Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
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exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, so
the above limitations may not apply to you. These limitations shall apply
notwithstanding any failure of essential purpose of any limited remedy.
Let’s begin… From this point on, all regular text is part of the
memorandum. Bolded text like this is instructive only.
THE LAW
The law is very tricky in the area of investment offerings. This manual
does not even pretend to cover any of the requirements that you need to
be aware of. However, the first thing your potential investors read in
an offering should be a statement that informs the potential investor
that the limited liability company interests being offered are not
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It should
make mention of the risk factor, which in the case of motion picture
development and production, is very high. You should also let the
investor know that no part of the memorandum is to be construed as
legal or financial advice. It is recommended that you consult both an
attorney and an accountant for the appropriate wording. The
following has been known to be acceptable in the past:
This memorandum describes the formation and operation of a Limited Liability Company
to engage in the business of motion picture production and financing.
The contents of this memorandum are confidential and are disclosed pursuant to a
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confidential relationship and may not be reproduced or otherwise used except for
the purpose intended herein.
The interests described in this memorandum will not be registered under the Securities
and Exchange Act of 1933 or any local securities law and are described as for investment
only and not with a view to resale or distribution.
The purchase of interests described herein entails a high degree of risk and is suitable for
purchase only by those who are qualified investors who can afford a total loss of their
investment. Further, risk factors as contained in this memorandum (which does not
include all possible factors) should be carefully evaluated by each prospective purchaser
of a limited liability company interest herein.
The contents of this memorandum are not to be construed by any prospective purchaser of
a limited liability company interest as business, legal, or tax advice and each such
prospective purchaser will be required to demonstrate that he has the ability to evaluate
the purchase of the limited liability company interests described herein or has retained the
services of a representative who has such knowledge and expertise as may be necessary to
evaluate purchase.
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Table of Contents
The next section should be your Table of Contents. You may want to
draft this first and use it as an outline for the rest of your
memorandum. However, keep in mind that as the memorandum
changes, grows or shrinks, you must also update the Table of Contents:
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This section details the nature of your business, i.e. motion picture
production, the structure of your business, i.e. Limited Liability
Company, relevant details and the contact information.
In the example below, the name of the limited liability company is XYZ
Film Partners, LLC. (a limited liability company). A limited liability
company is a business in which there is a Manager, in this case XYZ
Productions and at least one member. A member’s liability and
involvement is limited only to the amount of their investment. It is the
Manager who controls the business and who is liable for the business's
actions. However, an LLC can offer limited liability protection to one
or more individuals serving as the Manager. Also, keep in mind that it
is possible to create a so-called "active-investor" (member-managed)
LLC, as opposed to a "passive-investor" (Manager-managed) LLC,
whereas with an LP it's always used for passive investors. Again, you
should consult an attorney in the specific details of forming a limited
liability company.
In the limited liability company, you are the Manager. In the example
below, you are known as XYZ Productions. XYZ Productions is a
fictitious business name under which you, as an individual, are doing
business as. This is a perfectly suitable way of running your film
company. However, you should be aware that this means you are a
sole-proprietor (if you have a partner then it is a partnership) and you
are personally liable for the actions and debts of XYZ Productions.
You are also obliged to report the income received by XYZ Productions
to the Internal Revenue Service on your own personal income tax
return. Another option is to incorporate. This will cost you a little
more money, and will be slightly more difficult to set up and maintain.
But, the upside is that your personal assets are protected from any civil
suits that might arise against you and the corporation files a separate
income tax return. You should check with an attorney and an
accountant on which structure is best for you.
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[XYZ Film Partners LLC] is a limited liability company or LLC made up of a Manager,
[XYZ Productions] , and various Members who have purchased units in the company to
finance, produce and cause the distribution of a feature length motion picture tentatively
entitled, ["XYZ - The Movie"].
The estimated budget for the film is [$200,000.00]. The total capital required from
the Members is [$200,000.00].
Distribution of net profits received by the company will be [50%] to the investors,
and [50%] to the Manager.
[20] limited liability company interests are being offered. Each interest is worth
[$10,000.00.]
