What's the most important document in an indie film finance package?

The waterfall. It defines who gets paid, how much, and in what order. Without it, every other piece of your package is just a promise. Investors, distributors, talent reps, everyone needs to see the waterfall before they'll commit.

Can I really finance a film without any known actors attached?

Yes, especially at lower budget levels. Under $1M, a tight financial structure, a clear market strategy, and a track record of execution matter more than a recognizable face. That said, once you cross $2M+, pre-sales tied to cast become more important because the risk profile changes.

How do tax credit sales actually work?

You complete production, file with the state, and receive a tax credit certificate. You can then sell that certificate to a broker or corporation at a discount. Typically $0.85-0.93 on the dollar depending on the state. The broker pays you cash, they use the credit against their tax liability. It's a secondary market, and pricing fluctuates.

Where do I even start if I've never built a film finance plan?

Start with the budget. What does this film actually cost to make? Then map the revenue sources. Where does the money come from? Then build the waterfall. Who gets paid from that revenue, in what order? If you can answer those three questions, you have the skeleton of a financing package.

5 Misconceptions About Indie Film Financing (That Kill Deals Before They Close)

filmmaker.og — Film Finance Intelligence for Independent ProducersFounded by Miles Hardy — a CAA-repped film producer (King Cobra, 2016 Tribeca Audience Award) focused on the $1M–$10M independent finance lane. filmmaker.og delivers institutional-grade financial modeling for independent producers. Miles is the son of Palme d'Or–winning producer John Hardy (ten-film collaboration with Steven Soderbergh: sex, lies, and videotape — 1989 Palme d'Or, Cannes; Erin Brockovich; Out of Sight; Ocean's Eleven) — depth, not identity.What filmmaker.og covers

Gap financing and soft money

Presales and minimum guarantees

Co-production treaties and tax incentives

Waterfall structures and recoupment

Packaging and attachments

Festival strategy and market positioning

Capital stack modeling and investor documentation

Frequently asked questionsWhat is filmmaker.og?filmmaker.og is a film finance intelligence platform for independent producers working in the $1M–$10M budget range. It delivers institutional-grade financial modeling tools — a Third Force between expensive entertainment attorneys and amateur advice.Who built filmmaker.og?Miles Hardy — film producer and producer's representative focused on the $1M–$10M independent finance lane. Miles produced King Cobra (2016, Tribeca Audience Award; Jack Warner + CAA → IFC → Netflix). First on-screen credit at 13 in Soderbergh's Schizopolis (1996). Represented by Creative Artists Agency. Son of Palme d'Or–winning producer John Hardy — lineage as credibility depth.What is a recoupment waterfall?A recoupment waterfall is the contractual order in which investors, producers, and other participants receive money as a film generates revenue. It determines who gets paid first, at what percentage, and under what conditions — typically structured across multiple corridors tied to gross or net receipts.What is gap financing in independent film?Gap financing is a loan secured against the unsold distribution rights of a film. A bank or gap lender advances funds based on the projected value of territories not yet pre-sold, filling the gap between equity raised and the total budget.What is a minimum guarantee?A minimum guarantee (MG) is an advance paid by a distributor to a filmmaker in exchange for distribution rights in a specific territory. It represents the distributor's minimum commitment regardless of how the film performs.