If you are an investor, venture capitalist or a media company looking for that unique project to finance, then take a look at the range of media projects needing initial investment in the form of start-up capital or in some cases, full production costs.
Amongst the numerous submissions posted on the Filmangel site are projects that are highly commercial yet are comparatively miniscule in outlay compared to some on the site that will attract only the big corporate investors. An example of this can be found by way of contrast with a project such as 'Jeremiah' - a highly entertaining and simplistic occult thriller that could be made for between £30,000-50,000 as against a major production such as 'Boadicea - Queen of Death' which could be brought in for £50 million, i.e. 'Jeremiah' for example, £50,000 would be a buy-out on the project whereas the same sum of money invested in 'Boadicea' would be a buy-in.
In the case of a major product, this initial investment yields a higher rate of return than normal shares do, and is referred to within the industry as seed money. This is used to pay for initial expenses such as professional budgeting, sales projections and market research prior to approaching a distributor - an essential element prior to raising major finance.
Finance and distribution is frequently a 'chicken and egg' situation, for which comes first? - The financier or the distribution contract?
To get a media project off the ground, be it for film or television, both financiers and media companies alike require to know how the programme is backed financially or a transmission or screening guarantee is in place.
By pledging or supporting a media project, it becomes much easier to obtain a distribution deal or pre-sales agreement with a television network or distributor who will not only broadcast the project, but can guarantee a return on the original investment.
Sales are not limited to the United Kingdom, but covers the International market whereby the initial budget of the project can be recouped from overseas sales alone.
With the increasing demand for reasonably priced programmes of universal interest, there is an ever expanding market. The volume of new channels that will be launched on the European networks alone over the next few years is phenomenal. It is anticipated that the United Kingdom will have a further 200 independent channels by 2005, all of which will be avidly seeking new material.
It is not just television, satellite, cable, video and cinema that generate sales today, but also DVD, the Internet, literature, private screenings (e.g. airlines etc.) and merchandise - plus a variety of spin-offs and potential sequels that can be explored commercially.
Film 'angels' in the movie business are a legend - without their giving a kick-start to aspiring authors and producers in the past, then the film and television industry would never have progressed over the decades to the mega industry it is now.
So whatever your choice is on the Film Angel website, then send us an email or
click here for a list of projects.