If you’re a filmmaker getting ready to pitch your next project to investors, it’s not just about passion or a killer script, it’s about being prepared. Film investing is high-risk, and serious investors want to see more than vision. They want proof you’ve thought through the business, the numbers, the timeline, and the return. Here’s a breakdown of what you need before asking anyone to cut a check:
1. An Investor-Ready Pitch Deck Your pitch deck is your visual business card. It should be polished, professional, and emotionally compelling. At minimum, include:
- Logline & synopsis
- Tone/mood board or visual comps
- Target audience
- Similar film comps (with budgets and gross)
- Team bios (especially director/producer)
- Budget range
- Distribution strategy
- Investment offer and ROI structure
Think of this as the “top layer” of your package, something that gets investors excited about what they’re about to be part of.
2. A Business Plan (10–15 pages) While the pitch deck is visual and compact, your business plan is the deep dive. It should explain how the project will make money and back it up with comps, market research, and distribution paths. Include:
- Executive Summary
- Market Analysis
- Audience breakdown
- Revenue model
- Budget structure
- ROI projections
- Marketing strategy
- Risk mitigation
Your plan should read like a startup proposal, not a student project. Clean formatting and confident language go a long way.
3. A Top Sheet Budget No investor wants to scroll through a 60-page line budget. Start with a 1-page summary that shows:
- Total project budget
- Main categories (pre-pro, prod, post, marketing, contingency)
- What investor capital is covering
Bonus: break down where deferments, grants, tax incentives, or in-kind contributions are coming from.
4. An Operating Agreement This legal document outlines who owns what, how profits are split, and how decisions get made. It’s your official roadmap. Key sections to include:
- Roles and responsibilities
- Ownership percentages
- Preferred return and backend point structures
- Decision-making process
- Dispute resolution
- Exit strategies
If your investor doesn’t see this, they’ll assume you’re not legit.
5. A Legal Entity (LLC or SPV) Form an LLC (or SPV—single purpose vehicle) before you start collecting funds. This protects you and the investor legally, and makes it easy to allocate ownership.
Be sure you:
- Open a business bank account
- Keep clear accounting
- Consult a film attorney or entertainment accountant before signing anything
6. A Distribution & Revenue Strategy How will people actually see your film? And where does the money come from? Your investor wants a clear plan for:
- Festival path vs. pre-sales vs. direct to digital
- VOD, AVOD, and theatrical splits
- International sales potential
- Revenue timeline (12–24 months post-release is standard)
Even if nothing is locked, show them the path.
Bottom Line: Investors are willing to take a risk on films, but not on unprepared filmmakers. The more you can show that you understand the business side, the better your shot at securing the funds.
Want a deeper dive? Join our investor readiness class and get instant access to templates, replays, and live training. Join ShowRunHer + Today at skool.com/showrunher
