Filmmakers often seek my counsel regarding financing strategies. This is a mysterious and overwhelming topic for many because there are multiple ways to accomplish the same goal. While specific advice regarding fundraising is highly contextual and outside the scope of this article, it is important to remember that financing can be available from a variety of sources, including the government.
For example, the critically-acclaimed and New York-centric film, Brooklyn, received financing from the Irish government through the Irish Film Board (the “IFB”), Ireland’s national funding body. The IFB is the same entity that recently received an increase in its budget by $2.2 million, to “support writers, directors and production companies by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects.”
While there are certain qualifications that must be met to receive financing, the IFB is an important example of the worldwide reach of movies, and the opportunities available to filmmakers through this global community.
To read more about filmmaking in Ireland visit:
http://deadline.com/2016/10/irish-film-board-fund-boost-room-brooklyn-sing-street-the-lobster-1201835171/
Ross A. Carbone, Esq. is an associate in the Corporate practice group of the law firm of DLA Piper LLP (US).