Finder's Fee Agreement to Obtain Film Financing

If you're a struggling filmmaker trying to make your movie on a shoestring budget, try the deferred compensation approach.

• This Deferred Compensation Agreement is between the producer, investors and other stakeholders in the motion picture.
• The Agreement outlines the cast, crew, budget, and production schedule of the film.
• The Agreement breaks down how revenues received by the producer from the film will be applied: first, to payment of outstanding payables, secondly to repaying the investors, and then to the other principal stakeholders.
• A Deferred Compensation Agreement allows you to reduce your upfront costs during production of the film by deferring payment until the film is generating revenues.

Draw up a production budget summary for a feature film using this 39-page Excel spreadsheet which includes sections for:

• above the line expenses (story rights, producer, director, cast, travel and living expenses);
• production expenses (production staff, camera, set design, construction, striking, set operations, electrical, set dressing, props, special effects, mechanical effects, make-up, hair, wardrobe, locations, transportation, atmosphere, tests);
• post production expenses (picture editing, sound editing, lab, music);
• miscellaneous other expenses (overhead, insurance, publicity, etc).

The Feature Film Production Budget Summary will calculate your totals as you enter your figures. How easy is that? And the template can be re-used for future projects.

Issue a letter of credit for a loan to fund the production of a motion picture with this template Letter of Credit for Film Production.

• The Letter of Credit (LOC) sets out the procedure the filmmaker must follow to make a draw against the production loan funds.
• The LOC will be effective for a specified number of days following the commencement of principal photography, and may be renewed and extended for an additional period if required.
• The LOC is irrevocable.
• The form also includes a letter to be signed by the completion guarantors confirming delivery of the film and/or digital materials.
• Available in MS Word format. Fully customizable.

Are you financing a motion picture project? Make sure you get repaid - have the filmmakers sign this Film Production Promissory Note with Guarantee.

• If the producers default in repaying the loan, the entire amount of principal and interest secured by the Note will become immediately due.
• Interest on any overdue amounts will increase to a higher rate, or to the maximum legal rate (If higher).
• The guarantor executing the Note guarantees repayment of the full amount of the outstanding debt if the maker of the Note defaults.
• The Film Production Promissory Note with Guarantee is a fully editable film industry form which is easy to customize.

A Film Completion Guaranty must be provided by the producer and guarantor as part of the financing process for most independent motion pictures. Use this downloadable template to prepare the document you need.

• The guarantor is guaranteeing completion and delivery of the film to the lender (financier).
• If the producer fails to complete and deliver the film in accordance with the terms, the guarantor will take over production.
• The guarantor is under no obligation under the Guaranty until the strike price (production financing) has been advanced.
• The guarantor is not responsible for obtaining any rating for the film, or to deliver any materials other than the delivery materials, or for the quality of the film itself.
• If the guarantor fails to complete and deliver the film, it will repay the financier in full for all sums advanced.
• The guarantor subordinates any claims it may have against the producer to the repayment of the financier and all of the financier's rights and security interests.
• The template includes a Notice Cure and Arbitration Agreement.
• Before you can get your funding, make sure your paperwork is in order, including this Film Completion Guaranty.