From Application to Funding: What to Expect When Working With FilmMoney
A step-by-step walkthrough of the loan process for first-time borrowers
If you’ve never borrowed against your tax credit, MG, or union deposit before, you might be wondering what the process looks like—and how long it actually takes. Spoiler: It’s a lot faster and more transparent than traditional film financing.
At FilmMoney and FM Lending LLC, we built our lending process for working producers who need clarity, speed, and support—not red tape. David Brown, a seasoned PGA producer and the founder of both companies, created a system that mirrors how real production timelines actually work.
Whether you’re applying for a bridge loan, tax incentive advance, or union deposit loan, here’s exactly what to expect from Day One to funding.
📋 Step 1: Initial Inquiry
Visit www.filmmoney.com and fill out the loan request form. You’ll be asked for:
Basic project info
Loan type needed
Expected timeline
Available collateral (rebates, MGs, etc.)
Expect a same-day reply from a real human—usually from David Brown himself.
📑 Step 2: Submit Your Materials
We’ll request a standard list of documents, including:
Full budget
Collateral (e.g. signed MG, rebate approval, union deposit proof)
Chain of title
LLC formation docs
Bank info for disbursement
Want to get ahead? We’ll send you a checklist.
🕵️ Step 3: Underwriting & Term Sheet
We verify the value of your collateral, review your production plan, and confirm the structure. If everything checks out, we’ll send you a Term Sheet outlining:
Loan amount
Term length (typically 12 months)
Flat premium (usually 20%)
Repayment structure
We keep it plain English. No surprises. No hidden fees.
✍️ Step 4: Paperwork & Security
Once you sign the Term Sheet, we prepare the legal package:
Loan Agreement
Copyright Mortgage (filed federally)
UCC-1 Lien (filed at state level)
Direction to Pay (DTP), if applicable
Our legal team works fast, and we’re happy to coordinate with your attorney.
💸 Step 5: Funding
Once paperwork is executed, funds are typically wired within 24–48 hours.
Whether you’re paying vendors, locking locations, or covering post, your capital arrives when you need it—not after the festival deadline.
🎬 Why It Works
FilmMoney and FM Lending LLC were built for speed, clarity, and real-world use. We’re not here to judge your vision—we’re here to help you finish what you started.
✅ Final Thoughts
If this is your first time using short-term film financing, know this: you don’t have to do it alone. Our job is to guide you, protect the deal, and get you funded—fast.
To get started, reach out to David Brown and the FilmMoney team today.