Funds raised by the limited liability company for the production of the film ["XYZ - The
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Movie"] will be put into an escrow account under the name [XYZ Film Partners LLC],
until the entire production budget is raised. The anticipated date for completion of
financing (or for the return of escrow money to investors) is [August 1, 2007].
An escrow account is a good place to hold the funds raised until you
have 100% of the capital. However, with the Members permission you
may release some of the funds in escrow to start production. In some
cases, you may have raised enough money to shoot the film, but not
enough to finish it in post-production. Sometimes, the producer uses
footage from principal photography to help raise the additional funds
needed to complete the film. These "completion funds" can come from
other investors or maybe a distribution company. The thing to
remember here is that your investors need to be notified before you
start spending their money if you have not raised 100% as agreed.
Also, you should keep in mind the risk involved in spending the money
you raised to shoot a picture you cannot readily finish.
The Manager strongly recommends that prospective Members carefully consider the risk
factors described in this memorandum.
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Revenues from a motion picture will be derived from domestic and foreign
theatrical distribution, sales to television, as well as money making ancillary
rights, such as video cassettes and discs, pay cable and satellite television,
soundtrack recordings, etc.
Revenues received by the distribution company are called gross film receipts.
After the foregoing deductions, the balance of net film receipts shall equal
limited liability company distributable cash for the production financing limited liability
company, and will be distributed [100 percent] to the Members until their initial
investment is recouped. Thereafter, limited liability company distributable cash shall be
distributed [50] percent to the Members and [50] percent to the Manager.
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Flow Chart
Insert a flow chart to show graphically how the investor's money will
be recouped. You may use the following pages as examples, or you may
fill in the blank version of these flow charts located at the back of the
book.
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Tax Consequences
TAXES?
It is the opinion of the Manager that tax consequences of an investment in the limited
liability company may vary depending on the investors personal tax status, and
the Manager is not in a position to give tax advice or evaluate the tax consequences of
this investment for any of the Members. The Manager recommends that all prospective
Members consult their personal tax advisors regarding the projected tax consequences of
the investment.
The Interests offered hereby have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, or
any applicable state securities laws. The Interests are transferable only with the consent of
the Manager [unless it is a Member Managed LLC, again consult your Lawyer],
subject to certain conditions including registration of the Interests under the Securities
Act of 1933 and any state securities laws, or the receipt of an opinion of counsel that such
registration is not required. As Members will have no rights to require registration of
their Interests, the Interests may only be resold in transactions exempt from the
registration requirements of federal and state securities laws.
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An investment in the Interests will be subject to certain risks arising out of federal income
tax considerations, including:
1. The possibility of the Internal Revenue Service audits and resulting possibility of
amendments to the LLC and Members’ tax returns; and
2. Possible adverse tax consequences resulting from changes in the current tax code
and/or administrative interpretations thereof; and
3. Tax liability on the part of Members in the event that the LLC assets (e.g. the
Motion Picture) are transferred voluntarily or by liquidation or foreclosure, if at the
time of transfer the liabilities of the LLC (e.g. for borrowings secured by the
Letters of Credit) exceed the LLC’s basis in its assets (resulting in a taxable gain);
such tax liability would exist even though the LLC would have no cash to
distribute to its Members.
[XYZ Productions]
Here is where you really get to sell yourself. This is the section that
explains to the potential investor who you are, what you've done and
why they should trust you with their money. Naturally, any previous
film experience or successes are beneficial here. But, don't rule out any
successes you've had with any other kinds of ventures. Remember,
these are business people that you are presenting to. They may think
the film business is glamorous, but they will be more impressed by
some kind of track record and achievement in any area. After all, they
want to see their money back and beyond that... some profit! So dig
deep and find every accomplishment that is worth mentioning. Don't
forget educational information and even references.
[Ted Chalmers is currently President of his own foreign sales agency, Genre
Pictures International (formerly known as Genre Entertainment). Started in
November of 1992, Genre has been a steady supplier of filmed product to domestic
and foreign distributors. To date, Genre has made over $1 million in sales
revenue for its producers. Products represented by Genre include THE RETURN
OF THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1995), the fourth sequel to the highly
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successful horror series; THE DEAD NEXT DOOR (1989), a film executive
produced by world renowned horror director, Sam Raimi of EVIL DEAD fame;
SYNGENOR (1990), a science-fiction film featuring effects from the same people
who did ALIENS and THE ABYSS; TEASERS (1993), a sex-comedy starring
Penthouse Pet of the Year, Julie Strain; and many, many more.
