Why Are There So VERY FEW Development funders?!
Despite the critical importance of development funding, surprising little industry research has examined the challenges of funding proper film development. More than a decade after the landmark Sundance Institute study identified financing as the industry's most frequently cited barrier, virtually no action has been taken. This leaves few options for filmmakers with new ideas.
"If all we make is known, branded IP, we're going to run out of gas." — Steven Spielberg, CinemaCon 2026
There has been no comparable, comprehensive follow-up study focused on development funding and no real action. Yet every independent film must successfully complete development before it can enter production. Without proper development—and the funding to do it—there is no production, no distribution, and ultimately no film.
Due to the extremely high risks associated with film development funding, most investors focus on projects that are ready for principal photography. They also typically require significant control of the project's LLC, bank accounts, and flow of funds, in addition to the standard 50% investor's equity, effectively giving them FULL control of the project.
States can (and do) retroactively pull back or limit tax-credit commitments after projects have already planned around them — an inconvenience a studio the size of Paramount can absorb, but a potential trip to bankruptcy court for an independent filmmaker with far less access to capital!
When development funding is virtually non-existent, what path to development funding, proper film development & full funding is left for YOU?
Source: 2013 Study – Sundance Institute & USC Annenberg Media, Diversity & Social Change Initiative
Why Use DEBT?!
Top 3 Reasons
1. my FILM Control:
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YOU - Own 100% of film & llc with 100% of rev into the llc!
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YOU - Don't give up money or creative control to investors!
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YOU - Maintain ALL creative vision from SCRIPT 2 SCREEN!
2. my DEBT Access:
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DEBT - obtained much faster than equity in a "Capital Stack!"
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DEBT - Repayment follows a plan NOT investor opinions or bias.
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DEBT - access to MONEY needed now - not empty promises!
3. my FILM Leverage:
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FILM - Get distribution & state tax rebates secured at START!
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FILM - Attach HIGH VALUE TALENT with leverage to MAXIMIZE!
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FILM - Moves more predictably to stay on-time & under budget!
Meet....
Hugh McPherson
Producer | Executive Producer | Actor
Hugh joins YOUR project as Producer & Executive Producer with his focus on business strategy, development funding, project packaging, financing structure, distribution positioning, social media, and preparing films for commercially viable production and successful release.
His focus is on the business side of filmmaking before principal photography. He helps you, the independent filmmaker, build both The Capital Stack and The Development Stack required to secure funding, attract distribution, state tax rebates and position projects for a successful production & release.
Compensation for his team is performance-based and tied directly to successfully raised DEBT. distribution, and other financial elements of the project. If funds are raised, our TEAM receives 20% of all debt and/or equity capital secured for the project.
Upon achieving full project funding, Hugh receives a producer's share, an executive producer's share, plus a minor role in the film, and all credits.
NO CAPITAL RASIED NO MONEY PAID 100%!
Development Funding With Debt
DEBT is faster, DEBT is more predictable, and Debt Doesn't Argue™ every CREATIVE aspect of your project. Through YOUR LLC, it provides better options, more money, and less risk!
The Capital Stack:
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LLC Formation - copyright - business plan!
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Distribution with MSGs - at start not the end!
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State Tax Rebates + Streaming +
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Streaming & VOD Deals - Brand Integration!
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GAP Funding - 10% to 15% - based on need!
Maximize YOUR ownership. Minimize dilution. Maintain creative control.
Proper Project development
These items are required for PROPER development to secure distribution, state tax rebates, streaming & TV deals (MSGs), brand integration & GAP funding to attach high-value talent for production readiness!
The Development Stack:
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High concept script, pro coverage, story rights!
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LLC, copyrights, biz plan, accounting, banks!
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Pro analytics development package, social media !
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Distribution, budget|scehdule by line producer!
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Prod Services, prod Rep, Post-Prod & Delivery!
Filmmakers pitch stories & Lenders
finance capital stacks.
