If you're looking to raise money for your film, you're probably heard some other filmmaker (who never raised money) tell you that, “Dentists are an excellent source for film investment money.”
I’m not sure where this idea came from. I know it was mentioned in some very popular filmmaking books in the nineties, and somehow the whole idea stuck. And this makes sense. Everyone wants the easy way out. They want to know, “Oh, all I have to do is THIS and I’ll have money for my film?”
Unfortunately, when you raise money for your film, you'll quickly find that there is no slam-dunk solution. But there is some truth to the theory that finding the right type of investor is key…
Are Dentists a Way to Raise Money For Your Film?
I’ve always stated that the number one investor for a film is someone who has made a fortune in an entirely different industry. Preferably a boring industry… The more boring the better! For example, one of my first investors was a successful furniture dealer. When he heard I was making a movie, he immediately expressed interest in getting involved. In this case, the investor wasn't necessarily interested in making money. He wanted excitement!
In the years since, I have met this type of “boring industry” investor many times. When it comes to these types of investors, the world of film feels foreign. And as a result, your film may bring some much needed excitement into the day-to-day. Getting involved is something the investor can talk about on the golf course. And it is something they can show during the holidays.
When it comes time to raise money for your film, the first step on identifying which type of HNI (High Net Worth Individual) would be a good fit for your film. Think about why this person would want to work with you to make a film. What excitement will your project bring to their life? What value will this bring? And what bonuses are you offering the prospective investor?
You also have to consider that HNIs are almost always pressed for time, and if you waste their time, you’re not getting another meeting. If this makes sense, I highly recommend you go through my video series on “How To Find Film Investors” which details the steps you must take to find prospective investors for your film.