Before starting Genre, Chalmers served as Director of Sales for Trans Atlantic
Entertainment where he contributed to the overseas marketing of such diverse
fare as Clive Barker's HELLRAISER film series and I.R.S. Media's ONE FALSE
MOVE. Chalmers came to Trans Atlantic from Rich International when the two
companies merged in early 1992.
MAKE IT CLEAR...
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letting them know they can come to the set, or maybe even participate
in the film as one of the extras.
The Members in [XYZ Film Partners] have limited liability because their liability is
limited to the extent of their capital contribution (i.e. their investment). The Members are
protected against any liability beyond their investment, such as over budget costs, loans to
the production, and lawsuits. Any liability beyond the investors capital contribution will
be assumed by the Manager.
The investors are further limited in that they have no say in the running of the limited
liability company. The Manager maintains total control over the running of the business
and total artistic control over the development, financing, and production of the picture.
This includes spending money, maintaining books, hiring personnel, scheduling
production, negotiating contracts, and all other activities necessary for completion of the
project.
The Manager recommends that anyone interested in becoming a Member should consult
the operating agreement for a complete understanding of their rights and obligations.
Again, you are letting your investors in on everything that you are
planning to do, including paying yourself a fee and the amount, the
availability of limited liability company records and the frequency of
reporting. Also, keep in mind that it is possible to create a so-called
"active-investor" (member-managed) LLC, as opposed to a "passive-
investor" (Manager-managed) LLC, this is a key difference from
traditional Limited Partnerships.
The Manager will assume total control over the running of the limited liability company.
The Manager maintains total control over the running of the business and total artistic
control over the development and production of the film. This includes spending money,
maintaining the books, hiring personnel, assembling components of the film package,
negotiating a distribution deal, structuring the production company, and all other activities
necessary for completion of the project.
The contributions of the Manager shall be the experience, expertise, time, talent, ability,
contacts and enthusiasm required to fulfill the company'
s stated purpose.
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The Manager intends to hire competent and qualified accountants from outside the
company to handle all of the limited liability company book keeping, in addition to
maintaining in-house records.
Statements of limited liability company operations will be sent out to the Members on a
[quarterly basis (four times a year).]
The Manager recommends that anyone interested in becoming a member in the Limited
Liability Company should consult the articles of organization for a complete
understanding of the rights and obligations of the Manager.
Conflict of interest
You will most likely have other irons in the fire during the making of
the film described herein. You should let the investor know this up
front as to avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
The services of the Manager are non-exclusive. The Manager retains the right to be
involved with other projects, even similar projects that may be in competition with the
activities of the limited liability company.
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Here is where you describe the story of the proposed film project. This
should be a tightly written synopsis and should not exceed one page. It
is best to have a professional writer do this for you. Usually, the script
writer will have one ready or will write one. But, if you don't even
have a script yet, it is still best to have pro do it for you. If there is a
writer you would like to work with, he may do it on spec (speculation)
in the hopes that you will hire (and pay) him for the actual script. You
can find quality (and hungry) screenwriters at almost any major
university or college near you in the film, TV or communications
departments.
SAMPLE SYNOPSIS:
THE RETURN OF HELL MASSACRE
Synopsis
[In 1971, before Freddy Krueger ever haunted Elm Street and Jason Voorhees ever
stalked Crystal Lake, a group of independent filmmakers in Wisconsin created the most
horrifying screen legend of all time: HELL MASSACRE. Now, twenty years later, the
legend continues with the all-new motion picture, THE RETURN OF HELL MASSACRE.
In this “true” sequel, the saga returns to its roots, re-inventing the twisted tale of murder
and mayhem involving the most dysfunctional family ever, including CLYDE, MAX.,
AUNTIE, and everybody’s favorite screen killer, BLOODSHED! New to the family is the
sexy and seductive SYNDA, whose attractive looks are matched only by her wickedness.
