Investment Opportunity in Independent Film and TV
Summary
I have a pipeline of bridge loans in the UK film and television industry. These investments provide healthy returns, security, and a really nice experience.
After investing in them personally and with friends, I am now exploring the option for others to join along for the journey.
If there is enough interest, I will create an investment opportunity for like-minded investors. Investors would receive security, a healthy return, and an option to exit anytime with full refund. Not to mention an exclusive business lounge and other membership benefits.
It seems like more fun to bring others along with me, then to go to the more traditional funding routes again.
Let me know if you want to hear more!
Background
Through a friend in film production, I connected with some incredible producers in London.
These individuals are seasoned veterans with decades of experience and, more importantly, genuine passion for the industry. They've navigated the entire filmmaking spectrum, but their current focus is on supporting independent projects with much-needed funding.
The film world can be fiercely competitive, but these producers have thrived for years thanks to their meticulous approach and respectful collaborations. They recently joined forces to address a surge in independent film and TV productions. It turns out, viewers are craving more indie content, and with pandemic delays and strikes causing disruptions, there's a backlog of productions needing support.
Demystifying Film Funding
Funding films is a complex ecosystem, often considered one of the most expensive art forms. It involves a diverse mix of sources, including equity investments, tax credits, grants, and loans.
Some investors choose direct equity for the chance to be part of a captivating project, to potentially influence the creative process, or brush shoulders with celebrities. This approach is high-risk, high-reward, especially for newcomers like myself, but the potential returns can be significant. The remaining funding often comes from the filmmakers, distributers, banks, and government grants.
So, if direct equity is risky and other options seem inaccessible, why invest?
Enter Bridge Lending
Essentially, bridge lending is a short-term loan that covers production costs until the primary financing arrives. Banks can be slow and bureaucratic, while film productions often operate with tight deadlines. Bridge lending helps cover this gap and ensure projects stay on track.
Bridge lending offers significantly more security compared to equity investment, while still boasting healthy returns. We only consider films with guaranteed funding, signed distribution deals, and often even insurance backing. Additionally, it offers a respectable return of up to 1% per week, with a minimum guaranteed return of 5% (before fees).
While our criteria for investing is very high, it is reasonable to expect we will sign at least 6 opportunities per year, leading to annual returns of up to 20%.
My personal experience has been great
My personal experience with bridge lending in January was truly positive. It quickly became my most enjoyable investment ever. My friends and I participated in a project in January, and just three weeks later, we received our full investment back with a healthy 5% return. The producers actually apologised for the early closure and for only delivering the minimum return!
I've participated in larger investments before, but they were often stressful and time-consuming. This experience, however, was a delight. The TV series we funded received significant publicity and featured prominent actors. Everyone involved profited, and I managed the entire process remotely while on a ski trip.
There's a lot more to come
Since then, I've delved deeper into this world, constantly learning from the producers. They recently visited Jersey to discuss a potential partnership, and I'm thrilled to announce that I now have exclusive access to bridge loans for a pipeline of independent films and TV productions.
This is a tremendous opportunity, but it's also too vast for me to handle alone. Therefore, I'm seeking to raise capital in the coming months to ensure its success, with the help of a regulated investment company.
Building a community: The Cultured Co.
My vision is to offer a packaged security with my company, The Cultured Co., granting membership to a community of like-minded individuals seeking exposure to the low-risk, rewarding world of bridge lending.
As an Investor, you'd benefit from:
- One-time purchase
- Security of multiple times loan value
- A solid annual return of 10-20%
- The ability to fully redeem your investment, if you ever choose to leave
- Potential membership perks, such as an annual retreat or travel benefits (further tax advice is needed to finalise these).
The Invitation
I have access to exclusive, secure, and rewarding investment opportunities within the UK film and television industry. I've personally experienced the benefits, and now I'm looking for others to join me on this journey.
It is an opportunity to be part of something exciting, contribute to the film industry, and earn a healthy return on your investment.
Next Steps:
While I continue to meet with lawyers, investment services companies and tax advisors; I'd love to know if you'd be interested in this idea.
Please fill in the below form or contact me at mail@benjistrange.com if you would like more information.
Disclaimer: This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as investment advice, an offer, or solicitation for investment in any securities. Investments in the UK film and television industry carry risks, including the loss of capital, lack of liquidity, and dilution, and they should be made as part of a diversified portfolio. I am committed to presenting opportunities I believe in, but urge you to do your own due diligence and consider seeking advice from a financial advisor before making any investment. Returns are not guaranteed, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
