Episode 3: Fund This Movie

In the first half of Episode 3, with the help of former co-producer David Pennington and ShoHawk co-founder Michael Hall, the first half of this episode follows along as Chris unfurls some key attributes of successful film-financing.

They explore past experiences, mistakes, and victories relating to both crowdfunding and raising equity finance from investors. Then, Chris synopsizes all the crucial lessons learned throughout self-financing Counterintelligence.

The second half dives into the nitty-gritty of taxes, as they apply to independent filmmakers and film production companies.

Assisted by his accountant, Steve, Chris breaks down filmmakers’ options, what to expect come tax-time, how to plan accordingly, and how to start a production company from the ground up—including his own setup for Counterintelligence Motion Pictures LLC.

For its funding analysis, this episode underlines the importance of focusing on relationships over dollar signs, having a clear vision and plan, and being honest. It goes further to scrutinize self-financing, things to avoid, and things to feel fortunate for.

For its tax analysis, the primary focal points are how the system works in favor of the filmmaker, and ways to ensure filmmakers are acquiring all the available benefits. It outlines how one can start a company, and how taxes are filed for them.

For exclusive access to documents, guides, and detailed breakdowns, expanding on this and other episodes, sign up and ShoHawk.com/makethismovie! This week’s guide is extremely helpful!

Raising funds and doing taxes can be two of the most overwhelming aspects of making a film, so we really sought to demystify, simplify, and and de-escalate them. Hopefully you’ll walk away a little more confident, excited, and ready for Episode 4: Cast This Movie.

EPISODE OUTLINE

• The importance of defining your funding needs and vision
• Why relationships are most important for funding
• The importance of honesty in funding endeavors
• How the IRS classifies productions and production companies
• How taxes work overall
• How to file taxes according to your company type
• How to start a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for your production
• Top lessons learned and tips from self-financing Counterintelligence

Don’t forget to subscribe to this show in iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts to stay tuned, rate and review it, and share with friends who like the same stuff as you! By the end of each episode, you’ll have everything you need to execute the same exact stage of filmmaking Chris covered, and by the end of the show, you’ll have everything you need to make your movie. So scoot on over and sign up!

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