It is Prom Night in a small Texas community. A group of local kids, including shy and
reclusive ALEXIS, head out on a road trip. After a terrible auto accident in which one of
them is wounded, the group of teens split up to search for help. What they find is a family
of loonies led by the diabolical CLYDE, a psychopath with an electric arm and the belief
that he is working for some all-powerful government entity. His assignment: to inflict acts
of true horror! ALEXIS and the others are chased through to woods by CLYDE’s oafish,
hammer-wielding brother, BLOODSHED, who has a passion for wearing human
intestines! Soon they are all entrapped by the beautiful SYNDA, who leads them to the
house of crazies. One by one, each youth meets a horrible fate. ALEXIS, however. is
infused with rage at the madness she is witnessing and stands up against CLYDE and his
brood. But she’ll have to muster all of her wits and strength in order to survive the
insanity!
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THE RETURN OF HELL MASSACRE is an exciting tale of strength and survival against
impossible odds, filled with terror, humor and action! A film that is worthy to call itself
the first “true” sequel to the original classic!]
It is also a good thing to list the contact information for your attorney
and accountant. Any serious investor will want this. They may even
have their own counsel contact them to check you out. It is all part of
the game. Finding an attorney and accountant can be tricky. It is best
to use professionals that are actively involved in the entertainment
field. But, since most of these specialists are in L.A. or New York you
may have to settle for the best that you can find nearby. There are
many attorneys who specialize in intellectual properties and copyright.
But, it is very important that it is someone who has dealt with LLC and
limited liability company offerings similar to the one you are putting
together. Your local or state bar association should be able to help
guide you in the right direction. Also, accountants specialize in all
kinds of areas. You may simply want to find an accountant who has
been involved with LLC or limited partnership offerings. In both
cases, a retainer fee may be required. But, this might be negotiable.
Sometimes, they might work for a contingency or their fee can be
structured into the funds you are raising. It never hurts to ask.
The limited liability company is legally represented by John Smith, of the entertainment
law firm, Smith & Smith. Their contact information is as follows:
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The limited liability company accountant is Bob Jones. His contact information is as
follows:
Distribution
It is generally a good idea to explain your plan for getting the investors
money back (and profit). Once a film is made it has to be distributed
both domestically and in the international markets. If you have a
relationship with a distributor, you may be able to get them to sign on
to your project. But, in most cases, you will have to start from scratch.
You can make a presentation to a number of distributors explaining
your project, the story, the cast, the director and the budget. You may
get enough interest to use their name in the memorandum. If you are
lucky enough to get a distributor to sign on who has a track record
with well known films, the easier it will be to raise funds from
investors. However, most distributors prefer to see finished product or,
at the very least, some production footage before committing to the
marketing of your film. By the way, don't look to distributors for
production money. That's not their business. They buy and sell films,
they don't produce or finance them, except on rare occasions.
Another option is to simply say the following: The producers will use
their best efforts in securing a reputable distribution company that will
be best suited for the marketing of the picture in the best interest of the
limited liability company. You can mention the minimum you will be
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asking for in this case, but these days, getting minimums or advances
from a distributor is next to impossible. Be careful before you put in a
minimum that can't be met.
[Genre Pictures International shall represent the limited liability company in the
marketing and distribution of the completed film. Genre Pictures International is
qualified to handle the marketing of the film as it has recently closed deals on its product
with A*Vision Entertainment (a Warner Communications Company) for North
American home video, with USA Networks for U.S. Basic Cable and has concluded
distribution deals in major foreign territories such as Japan, France, the United
Kingdom, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Africa, The Philippines, Latin America and
the list goes on.
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Budget
Here you should show -- in general terms -- how you plan on spending
the investors money. You do not need a detailed budget for this. What
is commonly known as "the top sheet" budget will do. The best way to
know how much a movie will cost you and where the money will be
spent is to hire a budgeting and breakdown professional. These are
usually Production Mangers who are freelancing between jobs. They
usually advertise in the trade papers (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER;
DAILY VARIETY). But, if you don't even have a script yet, you may
just have to base the budget on other similar productions. A good
source of budget info (even over the phone) is The Academy Of Motion
Picture Arts & Sciences Library. Reach them by calling (310) 247-
3020.
EXAMPLE BUDGET:
[Development: $30,000.00]
[Pre-Production $70,000.00]
[Production $200,000.00]
[Post Production $150,000.00]
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Timetable
You might want to include a time table to give an idea to the investor
how long you will tie their money up. But, be clear that this is just an
example and not a actual schedule.
