indie films

[sportsfan99]

I am looking at investing in a indy film in the uk.Does anyone have any experence is it worth it to invest etc.

[Spare-Flair]

I am looking at investing in a indy film in the uk.Does anyone have any experence is it worth it to invest etc.

You'd better change the title to "indie" film or people are going to think you are investing into Indiana Jones IV.

What is the film? What connections or experience have you had with the writer/producer/director/cast? What genre/niche does it fill or escape? How will it be distributed? It really comes down to how you feel about the film. If you are investing in it for economic return, you have to decide if it can succeed.

[GemInite]

I'm a filmmaker myself and mainly do indies.

I assume you're talking about a film that has not even been made yet and is currently in pre production.

First off you have to realize that return on ivestments with indy films generally isn't very high unless certain things work out. Or more importantly who is invovled.

#1 Director. What films has he / she done in the past, have they been award winning, have they played at any of the top 10 fests? (toronto, Palm springs, telluride, sundance, tribeca, cannes, AFI, SXSW, LA Film Fest, Seattle)

#2 Cast - To be realistic to get a buyer / distribution if you have a somewhat reputable actor then things seem to turn faster.

#3 Type of film. Shorts don't sell, at lest not for much. Features is what people are looking for.

#4 festivals. Films tend only to be sold at the above named major fests. If the film doesnt get in then the chances of a studio picking it up become next to nil. You can still find distribution but their contracts tend to be minimal.

#5. Contract, be very clear of what you are expecting if there is a return on the film, Morgan Spurlock sold Super Size me for $5 million but only pocketed less than 1mill because he promised all his financers an X amount.

[ElvishMerchant]

Don't do it. I hate to be so blunt, but you'd be better off buying Lottery tickets or investing in a local business. Sure, some indie films get big, but the chances are so low that you will even break even that I wouldn't do it.

I come from a film background myself and got out of the business a few years ago, and let me tell you there are MUCH better ways to invest your money. Hell, I could give you a better return on investment right now than any indie film will.

I have worked on, and produced many indie features/shorts/pilots/etc. and if you want a more detailed opinion (if this film you're looking to invest it might actually be worth it), feel free to PM me the info and I'll look over it for you... but it will probably not be worthwhile.