9

Financing

Raising money for a movie is like hitchhiking—It could be the first ride, it could the thousandth. But you have to stay out there with your thumb out and just wait. And you also have to know when not to get into the car.

JOHN SAYLES

Director

Shuffle a pack of playing cards. Now spread them out face down and pick one card. If it is the ace of spades, you win; if it is not, you lose. Your chances of getting the right card are 1 out of 52. These odds are better than the odds of finding independent money for your film. Do not be discouraged, though. Many filmmakers face these odds each year—and win.

Film is probably the worst investment anyone could ever make. It is considered risky and capricious. If risks were measured on ...

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