Many filmmakers ask: “How do I get an investor to read my script?”
The best answer I can give is: “Send them your business plan first!”
It’s a common misconception among filmmakers that an investor begins their selection process by reading a script. This isn’t usually the case. In fact, much of the time, the script will be the last thing that an investor reviews.
A business plan entices an investor to read a script, not the other way around.
Of course, different investors behave in different ways. Some will read as many scripts as they possibly can, while others will trust their readers and assistants to do this for them before they even look at a script.
However, most of the time, investors are swamped with submissions. Reading a single script can take over an hour, sometimes even two. It would be impossible for them to read everything they are sent. After all, they are probably working hard to make all the money they need to invest in movies!
They are much more likely to read a business plan, a lookbook, or practically any other information that you can give them about your project. Once they have reviewed all your details, then - and only then - will they decide whether it is worth spending an hour or two reading your script.
Some people are put off by the concept of a ‘business plan’. For many creative filmmakers in particular, this sounds like a project in itself, and seems intimidating and outside of their skillset.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! Don’t be put off by the formality of how a business plan sounds. A business plan - or even a creative lookbook or visual guide - is simply a way of collecting the information that you already have about your project, and presenting it in a format that is attractive, easy-to-read, and conveys your vision for your film or TV show.
It also shows that you care, and have taken the time and effort to present your work in a thoughtful and professional way. Investors love seeing this.
This does not have to be complicated! Even a one- or two-page flyer with some creative design can work really well here. This is something that anyone can do.
Whichever format this takes, you just need to put together as much information as possible in one document, and make it look attractive and eye-catching. This can get an investor interested and excited about your work in a digestible way. At the very minimum, this should include details such as:
Logline
Genre
Short Synopsis
Even these simple details make it so much easier for an investor to decide whether or not this is of interest to them. Of course, if you’re a little more advanced in the production process, you should add any other essential information that you have available, such as:
Team Bios
Cast Attachments
Budget
Shooting Locations
And much more…
You can then add some visuals, such as images from other movies, to help convey your vision for the project. This gives a really easy and quick impression of what you are trying to achieve creatively.
This is how you entice an investor to read your script. It can also work well with producers, development executives, managers, and anyone else.
Remember, your script is one of thousands that is being considered at any one time. Most of these will not even get read. Any way in which you can stand out from the crowd could be a gamechanger.
You can use this to your advantage by presenting your project in a creative way when approaching investors and other executives, and make sure that your script is the one to which they pay attention.
Ricky Margolis has over 15 years' experience in the entertainment industry and has been involved in the finance, development, production, marketing, and/or distribution of over 30 titles.
To learn more about how to create the perfect business plan to get your next project financed and produced, check out his book HOW THE HELL... Do I Get My Film Financed: Book Four: BUSINESS PLANS. Still want to know more about film & TV financing and production? You can find our series of books by clicking here.
Comments