Feature Film Financing Agreements

Get Certified in Feature Film Financing Agreements

Taught by Zev Raben, New York and California Entertainment Attorney

Feature Films are financed in a number of ways, utilizing many different types of contracts and deal structures and a film’s financing often comes from multiple sources. There are international pre-sales, debt financing, gap financing, minimum guarantees, monetizing tax incentives depending on where a film is shot, and numerous other options and factors. Even if you set your film up at a streaming service or other distributor that finances your entire production you often enter into a financing agreement and you have to work with a separate company or bank to access the capital you need to make your film based on the closed financing agreement. Understanding how to best navigate the world of film financing based on the different types of agreements that you can enter into to get your film made is imperative.

In this certification course, you will learn an overview of how films are financed, what the options are, and which film financing agreements can be best utilized to help you successfully get your film made.

The course will cover:

• Standard film finance terms
• Who provides equity financing
• Film Finance equity percentages
• What a “special vehicle” is in film agreements
• Recoupment schedule
• Tax credits as finance sources
• Gap financing
• Bridge loans
• Default issues

What is Individual Certification?

Individual Certification is a single course centered around one subject. Upon the completion of viewing this course and passing a test you will receive a Stage 32 Certificate in this area of production.

You can pause your course and go back to review sections as you are learning, which you will be tested on. You will be given three attempts to pass the test. If you do not pass you will need to re-enroll in the course.

After you receive your Stage 32 Certificate, you will also be listed in our master database accessible by film commissions and productions that are looking for talent. A Stage 32 Certification badge will be added to your Stage 32 profile, so when you are networking on Stage 32 people who are hiring will know that you have completed Stage 32 Certification. In addition to Stage 32, we recommend you post your Stage 32 Certificate on other social media profiles.

About the Instructor

Over 90 minutes of instruction, you will learn directly from NY and California entertainment attorney Zev Raben. Zev provides guidance and advice to financiers and distribution companies. He brings his depth of legal experience to bear for his clients in all aspects of their varied businesses. While his practice is primarily focused on representing financiers and distribution companies, Zev also assists producers in all areas of their creative pursuits. He has worked with producers whose films have been recognized by Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, Tribeca and nominated for Independent Spirit Awards. His experience as an entertainment litigator makes him well-equipped to identify potential issues early on in transactions.

(Payment plans available at checkout)

THIS COURSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, NOR IS STAGE 32 OFFERING A LEGAL OPINION. THIS PRESENTATION HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. ONLY YOUR ATTORNEY CAN ADVISE YOU WHICH LAWS ARE APPLICABLE TO YOUR SPECIFIC CASE AND SITUATION. WHILE THE PRESENTER HAS USED REASONABLE EFFORTS TO INCLUDE ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT AND ASSUMES NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ERROR OR OMISSION IN THE CONTENT. THIS COURSE IS PRESENTED ON AN “AS IS” BASIS.”