5 Signs You’re Ready for a Bridge Loan—And 3 Signs You’re Not
Helping producers assess if a short-term loan is the right fit
Bridge loans can be a lifeline in film financing—but they’re not for everyone. Designed to solve short-term cash flow gaps, bridge loans provide fast capital while you wait on tax credits, rebates, investor funds, or distributor payments. But like any tool, timing and fit are everything.
At FilmMoney and FM Lending LLC, we’ve funded hundreds of productions through bridge loans. Founder David Brown created these financing solutions based on real-world production needs—not banker theory.
So how do you know if you’re truly ready for one? Let’s break it down.
✅ 5 Signs You’re Ready for a Bridge Loan
1. You Have a Secured Source of Repayment
Whether it’s a state rebate, MG, or investor commitment—if you know the money is coming but not yetavailable, you’re a solid candidate. Bridge loans are short-term solutions meant to be repaid in full once the committed funds clear.
2. You Have a Hard Deadline (and Can’t Afford Delays)
Markets, talent schedules, crew availability—production timelines don’t wait for slow-moving financing. A bridge loan can keep everything on schedule when timing is tight.
3. You’ve Already Secured a Key Part of Your Financing Stack
Bridge loans are best used with a plan—not as a Hail Mary. If your core financing is in place but you need to bridge 60–90 days, this tool can fill the gap without derailing your budget.
4. You Know Exactly Where the Money Is Going
Using a bridge loan to cover defined production or delivery costs (not vague “overhead”) means the money has purpose—and is more likely to generate ROI.
5. You’ve Used a Rebate, MG, or Distribution Loan Before
If you’ve done this dance before, you know the cycle: money committed, delays in payout. You’re ready for smarter tools—and bridge lending is one of them.
❌ 3 Signs You’re Not Ready (Yet)
1. You Don’t Have a Clear Repayment Source
If repayment is based on hope instead of a signed deal or known rebate, wait. The last thing you need is compounding interest and no exit plan.
2. You’re Using It to Patch a Flawed Budget
Bridge loans solve timing gaps, not budgeting errors. If your project is undercapitalized, step back and rework the plan.
3. You’re Unclear on the Terms or Timeline
If you don’t fully understand the loan agreement—or if your timeline is too unpredictable—ask questions before signing. Transparency is non-negotiable at FilmMoney and FM Lending LLC.
🔧 Guided by Experience
David Brown, founder of FilmMoney and FM Lending LLC, has produced and financed dozens of projects. He built these lending solutions from the trenches—so filmmakers like you don’t have to learn the hard way.
✅ Final Thought
Bridge loans are powerful—but only when used correctly. If you’re facing a short-term cash gap and have a locked-in repayment plan, it could be the tool you need to cross the finish line.
Want to know if it’s the right move for your production? Contact David Brown and the team at FM Lending LLC to get clarity, fast.