How FilmMoney Secures Its Loans (And Why That Protects You Too)
A producer-friendly breakdown of copyright mortgages, UCC-1s, and DTPs
At FilmMoney and FM Lending LLC, we don’t just fund films—we secure every deal to protect both us and the producers we serve. Our founder, David Brown, built these protections not to create red tape, but to make sure the money we lend—and the projects we back—stay safe, clear, and legally protected.
You’ve probably heard terms like UCC-1, Direction to Pay (DTP), or copyright mortgage and thought, “Sounds like lawyer stuff.” But these tools are actually your allies. They protect the structure of your deal, your credibility as a producer, and your ability to keep financing future projects.
Here’s how it all works—and why it matters.
🏛️ What Is a Copyright Mortgage?
In the entertainment world, your intellectual property (IP) is your asset. When you borrow from FilmMoney, we take a copyright mortgage on your script or completed film—just like a real estate lender would take a mortgage on a house.
We file it with the U.S. Library of Congress, which puts the world on notice that we have a secured interest in the project until the loan is paid back.
Why it matters to you:
It creates a clean paper trail that makes your production “financeable” again. Other lenders and distributors can see that the project is responsibly secured, and you maintain your reputation as a trustworthy producer.
📄 What Is a UCC-1 Lien?
A UCC-1 is a legal form we file at the state level. It tells the world we have a financial interest in your production assets, similar to how a lien works on a car or business.
Why it matters to you:
It keeps everyone honest. It prevents other creditors from coming in and claiming your collateral without satisfying our loan first. It ensures clarity—no backdoor claims, no lawsuits, no chaos.
📤 What Is a Direction to Pay (DTP)?
Once your project has distribution or a committed payout (from a buyer, rebate, or tax credit), we execute a Direction to Pay. This means the collateral provider—like a distributor or state agency—pays us directly.
Why it matters to you:
You don’t have to manage the repayment—we do. It eliminates stress, prevents missed payments, and speeds up loan closure.
🔐 What This Means for You as a Producer
✅ A clean legal structure that makes future projects easier to finance
✅ No hidden terms, no confusing waterfall surprises
✅ A lending partner who knows how to secure deals without slowing you down
David Brown built FilmMoney and FM Lending LLC with transparency in mind. These protections aren’t roadblocks—they’re runways to future growth.
✅ Final Thoughts
When you borrow from FilmMoney, you’re not just getting money—you’re getting structure, protection, and a team that knows how to navigate the business of entertainment finance.
Want to learn how we can structure your next deal? Contact David Brown and the team at FM Lending LLCto get started.