If you've been hustling to raise money for your film, chances are someone has told you, “Dentists are a great source of film investment.”
This idea gained traction in the 1990s thanks to a few popular filmmaking books.
But is there any truth to it today? Let’s break it down.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
There’s no magic investor type, but professionals from unrelated industries often make great film investors because they’re drawn to the excitement of filmmaking. The key is to offer both financial and emotional rewards, communicate value clearly, and build relationships based on trust.
The Dentist Myth: Film Investors or Wishful Thinking?
The idea of dentists investing in films persists because people want easy solutions.
The thought of simply pitching to dentists and landing your budget sounds appealing.
Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet for film financing.
While it's true that some dentists or other professionals might invest in your film, there’s no guarantee.
The key isn’t about chasing dentists but finding the right kind of investor—someone who resonates with the excitement and adventure of filmmaking.
What Makes a Good Film Investor?
In my experience, the best investors often come from industries unrelated to film—industries I like to call “boring.
” For example, one of my earliest investors was a furniture dealer who found the movie business thrilling.
He wasn’t just after financial returns; he wanted an experience he could talk about with friends and family.
Think about it—why would a wealthy individual want to invest in your film?
For many, it’s about adding a unique story to their lives.
Your job is to offer them both a financial opportunity and a sense of adventure.
How to Attract Investors (Not Just Dentists)
Finding the right investors for your film is all about strategy.
Sure, you might hear stories about filmmakers getting checks from dentists or other professionals, but there's more to it than that.
Investors want both financial returns and a unique experience they can be excited about. If you can offer both, you'll have a better chance of securing funding.
Let’s break down what makes a good investor and how to attract them.
1. Sell the Experience
Investors are people first. They want excitement, bragging rights, and stories to share. When pitching, emphasize what makes your film project special and how being involved will be memorable.
Will they attend film festivals? Get a walk-on role? Make sure your pitch delivers both financial and emotional rewards.
2. Communicate Value Clearly
Time is money, especially for high-net-worth individuals. You need a polished pitch and a strong business plan that shows exactly how your film will generate revenue. Investors aren’t going to sit through a rambling presentation.
Keep it clear, concise, and professional.
For more guidance on finding and pitching investors, check out my video series, “How To Find Film Investors,” which outlines the steps to find and pitch prospective investors for your film.
3. Attach Key Elements
A strong script is a great start, but to really win over investors, you need to add value to your project. This means attaching name actors, a seasoned director, or a solid distribution plan. Investors want to see that your film has market potential.
Lessons from My Career in Film Financing
One thing I’ve learned after raising over $25 million for films is that there’s no shortcut to success.
It’s all about preparation, networking, and persistence. For example, when I raised funds for “The Alphabet Killer,” I drove five hours to meet a potential investor.
That meeting resulted in a $50,000 check that kept the project alive.
The lesson? Never underestimate the importance of face-to-face relationships.
People invest in people they trust.
Final Thoughts
So, are dentists your golden ticket to raising money for your film? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean professionals like dentists are off the table.
Focus on creating an irresistible investment opportunity that taps into both financial and emotional rewards. The right investors will find that hard to resist.
Questions About Film Funding
When it comes to raising money for your movie, you’ve probably heard all kinds of advice, from chasing dentists to cold-calling strangers. But what really works?
This FAQ section covers the most common questions filmmakers have about attracting investors, managing expectations, and pitching their projects.
Are dentists really good film investors?
Dentists can invest in films, but they aren’t a guaranteed funding source. Focus on any high-net-worth individuals who are excited by the film industry.
What type of investor is best for a film project?
The best investors are often people from industries unrelated to film. They enjoy the adventure and want something exciting to share with others.
How do I make my film attractive to investors?
Add value by improving your script, attaching name actors, experienced directors, or having a clear distribution strategy.
What should I offer investors besides profit potential?
Investors appreciate perks like attending premieres, having walk-on roles, or getting behind-the-scenes access to your film’s production.
How should I pitch my film to potential investors?
Keep your pitch short and direct. Clearly explain how your film will generate revenue and why it’s a unique opportunity.
How can I meet film investors?
Film markets like AFM, Cannes, or Berlin are great places to meet investors. Networking at local events and industry meetups can also help.
