There seem to be all sorts of interesting alternative financing strategies for independent film and TV around at the moment. For instance Gerry Anderson of Thunderbirds fame has been quietly raising money in the UK through a large Enterprise Investment Scheme. The company handling the financing is Margetts in Birmingham. To quote them:
Following on from one of the largest, fastest and most successful EIS fundings ever, there now exists a second and final opportunity to invest into Gerry Anderson Productions plc. Having already raised over £8 million, the Board of Directors are looking to raise a further £7.9 million. The minimum investment is now £11,000.
Client Benefits:- 20% initial income tax relief on investments up to £150,000 pa
- Defer an unlimited capital gain
- Tax free growth after three years
- IHT free on death after two years
- 50% of net worldwide profits
(the above subject to qualifying rules, minimum investment is £11,000)
Motley Fool UK has an article about this EIS opportunity.
If you want to read the prospectus for Captain Scarlet click here. (There are also prospectus for Film Fund One plc and Grosvenor Films "Messages" feature film).
In the US, Civilian Capital are trail-blazing with the first of what may be many Film IPO's, a public offering of shares in the film of the book by Lisa Reardon, Dead Billy starring Ethan Hawke.
Catch news about Civilian Capital here.

Given your vast array of contacts, I am sending this to you in hope of creating a "mutually beneficial" relationship via the funding of this project. I urge you not to casually dismiss the opportunity to participate ,and/or, make this available to a qualified party. I will thank you in advance for your prompt attention and reply. Cordially, G.S. Young (305) 300-5696 Oscar Winners Completed Film Require $5MM for P&A/Marketing-Distribution. Already test released out-grossing Hotel Rawanda and all other major studio showings on opening weekend. Winner of Best Picture/Jury Prize at every Festival entry. go to: www.revolutionmovie.com to view details/credits/bios/etc. google: "Bret Carr" for profile of star, director, producer, co-writer, resume', etc. Required Capital: $5,000,000 USD ...... Written by Quinn Redeker, Oscar winning writer of "THE DEER HUNTER "starring ROBERT DeNIRO. (Russian Roulette Scene helped "heal a generation", as will "REVOLOUTION" do the same for the current crisis. Musical Score by BILL CONTI, ROCKY 1-5, The Right Stuff. The film has gone through a test release and is being called "an Inspirational Masterpiece", "The BEST Boxing Film in 20 Years", "A vehicle for Change", "Strong Medicine", "A film that Changes Lives". At Film Festivals around the world, "The Gospel of Lou" or, the final release name , being ,"RevoLOUtion", has been awarded First Prize, Jury Prize, Best Picture, at Every Venue. The marketing/distribution team is the same that took last years #1 Indy, "What the Bleep" ,from nowhere to $12 Million US Box Office ..and now approaching $60 Million Worldwide/total Gross.....go to their web-site ...... www.whatthebleep.com We Seek and Require an investor(s) to fund the Promotion and Distribution $5,000,000 USD. Principals ONLY. Having READY CAPITAL. CALL TODAY. UNLIMITED POTENTIAL. Already received a pre-release committment for $300,000 DVD purchase which can also be "first monies out" to the distribution investor(s). All production costs will be subordinated to the Distribution Partner until they recoup 115% of their investment from the GROSS, then 50/50, with the producers. SERIOUS/QUALIFIED INQUIRIES ONLY to: phone (305) 300-5696 Mr. Young Please contact me for complete details.
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Posted by: gary young | July 14, 2005 at 03:33 AM