Top Executives Share Insights on Investor Expectations for Financing Film Projects – Zurich
During the Zurich Summit, a distinguished panel of influential investors gathered to discuss their criteria for financing films. The discussion featured industry leaders including Nick Shumaker, head of AC Independent; producer Marie-Christine Jaeger-Firmenich; Lia Buman, principal at Tango Entertainment; and Andreas Roald, CEO of Sovereign Media Capital. They collaboratively explored the complexities of making investments and articulated what constitutes an ideal return on investment.
Shumaker emphasized that Anonymous Content has traditionally focused on director-driven projects for over two decades. He noted that the company’s recent pivot toward funding films stemmed from the strong relationships they have fostered with both directors and producers over time. This network aids them in identifying investment opportunities that create value in their endeavors.
Notably, the landscape for nonfiction filmmaking has evolved significantly in recent years, and Shumaker pointed out that through partnerships with European co-producers, they aim to enhance funding for narrative films as well.
Marie-Christine Jaeger-Firmenich shared her unique journey into the film industry, explaining how her philanthropic work inspired her to pursue her first project, Gigi & Nate. Despite her initial naivety about the film business, she illustrated how her interactions with experienced professionals like director Nick Hamm enlightened her about the industry’s intricacies.
In discussing financial expectations, Shumaker stated that the primary aim is to avoid losing money, thus allowing for continued investments. He explained that they engage with projects at various stages, from pre-production to late-stage financing before a film’s premiere. According to Shumaker, their benchmarks for returns typically rest around 20 to 25 percent.
Buman from Tango Entertainment echoed these sentiments, noting that success hinges not only on financial outcomes but also on the collaborative experiences shared during the filmmaking process. She stressed that strong interpersonal relationships are crucial, and her team aspires to achieve returns slightly exceeding 20 percent due to the inherent risks and duration involved in film production. Ultimately, she articulated that connectivity with the audience represents her third criterion for determining success.
As the Zurich Summit unfolds, these insights underscore the dynamic landscape of film financing and the evolving expectations of investors in an industry marked by both challenge and opportunity.