Is it better to target one big investor or multiple smaller ones?
It depends on your project. Sometimes it’s easier to find multiple smaller investors, especially for micro-budget films under $50,000.
What mistakes should I avoid when pitching my film?
Avoid being unprepared. Don’t ramble or over-explain. Investors need a concise, professional presentation that clearly highlights value.
How long does it usually take to raise money for a film?
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even years, depending on your preparation and network.
Do I need a business plan to raise film funding?
Yes, a strong business plan shows investors that you’ve thought through every aspect of your film, from budget to distribution.
Jargon Used in Film Funding
When you’re raising money for your movie, you’ll hear lots of terms that might not be immediately clear, especially if you’re just starting out.
Understanding these terms will help you talk with investors, pitch more confidently, and stay on track with your funding goals.
Here's some key concepts and terms mentioned throughout this process.
Investor: A person who provides funding for your film with the expectation of financial or experiential return. Good investors often come from unrelated industries and seek excitement from their involvement.
Pitch: A short presentation where you explain your film's concept, budget, and profit potential to investors. A solid pitch is key to winning investor confidence.
High-Net-Worth Individual (HNI): A person with significant financial resources who might be interested in investing in high-risk, high-reward opportunities like films.
Perks: Non-financial rewards offered to investors, such as tickets to premieres, behind-the-scenes access, or cameo roles in your film.
Film Market: Industry events like AFM (American Film Market) where filmmakers network with investors, distributors, and sales agents to fund or sell their films.
Distribution Plan: A strategy that explains how your film will reach audiences, whether through streaming, theaters, or video-on-demand (VOD) platforms.
Micro-Budget Film: A feature film produced for $50,000 or less. Micro-budgets help filmmakers minimize financial risk while creating a viable product for the market.
Value Attachments: Key elements that add marketability to your project, such as having a name actor, experienced director, or guaranteed distribution deal.
Revenue Model: The plan for how your film will make money, including income streams from licensing, ticket sales, streaming platforms, and merchandise.
Business Plan: A detailed document outlining your film's concept, production budget, marketing strategy, and projected financial returns. This is crucial for attracting investors and securing funding.
5 Essential Steps to Raise Money for Your Film
Raising money for your film might seem like a mountain to climb, but with the right approach, it's totally doable.
Here are five proven action steps to help you find and secure the funding you need, inspired by my experiences and lessons from years in the industry.
STEP 01: Identify Your Ideal Investor
The best investors come from industries unrelated to filmmaking. Focus on people who crave excitement and want to be part of something creative.
Think of professionals like business owners, doctors, or, yes, even dentists—people looking for a story to share.
STEP 02: Create a Strong Business Plan
A solid business plan shows that you're serious. Include your film’s concept, budget, marketing strategy, and how you plan to generate revenue.
Investors want to see that you’ve thought everything through and understand the risks and rewards.
STEP 03: Develop a Winning Pitch
Your pitch needs to be short, clear, and impactful. Focus on why your film is exciting and how it will make money.
Don’t waste time rambling—investors appreciate efficiency and professionalism.
STEP 04: Add Value to Your Project
To increase your chances of getting funding, make your project more attractive by attaching name actors, experienced crew members, or a distribution partner.
These elements show that your film has market potential.
STEP 05: Build Relationships
Networking is crucial in filmmaking. Attend film markets like AFM or Cannes to meet potential investors and industry professionals.
People are more likely to invest when they know and trust you. Building strong connections can make all the difference.
Take these steps to heart, and you'll be well on your way to funding your film. It's not easy, but with persistence and the right strategy, you can make it happen!
Ready to Take the Next Step in Film Financing?
Raising money for your film can be tough, especially if you're not sure where to find investors or how to pitch your project.
But you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
The right strategy can save you time, headaches, and missed opportunities. If you're serious about getting your film funded, it's time to learn from someone who's done it successfully—again and again.
That's why I recommend checking out my Find Film Investors Course. In this step-by-step video series, I break down exactly how to locate and pitch to the right investors. You’ll learn tactics I’ve used to raise over $25 million for feature films.
By the end, you’ll have a proven game plan to confidently approach investors and secure the funding you need.
Start turning your dream project into reality today!
