Slated
Like a lot of people, many of my favorite films were made independently, that is, outside the traditional studio system. And while it’s never been a piece of cake for indie filmmakers to raise financing, it’s unfortunately much harder now than it’s ever been. And when filmmakers do succeed, luck often plays a large role, usually in the form of an unexpected introduction to just the right person or group.
But finding investors shouldn’t be this difficult and random. Many investors throughout the U.S. and the world would, given the right opportunity, love to invest in films. Unfortunately, these investors usually don’t know any filmmakers, aside from perhaps their neighbor’s nephew’s roommate’s brother. So, lacking connections and/or choices, most of them never get that opportunity.
Enter Slated. Leveraging the power of crowdfunding, Slated will soon launch an exclusive online marketplace for film finance, the first of its kind. It will help connect filmmakers to a global network of investors, fans, and distributors, providing them with the tools and information to get their films discovered, financed, and distributed.
FAQ
:
OVERVIEW:
What is Slated?
An online film investment marketplace. Using our platform, filmmakers and investors can find one another in a way and with an ease that’s never before been possible.
How are you involved with Slated? I’m a co-founder, Board member, and Advisor. Info on my partners: Slated.com/about
When will the marketplace launch officially?
We’re in beta now and expect that our official opening with be this spring or summer. But over 25 films, several with Oscar winners attached, are already listed on our marketplace and available to investors.
Briefly, how will it work?
Filmmakers will upload project info to their page, and investors can browse for projects which interest them.
What’s required for a project to be posted?
It should be ready for fundraising, eg, have director, producer/s, and actors attached. Just a script isn’t enough.
How can filmmakers and investors register for the marketplace and receive updates?
Registration and invitation requests for both groups is at Slated.com
Who can participate?
Initially, selected filmmakers and investors. They (along with Slated) can invite more participants, including writers, agents, other members of a film crew, etc.
Can anyone just join?
You must be referred by at least two current members. This helps us avoid a flood of just Internet passersby.
FINANCIAL & LEGAL:
Who is legally allowed to invest in films through Slated’s marketplace?
Persons or entities meeting the SEC’s definition of an “accredited investor.”
Will Slated oversee the transactions?
No, in beta we only facilitate introductions. But future iterations will add many more features.
Does Slated invest in the films offered on the marketplace?
No. Our plans are to serve only as a marketplace, not as an investor.
Do filmmakers have to stop looking for money elsewhere?
No. Slated is additive only. Filmmakers are free to continue pursuing other sources of funding while their films are listed on Slated. And they are under no obligation to accept any funds from Slated.
What is Slated’s fee?
While we’re in beta, we take no commission. There is no charge to either filmmakers or investors.
CROWDFUNDING, ETC.:
What is crowdfunding ?
Raising money through a network, usually over the Internet. Crowdfund investing (CFI) is a type of crowdfunding in which members of a network buy equity in a business or venture.
What is the government’s position on crowdfunding?
On Sept 8 President Obama pledged support to facilitating crowdfunding for businesses. Several bills to accomplish that are currently before Congress. Details here.
Does crowdfunding really work?
Yes: Kiva has raised $280M, Kickstarter $100M, Haiti relief $30M, etc.
How is Slated different from the crowdfunding sites IndieGoGo and Kickstarter?
Funds raised there are donations (in exchange for perks or rewards). Slated projects are investments. Investors put money in the films (as either equity or debt) in exchange for a piece of the film’s revenue.
Do any other websites offer Internet-based access to private investments?
Yes. SecondMarket (for, eg, shares of Facebook), Lending Club, AngelList, and ProFounder.
Can I register at Slated.com if I’m not a filmmaker or investor, but just love movies?
Absolutely.
Anything else?
I discuss Slated in a recent interview with Slice of SciFi (from about 16:10-23:00).