The following is a tentative time table for the benefit of the investor to better
understand the time involved in making a motion picture. These are not firm
commitments, but are anticipated time periods and may change as need requires.
Once the film is completed, it is estimated that approximately one (1) year will be
necessary for recoupment of production costs through normal distribution channels. The
producers intend to use their best efforts in securing a distribution pattern that will not
only maximize the rate of return to the Members, but also to insure that a generous profit
can be realized.
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Risk Factors
Motion picture investment entails a high degree of risk even when the picture is
substantially packaged prior to financing. Recoupment of the investment and
additional profits are largely a function of the film'
s cost of production and
distribution in relation to it'
s public appeal. The extent to which the picture will
appeal to the public is largely dependent upon unpredictable critical reviews and
public taste.
The positive side is that there is potentially no limit to the amount of money a film
can generate. However, if the film does poorly in sales and the Manager
is unable to secure enough distribution agreements, the Members will lose
their entire investment and will have no opportunity to recoup their investment
by investment in, or cross collaboration with any other picture. The Manager is not liable
for any monetary loss incurred by Members as a direct result of investment in [XYZ Film
Partners LLC].
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Current Attachments
If you have any commitment from talent or crew, you should list them
here and be sure to include their credits and/or qualifications. If you
don't have anyone signed on yet, don't panic. This is a good place to
list the kind of actor, writer or director you wish by naming examples.
For instance, you might want to say that for the lead roles in your film
you will use your best efforts to obtain a cast similar to the following:
Stephen Baldwin, Cher, Madonna. Be careful though. Keep your
"wish list" within the realm of sanity and your budget. Otherwise,
your investors may claim that you misled them.
[Inspired by the 36 films of Abbott and Costello, New York native Jack fashioned himself
into a clown, comedian, actor and finally writer and director. Jack obtained his first
video camera at age 14 and immediately began making films. At age 16, he made "dead,"
and for a budget of $365, " Numbers." While still in High School, he wrote, directed and
produced the combination play/movie, "Murder In Blue."
A horror film buff since childhood, Jack eagerly watched every horror film available. He
discovered that for every well-made film there were dozens with ridiculous, over-used
clichés. "I love good horror films and good comedies," says Jack. "So why not combine
my two loves by spoofing the clichés and at the same time create a scary film that stays
true to the genre." The result was Jack's first full-length feature film, "There's A Sound."
A critical and cult success, TAS was financed through friends and relatives and cost
about $500,000.00. The film was released here in the U.S. through Home Video and it
has played on HBO. The film has also sold all over the world.
After TAS, Jack went on to direct, " Treasure," a family adventure. Currently, Jack is
writing, " Ninja Man" for Universal.]
[Playing Ms. Puddle is scream queen, Barbara Slater. BARBARA is a prolific genre
actress whose credits include PARTY MASSACRE, SPIRIT ,MOTHER'S HOUSE and
HAUNT. BARBARA starred in the cult film THE SLIMEBALL SISTERS, as well as the
space epic, INFINITY. She is also appearing in the original TV presentation of
IMPULSE.
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BARBARA has been featured in stories profiling her career on CNN, JENNY JONES,
ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, HARD COPY, DOWNEY, JOE BOB BRIGGS and THE
SCI-FI CHANNEL.]
[Kermit will oversee the creation of the many needed special make-up effects through his
FX shop, located in the valley, California. Kermit’s credits include ALIEN DARK and
SOLDIER TASK.]
[Michael has had many years producing and directing television projects andmusic
videos. Recently, he line produced TV's Ben for XYZ Productions and is currently
involved as a producer for TV's Buggin'.]
Additional Information
This is where you show the investors the kinds of revenue that the film
business can generate. Go to the library and research grosses on film
projects that are similar to yours in terms of cast, budget, genre, etc.
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Example:
Try to use the norm, instead of the exception. Don't try to oversell the
project by promising $100 million grosses.
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Appendices
Appendices can include any kind of information you like. For instance,
a recent magazine article on some successful LLC or limited
partnerships and the films they produced or notices for any attached
actors, writers, etc.
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