Indie Film Hustle® - A Filmmaking Podcast BONUS EPISODE: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Money for Your Movie with Franco Sama
Nov 22, 2025
Franco Sama, a veteran executive producer and film financier, shares invaluable insights for independent filmmakers. He emphasizes the necessity of a solid business plan to attract investors and the importance of showing personal financial commitment. Franco discusses the realities of project financing, the challenges of recouping investments, and the significance of genre, budget, and marketability. He debunks myths of overnight success while advocating for steady progression and patience in the industry.
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Late Start, Early Networking Wins
- Franco started in Hollywood at 40 as a publicist and met A-list talent early on.
- He used those relationships to transition into producing and matchmaking investors with producers.
Answer Investors' Three Core Questions
- Investors care about how much you need, when they'll get paid, and what they'll get back.
- Prepare budgets, schedules and revenue answers before approaching investors.
Raising Funds Is Easier Than Recouping Them
- Getting the money isn't the hard part; getting the money back is.
- Plan projects to protect investor capital or you won't be able to raise again.