Blog
Articles on filmmaking technique, production planning, and industry knowledge.
Showing 10 of 10 posts
Crowdfunding for Filmmakers: What Works in 2026 and What Doesn't
A realistic assessment of crowdfunding in 2026 -- platform fee comparison, success rate data, reward tier strategy, marketing requirements before launch, and how crowdfunding interacts with other funding sources.
Film Grants and Funding: A Practical Guide to Finding and Winning Money for Your Film
Maps the major US and international grant sources for indie filmmakers, covers what each funder wants to see in an application, and explains how to structure a funding strategy across multiple grants, tax incentives, and equity investment.
Film Co-Production Agreements: How to Structure a Deal That Protects Everyone
Covers the legal and financial mechanics of co-production agreements -- IP ownership, territory splits, credit allocation, budget contribution ratios, and how treaty co-productions work. Includes a model term sheet.
Music Licensing for Indie Films: How Much It Costs and How to Negotiate
Explains sync licensing vs. master licensing, what fees actually look like by usage type and distribution scope, how to negotiate with publishers, and when to use library music vs. original score.
How to Build a Realistic Indie Film Budget: A Line-by-Line Breakdown
The most practical indie budget guide in the niche -- covers above-the-line vs. below-the-line, contingency calculation, fringes and payroll taxes, equipment rental formulas, and a complete sample budget for a 12-day micro-budget feature.
Revenue Splits for Filmmakers: Producers, Directors, Writers, and Co-Producers
How to structure a fair revenue split, common split disputes, how deferred compensation works, and what happens when a film sells for more or less than expected. Includes a model split sheet for a 5-person creative team.
Film Royalties: How They're Calculated, Who Gets Paid, and When
Covers gross vs. net royalties, participation tiers, how WGA and SAG residuals interact with producer royalties, and how to model different revenue scenarios with the royalty calculator.
Streaming vs. Theatrical in 2026: What the Revenue Numbers Say About Where to Release Your Film
A data-informed look at the economics of theatrical vs. streaming release for indie films in the $500K to $5M budget tier. Uses revenue modeling to illustrate real break-even scenarios for each path.
Minimum Guarantees in Film Distribution: What's a Fair MG and How to Calculate Break-Even
Explains MG mechanics, the recoupment waterfall, what MG ranges are typical by budget tier and territory, and how to model whether a given MG covers your P&A investment and generates real backend profit.
Film Distribution Deals Explained: What Every Clause Actually Means
A clause-by-clause breakdown of a standard distribution agreement -- gross vs. net, MG vs. advance, expense caps, territory splits, delivery requirements, and reversion rights. The reference guide for every deal question.