In today's marketplace, where film investment is at its riskiest and investors are more reluctant than ever to part with their money, it's absolutely critical for independent producers to create a business plan, relevant to today's marketplace.

Business plans for independent films are much different today than they have been in the past. Why? Mostly because DISTRIBUTION MODELS have changed - and all new revenue streams have emerged.

As the economy has dipped, investors in independent films are more than ever looking for solid evidence that producers have a well thought out and realistic financing & distribution plan in place that is in line with the realities of today's marketplace. Otherwise, they have to think twice about risking their hard-earned money.

Just a few short years ago as an independent producer you could project revenue from tried and true sources like traditional DVD and theatrical distribution. While those platforms still exist, the models have been turned upside down - the returns these revenue streams once produced have greatly declined and are now supplemented by direct-to-consumer sales, VOD revenue, Cable PPV, and more.

Our business plans reflect today's marketplace and integrate both traditional and the most relevant "2.0" distribution strategies and revenue.

By examining your project and exploring all appropriate revenue opportunities available for your film, we will work with you to nail down a specific distribution strategy for your film that maximizes potential return for your investors (via both traditional and alternative strategies) and then clearly and effectively communicate that in your business plan.

Our straight forward business plans include:

• Overall assessment of project in regards to budget and marketplace viability
• A realistic distribution strategy for your film incorporating both traditional and alternative distribution platforms (as appropriate)
• A realistic recoupment strategy which shows investors how you intend to recoup their investment
• Realistc worldwide sales projections for your film based on both traditional and non-traditional distribution platforms (including, where appropriate: U.S. and foreign sales, VOD, direct-to-consumer DVD sales projections)
• A follow-up telephone consultation

Want to learn more?

To learn more about Film Specific's custom business plans and if they are right for you please e-mail us directly at Stacey@FilmSpecific.com

To accurately assess whether our business plans would benefit you please include the following information in your inquiry:

• The type of project or projects you're looking to finance
• A bit about the project itself
• How much capital you're looking to raise

If you have any financing already in place

• Any special needs you might have for your business plan

We only take on clients who can benefit from our services, and therefore, this information will help us assess whether or not our services can meet your needs. Each business plans is created custom to meet the unique needs of each and every client. We work one-on-one with our clients to develop an accurate strategy appropriate for their individual films, with a solid, realistic strategy for maximizing profits.

Pricing starts at $2499 for a custom one-film business plan. For slates of films or plans with highly complex requirements, please e-mail Stacey@FilmSpecific.com for an individual quote.

NEW YEAR'S SPECIAL: Until January 31 get 20% off our custom created business plan consulting services. Business plans start at $2000 for a one-film business plan for a very limited time.

Stacey Parks is an expert in the area of independent film distribution, with over 13 years experience working with independent film producers. As a Foreign Sales Agent she has secured distribution for hundreds of independent features and programs worldwide. She has sold independent films and programming to HBO, Showtime, Starz, PBS, A&E, BBC, SkyTV, NHK (Japan), RTL (Germany), Canal Plus (France), and countless others.

Her clients films have premiered at Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Berlin, SXSW, San Sebastian, and other major film festivals. Her clients include Sundance and SXSW award-winning filmmakers and producers who have secured studio and mini-major distribution.

Stacey is the author of 'The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution" (2007 Focal Press), the founder of Film Specific, the educational resource and community for independent filmmakers focused on helping independent filmmakers get their works distributed, and she is an adjunct professor in the Entertainment Studies department of UCLA.

Stacey has been profiled and interviewed in MovieMaker Magazine, Student Filmmakers Magazine, The Christian Science Monitor and the Los Angeles Business Journal. She has spoken on numerous panels including the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, the American Film Market, Slamdance and the Alliance of Women Directors, has presented lectures or workshops at the British Film Institute, UCLA, Women In Film, and the Raindance Film Festival, and frequently writes articles for MovieMaker Magazine, MovieScope Magazine, and Student Filmmakers Magazine.