43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film, Updated Edition: A Comprehensive Analysis of Film Finance [Paperback]

John W. Cones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1998

This updated edition of John W. Cones’s now classic guide to independent film financing includes a discussion of new federal laws. Focusing on feature films, the comprehensive guide is also relevant to projects such as short films, documentaries, videos, multimedia presentations, and theatrical endeavors.

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Cones’s 43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film includes something for everyone. The book is well suited for independent filmmakers who wish to learn how film financing occurs throughout the industry and how to converse with their attorneys about legal arrangements when they discover potential investors for their film projects. For attorneys new to the area of film finance, the book is a valuable resource and an educational tool that combines the elements of basic business industry practices with important legal considerations. [The book] also offers concise reference material for attorneys who deal extensively with filmmakers and with film finance."—Entertainment and Sports Lawyer

"Cones shows you how to pay the bills by detailing the four major areas of film finance—industry, lender, investor, and foreign financing. . . . [He] analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the method under discussion and provides detailed analysis of active and passive investor vehicles and foreign tax shelters and incentives."—Films in Review"

[Cones provides] valuable pointers and insights to the burgeoning producer."      —Boxoffice

About the Author

John W. Cones is a securities and entertainment attorney based in California. He is the author of The Feature Film Distribution Deal, Film Finance and Distribution—A Dictionary of Terms, and Film Industry Contracts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press; 2nd edition (September 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809322021
• ISBN-13: 978-0809322022
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #927,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A resource for producers new and old, June 9, 2000

By 

Faith Pennick - See all my reviews

This review is from: 43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film, Updated Edition: A Comprehensive Analysis of Film Finance (Paperback)

How helpful this book is depends on how "green" you are about the film industry. Those with little to no knowledge about film production will find the book resourceful, informative and very "to-the-point" about the different types of financing available. The advantage/disadvantage sections are especially concise--it's always good to see both sides when it comes to deals potentially worth millions. The "further reading" sections at the end of chapter are also handy, if you want to do extra research on your own.

For those who are experienced film producers (or even those who have finished rigorous film producing and/or entertainment business academic programs, such as myself), the information may repeat many things you already know. Many of the strategies in this book I've learned about in producing classes and film financing seminars--and I'm just starting my career. So I'm sure that some seasoned producers may think this book is reinventing the wheel. However, I did think that the sections dealing with the different securities and corporation options were very informative as far as how they impact your tax status, the difference between active and passive investors, how your autonomy as a filmmaker/producer may be affected, etc. It breaks down a lot of tax legalese into layman's terms.

Overall, I recommend the book--as a primer for new producers and students, and as a great reference guide to those with experience.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Independent Filmmaker should have this book!, July 4, 2008

By 

FairMinded (Chicago< IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film: A Comprehensive Analysis of Film Finance (Paperback)

I've gone through this book from cover to cover and find it invaluable. Mr. Cones is very thorough in has coverage and assessment of the different ways to finance a film. He explains securities, as well as non-securities financing on a level that is appealing to both the beginner, as well as established film makers. In addition, he explains the popular business structures and how they can benefit your film. Most important, Mr. Cones writes with ethical candor. He tells you about some of the schemes that go on in Hollywood and gives you advice on what to avoid. Do yourself a favor, go out and buy this book!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Esentially Just What It Says., March 22, 2008

By 

Threefolddado (Long Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 43 Ways to Finance Your Feature Film, Updated Edition: A Comprehensive Analysis of Film Finance (Paperback)

This is basically just a list of ways to finance a film. Each method is listed with advantages and disadvantages, most of which you could easily discern for yourself. If you are looking for something that reveals some insider secret to financing your film, this is not it. Does give some informative terminology, but nothing you couldn't find in any number of other books. If you are new to the business, I recommend something a little more in depth, even producer production notes will be more helpful. If you're a pro, this will give you no new insight.