Independent filmmakers struggle each day with the elephant in the room: how to secure funding for their projects. Without it, stories full of deception, love, bravery, comedy, and intrigue remain locked in their imaginations, waiting for the greenlight to be told on the big screen. However, Alexander N, the Founder/General Producer of international film company N Films, says that while in the past, it was difficult or even impossible for indie production studios to find large-scale investors, those tides are slowly changing.
“The independent film world has received a lot of recognition in recent years for its creativity and professionalism, which are attracting the attention of investors,” Alexander N explains. “What this means for N Films is that we are funding our biggest projects and achieving our goals. It all comes down to the right strategies, planning, and vision.”
Below, Alexander N goes deeper into how any filmmaker can break into the upper stratosphere of film production budgets.
- Concepts first. Bells and whistles second.
There’s no denying it – in the age of AI, the film industry has some amazing technological tools at its disposal. Even so, Alexander cautions against focusing too much on special effects when talking with potential investors.
“The story itself will always be more important than the tech that supports it,” he says. “Any stakeholder will want to know if the concept is exciting or not. If it isn’t or if it’s got issues of any kind, they will walk away. To get their attention, make sure that your film’s story is rock solid. Then support it with state-of-the-art technology.”
- Invest the time to build a network that can support your film project.
Hollywood is a big network of producers, financiers, distributors, and talent agents, meaning that everyone knows everyone else. Stepping into that circle and meeting people will be key to bringing on board the right stakeholders for a big film project.
“This can be very difficult for indie producers because it takes time to develop connections, which inevitably delays their plans for making signature movies,” Alexander N says. “In the end, however, the network is the foundation for everything that follows, so developing it is vital. I also encourage producers to look outside of Hollywood for funding, as nowadays, money can and should be found anywhere.”
- Build a portfolio of high-quality films that were produced on time.
Producing an independent film will require advanced organizational skills and an in-depth understanding of the process, both of which investors will evaluate before committing. It can be helpful, then, for the indie producer to have a list of smaller credits to their name.
“What they will look for is evidence that you can expertly manage every stage of the production process,” he reveals. “So, even a $1M movie can be persuasive if the investor can see that you kept everything flowing and that you were able to stay on budget. That will help to convince them that you really can handle a production on a much larger scale.”
- Create a production plan that details how every dollar will be spent.
Every investor will want to know how their money will be used, so Alexander N recommends having a detailed answer prepared for them. Account for everything, from food and on-site toilets to cameras, salaries for actors, and marketing.
“You want to be as detailed as you possibly can be, but allow for flexibility because nothing ever goes according to plan,” he suggests. “Don’t box yourself into a corner with a budget that is so tight that when – not if – there is a delay, you suddenly can’t finish the movie. Investors will appreciate a budget that is realistic and accounts for reasonable production delays.”
- Speak the language of stakeholders who are not in the movie industry.
The film world is a bit of a paradox: on the one hand, it is truly universal and appeals to people no matter their profession. On the other hand, it has a language all of its own. Alexander N advises leaving out as much industry jargon as possible when talking with investors outside of Hollywood.
“There’s a fine line you have to walk between familiarity and insider knowledge,” he says. “Remember that you are, in effect, an ambassador from a world that many people are intensely interested in. When you step outside of it and talk to them, they will want to learn more about your project. Just do so in a way that takes them into that world without overwhelming them with industry-speak.”
- Last, remember that every investor matters.
If you have the right concept, a realistic budget, and a history of success with smaller projects, the investors will come. “It can be a real rush when that happens because it’s evidence that you are one step closer to seeing your vision on the screen,” says Alexander N. “Don’t forget, though, to thank each one and keep up with them personally. It would be nice, obviously, if one person funded the entire production, but that rarely happens, if ever. Instead, it’s a collaborative effort. That, perhaps, is one of the most gratifying parts of making a big-budget movie – when it hits the theaters, you know that dozens, even hundreds, of people helped get it in front of audiences. Never forget to express your appreciation.”
ABOUT N FILMS
N Films, a global film company, harnesses the power of AI technology and a curated network of skilled professionals to drive its operations. Employing a distinctive method, the company identifies remarkably talented creators known for their innovative vision. Through the utilization of AI-predictive forecasting and extensive Big Data analytics, N Films accesses a vast database comprising more than 120,000 films and 700,000 talents. This meticulous approach enables precise strategic planning across all facets of film production, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of over 93% in project planning.
For more information about N Films and Alexander N, please visit https://N-Films.com/.
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