar to yours, projected profits for your movie and a detailed explanation of your financial projections. Demonstrate your knowledge of the market for the film to potential producers.
Compile a list of potential film investors. Research production companies to approach for financing; search the Hollywood Creative Directory, a comprehensive reference guide that lists contact information for media companies. Target those companies with past success in your film's genre or in markets where you think your film will play well. In addition to approaching production companies, use film funding directories to obtain a list of companies that specialize in financing. These investment groups often seek lower-budgeted, independent films in which to invest. Production companies often require a very strong package with established attachments; finance-based companies, therefore, are often a better target for independent producers. Cast as wide a net as possible to increase your chances of attracting investors.
Contact the production or financing companies by phone or email. Tell them about your project and submit your proposal and business plan if they express interest. Development executives and junior vice presidents shepherd projects at productions companies. Once selected, projects get passed on to the heads of the company for approval. Entertainment attorneys often run financing-oriented companies that specialize in film financing. Frequent staff changes occur at both of these types of companies, so ensure your contact list is up to date before you make contact.
Pre-sell the foreign rights to your movie. Attend an international film market such as The American Film Market (AFM) of Cannes International Film Festival. Present your film proposal to sales agents for distributors and financing companies. If the elements of your package are attractive enough to a worldwide market, a company will try to sell the rights of your film to international territories. Use the proceeds from the sales to fund your film.
Research tax incentives in different states and countries. Contact the Film Commission in the jurisdiction where you plan to shoot for specific tax issues or filming requirements. Many locales offer filmmakers incentives to shoot in their state or country. These incentives can considerably cut the budget of your film.
Form a limited partnership to protect potential investors' losses. Solicit individual high-net worth individuals through calls or mailers to attract them to your project. Present your proposal and business plan to potential investors once you interest them in your project.
Post a detailed proposal of your project on crowdsourcing websites such as Kickstarter. Utilize social media platforms such as this to solicit financial contributions in exchange for rewards based upon different contribution levels. The crowdsourcing model focuses on generating funding and support by promoting awareness of your project.